On January 25, 2025, Indonesia’s state-owned pharmaceutical company Bio Farma and the Serum Institute of India (SII) signed a strategic partnership agreement to introduce Cy-Tb, an advanced tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic test. This initiative supports Indonesia’s national TB elimination goal by 2030, as outlined by the Ministry of Health.

A Longstanding Collaboration in Global Healthcare

Bio Farma’s President Director, Shadiq Akasya, emphasized that this partnership extends beyond TB diagnostics, building on over a decade of cooperation. Since 2011, Bio Farma has supplied bulk polio vaccines to SII, which were then processed into finished products for global distribution. Their collaboration has since expanded to include BCG, MR, Hepatitis B, pentavalent, hexavalent, and malaria vaccines.

Cy-Tb: A Breakthrough in TB Detection

The newly introduced Cy-Tb test is a modern skin test designed to detect latent TB infections. Unlike the traditional Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) RT23 test, Cy-Tb offers higher accuracy and specificity, particularly for individuals who have received BCG vaccinations. This innovation is expected to enhance Indonesia’s TB detection capabilities significantly.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report 2024, Indonesia ranks second in the world for TB cases, following India. TB cases in the country have risen between 2020 and 2023, making early and accurate diagnosis more critical than ever.

Future Plans: Expanding TB Prevention in Indonesia

Beyond Cy-Tb, Bio Farma and SII are also exploring the development of a recombinant BCG (rBCG) vaccine. This next-generation TB vaccine is expected to boost immunity among adults and further support Indonesia’s TB control program.

"Beyond exporting bulk and finished products, we are eager to explore joint research, development, and technology transfer opportunities with SII," said Shadiq Akasya.

Presidential Support for the Partnership

The signing of the agreement coincided with President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India for Republic Day celebrations, attended by Indonesia’s Minister of Health. This high-level involvement highlights the partnership’s strategic importance in strengthening public health initiatives.

Conclusion: Advancing TB Elimination in Indonesia

The Bio Farma-SII partnership marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s fight against TB. By leveraging cutting-edge diagnostic tools like Cy-Tb, the country is taking a major step toward eliminating tuberculosis by 2030. As this collaboration grows, Indonesia is set to strengthen its healthcare capabilities, ensuring a healthier, more productive population.