JAKARTA - The development of the Merah Putih Vaccine, which is the nation's original work, is currently at the laboratory-scale research stage or skill research lab and the expression factor stage. This development stage is monitored continuously by the Ministry of Technology Research / National Innovation Research Agency (Kemenristek BRIN).

The government has prepared a vaccine procurement process up to the industrial stage to ensure large quantities of vaccines. And the government also opens opportunities for cooperation with the national private industry. To participate in the success of accelerating the development of the Merah Putih Vaccine, which is an excellent asset for the nation in overcoming the long-term Covid-19 pandemic.

"It is opened as widely as possible, under the coordination of the government for downstream, both increasing production capacity, facilitating the pre-clinical trial and clinical trial process, and expanding the target market," explained Spokesperson for the Covid-19 Task Force Prof. Wiku Adisasmito in an Internasional Media Briefing at Graha BNPB, Monday (8/3/2021) as broadcast on the BNPB Indonesia YouTube channel.

By producing homemade vaccines, Indonesia will ensure that vaccination needs are met. And Indonesia can also become potential in the future by playing an active role in realizing global health resilience.

To accelerate the Merah Putih Vaccine development, it is a collaboration of research institutions, non-ministerial government agencies, and universities. Such as LBM Eijkman, LIPI, University of Indonesia, Bandung Institute of Technology, Airlangga University and Gajah Mada University.

Its development uses a recombinant protein platform, viral factors including inactivated viruses, and genetics using DNA or mRNA. In vaccine development does not only use a medical approach but involves other complex elements. The process will follow good manufacturing practices based on procedures and working methods as stated in the Regulation of the Head of the POM RI of 20212 concerning the Application of Guidelines for Good Drug Manufacturing Practices.

Jakarta, March 8, 2021

Task Force Covid-19 Public Communication Team

(ISTA/QQ/KRS)