Polpharma SA launches a project under the STEP initiative

“The European Commission is implementing the STEP programme to support the development of breakthrough critical technologies that can strengthen the EU economy and reduce its dependence on third countries. Among the priority areas are biotechnologies, recognised as crucial for Europe’s future development and security,” explains Wojciech Wysocki, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Poland.

The main objectives of STEP are to reinforce Europe’s technological sovereignty, reduce dependence on external markets outside the EU, increase resilience to global crises, and protect and strengthen value chains in strategic technology sectors. In Poland, thanks to the European Funds for a Modern Economy, research, development and investment projects are supported respectively by the National Centre for Research and Development and the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.

Production of RNA‑based medicines

Following a positive evaluation in the STEP Biotechnology call, the NCBR selected Polpharma’s project “Development of an innovative technological–analytical platform for the production of ready‑to‑use oligonucleotide‑containing medicines” for funding. The project will not only strengthen the Polish biotechnology sector but also increase technological and production independence, aligning with the strategic goals of both Poland and the European Union.

The project aims to create a modern platform for manufacturing RNA‑based medicines. It will enable the use of innovative therapies based on oligonucleotides, allowing precise silencing of gene activity responsible for genetic, metabolic and oncological diseases.

“We are talking about treatment at the level of genetic information. This field is rapidly advancing in the US and Asia, while Europe is at a strategic turning point: either it invests in building its own production and technological capabilities, or within a few years it will become fully dependent on the import of this class of medicines. This is why strengthening the national biotechnology sector is so important,” emphasises Prof. Maria Mrówczyńska, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education.

“Polpharma’s project will develop local technological capabilities, production infrastructure and knowledge transfer in a critical technology area. It will reduce supply chain disruption risks, strengthen the EU’s pharmaceutical security, shorten lead times for final products and lay the foundation for innovative therapies in Europe,” adds Bożena Lublińska‑Kasprzak, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Research and Development.

Oligonucleotides – a new generation of medicines

“We are building Poland’s capabilities to produce a new class of RNA- and oligonucleotide‑based medicines. It is an investment in Europe’s technological independence and pharmaceutical security. At the same time, we focus on production flexibility – solutions and processes that enable rapid transition from development to finished dosage forms and smooth scaling in response to patient needs. We are not afraid to take on challenging projects and ambitious technologies—we apply for complex competitions because we know they genuinely shorten the path of innovative therapies to patients. This project is also a consistent effort to build local competencies that will allow us to deliver the next generation of products directly from Poland. Ultimately, the project entails PLN 80 million in investment, including PLN 30 million in NCBR funding,” said Sebastian Szymanek, President of the Management Board of Polpharma S.A.

Oligonucleotides represent a groundbreaking class of medicines that enable precise, root‑cause treatment at the level of genetic information. They are used in therapies for rare genetic diseases (such as spinal muscular atrophy – SMA or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS), as well as in oncology and immunotherapy.

The project includes industrial research and development work aimed at creating a safe and flexible production process compliant with the highest quality standards (GMP). The use of single‑use systems will make production more efficient, environmentally friendly and easier to adapt to various needs. The project will result in a ready‑to‑use platform enabling the application of advanced RNA therapies in Poland.

Polpharma plans to complete the project by the end of 2029. The total project cost is nearly PLN 80 million, including PLN 30 million from European Funds.

Upcoming STEP calls

In 2026, the National Centre for Research and Development will announce further calls within the STEP initiative in the areas of biotechnology, digital technologies, and clean and resource‑efficient technologies, with a total budget of PLN 900 million. The first calls will open in April. Companies as well as consortia with enterprises, research organisations or NGOs will be eligible to apply.

Critical technologies and their value chains will be supported through R&D projects involving industrial research and experimental development, or only experimental development, co‑funded by the NCBR under two pathways:

– Path A – for R&D projects introducing an innovative, state‑of‑the‑art or breakthrough element with significant market potential to the internal EU market (at least two of these elements required).

– Path B – for R&D projects contributing to limiting or eliminating the EU’s strategic dependencies.

The STEP initiative is implemented by the National Centre for Research and Development under Priority 5: Support for projects implementing the objectives of the STEP initiative of the European Funds for a Modern Economy programme.

Explore the NCBR Calls Schedule for 2026:

https://www.gov.pl/web/ncbr/harmonogram-konkursow-2026