Bio Farma Unveils New Radiopharmaceuticals Facility to Strengthen Indonesia’s Cancer Care

^{Picture: Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, President Director of Bio Farma, Shadiq Akasya, Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Lucia Rizka Andalucia, and Director of Business Development of Bio Farma, Yuliana Indriati during the site visit session of Bio Farma's Radiopharmaceutical facility.}

Cikarang, Indonesia (September 9, 2024) — PT Bio Farma (Persero) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art cyclotron facility at the Cikarang Industrial Estate in West Java, marking a pivotal advancement in Indonesia's healthcare sector. The facility will produce radiopharmaceuticals for FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) cancer detection, addressing the country’s rising cancer rates, which see approximately 408,661 new cases and 242,988 deaths annually, according to WHO data.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin attended the launch, emphasizing the importance of expanding access to cancer diagnostics. Currently, Indonesia has only three PET CT units, far below the WHO recommendation of one per million residents, highlighting the urgent need for improved detection tools.

The new facility is set to streamline access to vital radioactive materials, significantly improving cancer treatment options across the nation. BAPETEN, Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency, will oversee the facility's operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Bio Farma's President Director, Shadiq Akasya, affirmed the company's commitment to enhancing healthcare independence and advancing nuclear medicine, stating, “We established Bio Farma Lifescience to actively enter the radiopharmaceutical industry after extensive research and development.” This initiative aims to provide more effective and affordable cancer care, particularly for hard-to-detect cancers.

Bio Farma's newly inaugurated cyclotron facility marks a significant advancement in Indonesia's quest for health technology independence. Equipped with a particle accelerator capable of producing the F-18 radioisotope, the facility aims to meet the needs of both public and private hospitals throughout the country. With this capacity, the facility aims to meet the demands of both public and private hospitals across the country, strengthening Indonesia's position in the global healthcare market. This initiative underscores Bio Farma’s commitment to enhancing local healthcare capabilities.

At the launch of its new radiopharmaceutical facility, Bio Farma’s President Director Shadiq Akasya expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to this significant milestone. He emphasized hopes that the facility will operate efficiently, delivering substantial benefits to the nation and reinforcing Bio Farma’s position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical and health industry.

Additionally, Bio Farma announced collaborations with ten hospitals, including Hasan Sadikin Hospital, RSCM, and Dr. Kariadi Hospital, to enhance healthcare services across Indonesia.

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Contact person:

Corporate Communication

PT Bio Farma (Persero)

Corcom@biofarma.co.id