^{The signing of the Cooperation Agreement by the President Director of Bio Farma, Shadiq Akasya (left), and the Deputy Director of SII, Prasen Adya (right), was witnessed by the Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin (center), the President Commissioner of Bio Farma, Tugas Ratmono (top left), and the Executive Director and Member of the Board of Directors of SII, Parag Deshmukh.}

25 January 2025 — Bio Farma signed a collaboration agreement with the Serum Institute of India to advance tuberculosis diagnosis and elimination efforts. The agreement was formalized in India during the Indonesian president's visit to celebrate Republic Day.

Bio Farma President Director Shadiq Akasya and Serum Institute Deputy Director Prasen Adya signed the agreement. Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Bio Farma President Commissioner Tugas Ratmono, and Serum Institute Executive Director Parag Deshmukh were also in attendance.

The agreement focuses on Cy-Tb, a diagnostic skin test for latent tuberculosis that is expected to provide an improved alternative to Indonesia’s current PPD RT23 test. The collaboration supports Indonesia’s goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2030, as outlined by the Health Ministry.

Following the signing, Bio Farma representatives, Indonesian Health Minister, and Serum Institute officials met to discuss continued collaboration. Indonesia is the world’s second-largest contributor to tuberculosis cases after India, according to the World Health Organization’s Global TB Report 2024. The country has also seen a rise in cases between 2020 and 2023.

Bio Farma has collaborated with the Serum Institute since 2011, beginning with the export of polio bulk material. The partnership has since expanded to include vaccines for BCG, measles-rubella, hepatitis B, pentavalent, hexavalent, and malaria, which are currently undergoing regulatory approval.

“Our strategic partnership with the Serum Institute has been instrumental in advancing global immunization efforts,” Shadiq said. “We have supported the production of vaccines that address major global health concerns, and we are eager to continue expanding our collaboration in research, development, and technology transfer.”

Indonesia has made significant progress in immunization by incorporating 14 vaccine antigens into its National Immunization Program. Shadiq said Bio Farma plays a crucial role in supporting Indonesia’s National Immunization Week and is preparing for the introduction of the hexavalent vaccine into the program.

Beyond diagnostics, Bio Farma and the Serum Institute are exploring the development of a recombinant BCG vaccine, known as the new TB vaccine, for adults. The vaccine aims to enhance immunity against tuberculosis and is expected to support Indonesia’s tuberculosis management efforts.

With a focus on prevention, innovation, and collaboration, Bio Farma continues to contribute to Indonesia’s goal of building a healthier and more globally competitive society.