TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-Owned Enterprises or SOE Minister Erick Thohir disclosed that based on the clinical trial, the domestically produced COVID-19 vaccine developed by Bio Farma, Indovac, has high efficacy to increase a person's antibody levels.

"It is no less [effective] than other COVID-19 vaccines," said Erick in an official statement, Friday, September 2, 2022.

Additionally, Erick claimed that since the onset of its development, the vaccine is halal and audited by the competent authority. Thus, it is hoped that it will be halal certified soon after the emergency use authority (EUA) is issued.

"From the beginning, I have emphasized that halal must be the main factor, so this SOE's COVID-19 vaccine is designed to become a halal vaccine," Erick remarked.

Indonesia's success in producing its own vaccine, he opined, is a form of future preparedness. “We have resources and technology platforms that are ready to deal with future situations. It's time for us to use our own vaccines, especially given the high costs for imported vaccines.”

In the near future, state-owned pharmacy giant Bio Farma will register its vaccine to the WHO to obtain a EUL (emergency use listing) as a contribution to global health.

He also said that Bio Farma in tandem with Baylor College of Medicine produced extraordinary achievements. "This SOE shows proud work that will support the health and revival of all Indonesian people from the COVID-19 pandemic," Erick added.

Therefore, Erick Thohir asked Bio Farma to immediately register the name of the Indovac vaccine to the Director General of Intellectual Property Rights of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

R.R. ARIYANI YAKTI WIDYASTUTI

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