Dengue vaccine shows ability to address infectious diseases: BPOM

Jakarta (ANTARA) -

The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) stated that the launch of an mRNA-based dengue vaccine prototype demonstrates Indonesia's ability to innovate in addressing infectious disease challenges.

In a statement received here on Thursday, BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said the prototype was the result of collaboration between the University of Indonesia (UI), Tsinghua University, and PT Etana, with funding support from many parties.

"Dengue remains a serious health threat, both globally and nationally. This situation calls for faster, more adaptive, and science-based innovations, including through the development of an mRNA-based dengue vaccine," Ikrar remarked.

He noted that the launch of the vaccine prototype has marked an important milestone in strengthening the national health research and innovation ecosystem.

At the same time, the vaccine prototype launch was part of implementing the strategic cooperation between Indonesia and China in the fields of vaccines, genomics, and health biotechnology.

He emphasized that the successful downstreaming of health research results depends not only on the capabilities of researchers and industry but also requires the involvement of regulators from the earliest stages of product development.

According to him, the paradigm that BPOM only plays a role at the final stage through the issuance of distribution permits must be changed.

"BPOM must be involved from the beginning because we understand the standards, methods, and product characteristics that must be met," he stated.

He pointed out that many products previously processed could not proceed because BPOM was only involved at the final stage.

In fact, the agency applies standards that refer to global regulations, enabling it to provide guidance and improve product quality.

Ikrar praised the research team and all partners for involving BPOM in the development process of the mRNA-based dengue vaccine prototype.

He assessed that this approach would accelerate product development without compromising safety, efficacy, and quality.

"In developing this vaccine, BPOM is committed to providing maximum support because we are striving to make history by developing the world's first mRNA vaccine for dengue fever," he stated.

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Translator: Mecca, Kenzu

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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