Nearly PLN 10 million in European funds for a Polish project on the treatment of hypertension

A Polish project on the treatment of hypertension has received nearly PLN 10 million in European funding. The National Centre for Research and Development and Polpharma SA Pharmaceutical Works signed an agreement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Science announced.

According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the aim of the Polpharma SA project is to develop a combined oral preparation with antihypertensive properties, meaning it lowers blood pressure, using an innovative combination of two active ingredients (APIs). Both active ingredients are currently used as single, separate tablets, so combining them into one represents an innovation in hypertension therapy. As part of the research and development work, various dose combinations of both active ingredients will be tested to find the most effective and best-tolerated solutions. The project will be implemented until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Science emphasized that thanks to the implementation of this innovative project on an international scale, titled "Development and development of an innovative solution - a complex, two-component medicinal product aimed at the treatment of arterial hypertension", patients will be able to take fewer tablets - "and, moreover, combination drugs in low doses are more effective than the maximum dose used in monotherapy."

"Every new drug brings hope, but this project is more than that. It's a chance for millions of patients to live longer and better lives, free from daily health concerns. Polish companies have enormous scientific and implementation potential in the MedTech field, and Polpharma's project is a perfect example of how science and business can truly transform the healthcare system. Combining therapy in a single tablet not only increases treatment effectiveness but, above all, makes daily life easier for patients," said Deputy Minister of Science, Professor Marek Gzik, as quoted in the release.

Funding from the European Funds for a Modern Economy program is available through the SMART Path call. "In the European Funds for a Modern Economy program, we place great emphasis on innovation—it's a key element for us. In the SMART Path call, we seek solutions that must be novel at least on a national scale. This makes the project even more encouraging, as it represents an innovation on an international scale, and one that impacts human health. Remember, untreated hypertension shortens life, leading to serious complications," emphasized Professor Jerzy Małachowski, Director of the National Centre for Research and Development.

Sebastian Szymanek, CEO of Polpharma SA, said the project is an important undertaking, not only aligning with global innovation trends but also genuinely responding to patient needs. "Furthermore, it's not only a milestone in hypertension treatment – ​​it's also a significant boost for the development of innovativeness in the Polish economy. Thanks to such initiatives, we are strengthening Poland's position on the global pharmaceutical map and building drug safety both domestically and across Europe. We are proud to be able to implement projects that have a real impact on the health, quality of life, and future of Polish and European patients," emphasized Sebastian Szymanek, quoted in the release.

According to estimates provided by the Ministry, approximately 40% of the global population between the ages of 35 and 64, and over 75% of those over 65, suffer from hypertension. According to the World Health Organization, an average of one in four men and one in five women suffer from hypertension, affecting over 1.3 billion people worldwide.

In 2026, the National Centre for Research and Development plans to launch two more "SMART Path – Projects Implemented in Consortia" calls for proposals under the European Funds for Modern Economy program. The first SMART Path call for proposals for consortia (with a pool of PLN 700 million) will be announced in February 2026. The National Centre for Research and Development plans to announce the next call in the second half of next year.

Moreover, in April 2026, the National Centre for Research and Development is to launch additional calls for proposals under the Strategic Technology Platform for Europe, including in the thematic scope of biotechnology. (PAP)

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