Bio Farma Receives Avian Influenza Vaccine Prototype

Bandung, (Antara Bali) - National vaccine manufacturer  PT Bio Farma here on Wednesday received the prototype of an  Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine developed by University of Indonesia (UI) researchers.

"We have received this AI vaccine prototype as  the government's initial support to Bio Farma to speed up its efforts to produce an AI vaccine through research and development  in order to support the Decade of Vaccines 2020," PT Bio Farma Director Iskandar said on the occasion.

The Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine prototype was initially handed by the UI  researchers  to the Minister of Research and Technology whp later passed it on to the Ministry of Health for further conveyance  to PT Bio Farma.

Iskandar said the prototype's presentation to Bio Farma happened at a time when AI cases had reemerged in Indonesia where the disease was endemic.

The presentation of the AI vaccine prototype to Bio Farma was followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to reduce Indonesia's dependence on foreign sources or suppliers to meet its need for raw materials to manufacture vaccines.

The cooperation involved 16 stakeholders consisting of academics, businesses and government (ABG).

The academic group was represented by the University of Indonesia (UI), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), University of Padjadjaran, University of Gadjah Mada (UGM), University of Sebelas Maret,  University of Al-Azhar, University of Hasanudin and University of Airlangga.(T007)