Commemorating World Kidney Day, This Is The Role Of Etana In Medicine In Indonesia

Photo: Doc. Etana

JAKARTA - Kidney disease is a global health problem that continues to increase, including in Indonesia. According to a report by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkes RI) in 2023, as many as 12 provinces in Indonesia occupy the highest position in the number of cases of Kronis Kidney Disease (PGK). The highest cases in Indonesia were recorded in North Kalimantan, Maluku, North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Southeast Sulawesi, NTB, Aceh, West Java, Maluku, DKI Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta.

In commemoration of World Kidney Day on March 14, PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia (Etana), actively plays a role in providing education about kidney health to the community, patients, and health workers who handle PGK patients. As a company of Indonesian original biofarmation, Etana has produced high-quality epoethin alpha products at affordable prices, which have been widely used by PGK patients who experience anemia while undergoing dialysis.

"Epoethana epoethin products are used by PGK patients who undergo dialysis to increase red blood pressure (Hb) in preventing anemia. Anemia in kidney failure patients must be treated due to death in hemodialysis patients in Indonesia, most of which are caused by cardiovascular disease," said Director of Etana's Strategic Business Development & Partnership, Randy Stevian, in a written statement, Friday, March 15.

Randy said that Etana products have conducted an appeal test with origator products with the result that the quality, efficacy, and safety of Etana products are comparable to orientator products. Thus, Etana products can help patients with anemia because PGK improve their quality of life to maintain and protect health in an effort to improve the health of the nation.

"If hemodialysis patients are exposed to cardiovascular disease, the kidneys and heart will become weak. By routinely conducting Erythropoietin (EPO) therapy 8 times a month PGK patients can overcome this anemia complication so that it does not become a threat," he added.

In addition, Randy said that Etana is currently focusing on developing long-acting products (Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents/ESA) to complement the need for medicines for kidney disease patients. In addition, this company also collaborates with various related parties.

"We hope to continue to synergize with various parties in providing education and contributing to bridge the gap in knowledge about kidney health," said Randy.

Etana also sees challenges in developing medicinal products for kidney disease, especially related to technology transfer, raw materials, and experienced human resources. However, the company is optimistic that it can face these challenges in line with the Government's program to promote the independence of domestic drugs.