The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is significantly bolstering Poland's pharmaceutical industry with a substantial financial package valued at €146 million. This initiative is aimed at supporting Polpharma, Poland's premier pharmaceutical manufacturing group, and its holding company, Windstorm Trading & Investments Limited.
The financing includes a €91 million loan to Polpharma and an additional €55 million to Windstorm Trading & Investments Limited, creating a strong support system for the expansion of production and extensive research and development (R&D) in the realms of generic and biosimilar medicines. This strategic investment will facilitate the introduction of new generic drugs and biotechnological products, enhancing Windstorm Group’s leading position in the pharmaceutical sector across the EBRD's operational regions.
The funding, part of a collaborative financing effort involving eight other local lenders, marks a pivotal move in supporting innovative medical research. Polpharma Biologics stands out as the only group within the EBRD regions equipped for such advanced R&D in biologics and biotech, areas that are increasingly critical due to their intensive research demands and potential for breakthroughs in medicine previously restricted by patents.
Frederic Lucenet, the EBRD’s Global Head of Manufacturing and Services, emphasized the bank's commitment to deepening its collaboration with Polpharma and Windstorm, ensuring they have the robust long-term financing needed to sustain financial resilience and engage in significant R&D endeavors. This investment aligns with the 2020 Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, aiming to develop new medical products that enhance public health and accessibility to medical services.
Elisabetta Falcetti, EBRD Regional Head for Poland and the Baltic states, highlighted the strategic importance of Polpharma in the Polish pharmaceutical landscape and its pivotal role in enhancing competitiveness in Poland and abroad. She also noted the investment's role in fostering a more inclusive workplace, particularly benefiting the female workforce that comprises over half of Polpharma's staff.
Gertjan Noordermeer, Chief Financial Officer of Windstorm Group, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with the EBRD and other banks, which supports their long-term development, especially in the production of generics and high-quality biosimilars.
Wojciech Rosa, Chief Financial Officer of Polpharma, shared the company's vision of fostering a healthier world through the development of modern pharmaceutical products tailored to contemporary health needs. Collaboration with the EBRD is poised to significantly advance Polpharma’s development strategies and expand patient access to effective treatments in Poland and beyond.
Polpharma stands as the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in Poland and a leading producer of generic drugs in Central and Eastern Europe, backed by its strong relationship with the EBRD. Windstorm Trading & Investments Limited, based in Cyprus, consolidates both Polpharma and Polpharma Biologics Groups, emphasizing its significant role in the global pharmaceutical market.
Since initiating operations in Poland in 1991, the EBRD has committed over €14 billion across 526 projects, reaffirming its position as a major institutional investor in the country.