Indonesia launches first domestic biological vaccine production facility

Indonesia has inaugurated its first domestic biological vaccine production facility, which is expected to create a solid foundation for the country to become self-sufficient in pharmaceutical products in the future.

Speaking at the inauguration of the vaccine production facility of PT Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia on Wednesday, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said PT Biotis's steps prove the national pharmaceutical industry's ability to develop vaccine independence, as well as support the Indonesian government's vision of realising a healthier and more independent Indonesia.

Vaccine is important, and in the future, there will be many new pathogens, along with Biotis' ability to understand pathogens in animals, for better vaccines' production, he said.

It will also be a game changer if Biotis can also bring development to fight cancer pathogens, said Sadikin.

Meanwhile, President Director of PT Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia FX Sudirman stated that the vaccine production facility inaugurated is a real manifestation of supporting national health transformation.

His side is collaborating with Airlangga University (Unair) Surabaya, East Java, to conduct research and produce vaccines required by the community, he revealed.

Research documents on vaccine production have been submitted to the national appraisal agency. If the vaccine passes clinical trials, PT Biotis will coordinate with the Ministry of Health to deploy mass production.

According to Sudirman, PT Biotis in collaboration with Unair developed a multi-strain rotavirus vaccine to prevent acute diarrhea in children caused by rotavirus infection. It also worked with Indian partners to produce pentavalent vaccine to prevent diseases such as diphtheria.