The Minister of Research and Technology and Head of the Indonesian National Innovation Research Agency (BRIN), Bambang Brodjonegoro, formed a team to accelerate the Merah Putih vaccine production. The team consisting of a collection of experts from various universities is expected to encourage the immediate launch of a vaccine from the innovation of the nation’s children. Merah Putih Vaccine Acceleration Team Decree was handed over directly by the Minister of Research and Technology to university representatives at the launch of the Indonesian Innovation Service and the exhibition of innovative products for handling Covid-19 at the Royal Ambarukmo Ballroom, Yogyakarta on Friday (27/11).
the Minister of Research and Technology said to reporters that if Merah Putih vaccine has been successfully developed and has received a production permit and approval from WHO, its use will be prioritized for the community. Therefore, the need for vaccinations to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 is substantial. “Later, it will be used domestically because our needs are quite large, of the 187 million people who need to be vaccinated,” he said.
He explained that every individual who gets a vaccine injection would get at least two vaccinations. The Minister of Research and Technology calculates that around 360 million vaccines are needed to tackle the transmission of Covid-19. According to him, this vaccine prioritizes domestic needs. “If it is fulfilled domestically and we get a permit for mass production, then we will offer it to other countries,” he said.
According to the Minister, Merah Putih vaccine development is highly awaited by the public. He also made quick steps by forming a team to accelerate the manufacture of the vaccine. In addition to vaccines, his party also encourages the launch of other innovative products to support the handling of Covid-19. “We want the innovation products produced by universities and research institutions to be useful as a step to accelerate the handling of Covid-19,” he said.
Deputy Dean for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) UGM, dr. Yodi Mahendradhata, M.Sc., Ph.D., said that two people from UGM were appointed to Merah Putih vaccine acceleration team. The two researchers are microbiologist, Prof. Tri Wibawa, and Child Health Expert, dr. Ida Safitri Laksanawati, Sp.AK.
Yodi said that the UGM research team had carried out the development of Merah Putih vaccine in the FKKMK laboratory. According to him, Merah Putih vaccine development at UGM is based on recombinant and adjuvant DNA protein models.
“The development of this vaccine is part of a consortium at UI, ITB and UGM with many platforms, but what is being developed at UGM is more about procuring materials for recombinant proteins and adjuvants,” he said.
At the exhibition of innovative products for handling Covid-19, at least 18 innovation products were exhibited. Some of them are RI-GHA as an antigen-based Covid-19 rapid diagnosis tool from UGM, Immunomodulator from LIPI, ventilator products from Polman Bandung, door-opening robot from ITS, and Wedang uwuh beverage products, and ginger tea from UGM.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/20424-menristek-bentuk-tim-akselerasi-vaksin-merah-putih
