Indonesian Etana Biotechnologies Presents Innovative Cancer Therapy At Affordable Prices

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia (Etana) is taking a major step in the health world by presenting two innovative cancer therapies, badminton (Tislelizumab) and BRUKINSA total (Zanubrutinib). The first line drugs for various types of cancers are presented in collaboration with BeiGene, a global biotechnology company, and will be available in Indonesia starting next January at a price of 70 percent cheaper than similar therapies.

The availability of this therapy is a breath of fresh air for cancer patients in Indonesia. Previously, the high cost of cancer treatment often forced patients to seek treatment abroad, such as Malaysia or Singapore.

With more affordable prices and local production planned through technology transfers, Etana not only increases accessibility but also encourages significant cost efficiency.

"We want to ensure that cancer patients in Indonesia can access quality treatment without having to face a very high cost burden. By producing locally, we can lower prices by 70 percent compared to comparable drugs," said Etana President Director Nathan Tirtana, in Jakarta, quoted Wednesday, December 11.

Nathan said these drugs are the first line of therapy used for various types of cancer. Based on research, this therapy is able to increase progression-free survival by more than 70 percent, such as in lung cancer and esophagus.

"It's more than 70 percent (survival level). I have to be specific, in the lung and esophageal cancer (pulmonary cancer and esophagus)," said Nathan.

This initiative also received full support from the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM), which accelerated the distribution approval process. This regulatory support reflects the government's commitment to ensuring access to innovative treatments that can save lives.

"The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency has a commitment to support drug innovation, support the availability of drugs, and be at the forefront of protecting, security, and the quality of drugs in our national country. And all means we will do it for the benefit of our society," said the Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar.

Through collaboration with BeiGene, Etana not only introduces global innovation but also strengthens Indonesia's health sector. Local production is expected to meet national needs and reduce dependence on imported products.

Etana's move shows the company's dedication to supporting the independence of the health sector and provides a real solution for health challenges in Indonesia. With the start of product availability in January, cancer patients in Indonesia now have new hopes of getting effective, affordable, and easily accessible treatment.