Funding
BNDES approves R$298 million for Althaia to develop 31 medicines and research new molecules
By News Desk ·
Key takeaways
- BNDES approved R$298 million in financing for Althaia, split into R$100 million for radical innovation and R$198 million for 31 medicines.
- The 31-medicine project covers 20 generics not yet available in Brazil and 11 incremental innovations, including treatments for hypothyroidism, depression, ADHD, prostate hyperplasia, menopause and epilepsy.
- The radical innovation project includes AI-based discovery of bioactive peptides for sarcopenia and equipment purchases for the Epicenter research center, a partnership with Embrapii.
BNDES approved R$298 million in financing for Althaia to develop new medicines and invest in research and development, the bank said. The funds cover two company projects: one for research into novel molecules and another for the development of 31 medicines for human use. Folha reported the approval.
Althaia's Two BNDES-Backed Projects
Of the total, R$100 million will go to radical innovation projects involving medicines developed from novel molecules or compounds. The research includes potential treatments for obesity, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as formulations for gastrointestinal infections and digestive tract problems.
The radical innovation project also covers the use of artificial intelligence in the discovery and development of bioactive peptides for the treatment of sarcopenia, a condition marked by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The funds include the acquisition of equipment for Epicenter, Althaia's research center run in partnership with Embrapii, the Brazilian Company for Industrial Research and Innovation.
The remaining R$198 million will go to the development of 31 medicines. Of that total, 20 are generics not yet available on the Brazilian market and 11 will incorporate incremental innovations. The list includes treatments for hypothyroidism, depression, ADHD, prostate hyperplasia, menopause and epilepsy.
The financings are part of the BNDES Mais Inovação program. José Luis Gordon, the bank's director of productive development, innovation and foreign trade, said the funds aim to support medicine development in the country and encourage partnerships between industry and research institutions. "Os recursos buscam apoiar o desenvolvimento de medicamentos no país e estimular parcerias entre a indústria e instituições de pesquisa," Gordon said.
Althaia is based in Atibaia, in São Paulo state. The company's own announcement of the financing is available on its website.
What the BNDES Approval Covers
The approval, dated October 24, 2026, covers the two Althaia projects described by the bank: the radical innovation program and the 31-medicine development program. The financing falls under the BNDES Mais Inovação program, which the bank operates through its development mandate.