China's Covid-19 Vaccine Brought to Indonesia for Phase 3 Clinical Trials

Honesti said Bio Farma will collaborate with Padjadjaran University in Bandung, West Java, and the Ministry of Health Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes) to prepare for the phase III clinical trials. His office will also work closely with the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). If approved, the vaccine can later be used for emergencies starting in the first quarter of 2021.

Also read: Home Affairs Minister: Indonesia Must Find Coronavirus Vaccine to Beat Pandemic

Honesti explained the reason why Sinovac was chosen in this cooperation is because of its credibility in producing many vaccines for more than 30 countries. One of its vaccines that had been recognized by the World Health Organization was the Hepatitis A vaccine.

The previous clinical trials for the Covid-19 vaccine found no severe side effects and produced an immune response in 743 volunteers.

“The pre-clinical studies, phase I, and phase II clinical trials have been completed. Sinovac is currently preparing phase III clinical trials at many research centers in the world,” Honesti said.

Besides, Bio Farma also develops local vaccines under a national consortium established by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The national consortium comprises the Eijkman Institute, relevant ministries and institutions, and universities. However, Honesti estimated that the local vaccine will only be available in the early or the middle of 2022.

(Writer: Dian Erika Nugraheny | Editor: Bayu Galih)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/07/20/10150261/sudah-sampai-di-indonesia-vaksin-asal-china-diserahkan-ke-bio-farma?page=2.