Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has approved R$285 million in financing for pharmaceutical company Eurofarma. The funds will support research and development of pain medicines intended as alternatives to opioids, as well as new drug combinations for treating depressive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.
The financing is part of BNDES Mais Inovação, a program focused on investment in research and development. Eurofarma also plans to use the funds for clinical trials and to purchase seven imported pieces of equipment that have no equivalent made in Brazil.
The equipment will be installed at the company’s research and development center in Itapevi, in São Paulo state, to support experimental work requiring a high degree of precision and control.
BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante said the bank has approved R$11.7 billion in health-sector financing since 2023, contributing to the development of 672 medicines, vaccines, active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical devices. He said the aim is to strengthen Brazil’s domestic industry so it can meet the population’s needs.
Sources: Folha Mercado.