BNDES approves R$298 million for Althaia to develop 31 medicines and research new molecules

BNDES approved R$298 million in financing for the pharmaceutical company Althaia to develop new medicines and invest in research and development (R&D). The resources will be allocated to two projects by the company, based in Atibaia (SP), one focused on research into new molecules and the other towards the development of 31 medicines for human use.

Of the total, R$100 million will be invested in radical innovation projects, which involve the development of medicines from new molecules or compounds. Research includes potential treatments for obesity, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as formulations for gastrointestinal infections and digestive tract problems.

The project also foresees the use of artificial intelligence in the discovery and development of bioactive peptides for the treatment of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The resources also include the acquisition of equipment for Epicenter, an Althaia research center that is a partnership with Embrapii (Brazilian Industrial Research and Innovation Company).

The other R$198 million will be allocated to the development of 31 medicines. Of this total, 20 are generics that are not yet available on the Brazilian market and 11 will incorporate incremental innovations. The list includes treatments for hypothyroidism, depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), prostatic hyperplasia, menopause and epilepsy.

The financing is part of the BNDES Mais Inovação program. According to José Luis Gordon, director of Productive Development, Innovation and Foreign Trade at the bank, the resources seek to support the development of medicines in the country and encourage partnerships between industry and research institutions.