BioNet, a Franco-Thai vaccine biotech company, has partnered with Indonesia’s state-owned vaccine manufacturer PT Bio Farma to enhance the development and distribution of a combined TdaP vaccine, which addresses tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular recombinant pertussis. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the recent state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia, highlighting a shared commitment to improving access to innovative vaccines in Southeast Asia.
Philippe Guillot-Chêne, the CEO of BioNet Europe, remarked that this partnership aims to make advanced vaccines readily available to those in need. The alliance merges BioNet’s expertise in recombinant pertussis technology with Bio Farma’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and public health infrastructure, aligning with the pressing immunization demands within ASEAN.
The MoU outlines several key initiatives, including joint clinical development, regulatory alignment, and market access strategies. Bio Farma will spearhead clinical trials and regulatory processes in Indonesia, while BioNet will focus on other ASEAN nations. The collaboration aims to significantly shorten the timeline for introducing the vaccine from the typical 10–15 years to under five years.
Yuliana Indriati, Director of Business Development at Bio Farma, stated that this collaboration reinforces Indonesia’s goal of achieving regional vaccine self-sufficiency and innovation. With the combined strengths of both organizations, they anticipate a timely rollout of TdaP vaccines for critical demographics such as adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The TdaP vaccine aims to address the ASEAN market’s demand, estimated at 10–15 million doses annually, with a market value of about USD 200 million. This partnership not only seeks to enhance pandemic preparedness and build robust vaccine supply chains but also improve equitable healthcare access across the Southeast Asian region.
The alignment of this initiative with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita objectives underscores a commitment to national self-reliance and improved quality of life through enhanced access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Overall, this collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening public health infrastructure in the region and enables proactive measures against current and emerging infectious disease threats.