DPR Asks BPOM To Help Develop Archipelago Vaccines

ILLUSTRATION / BETWEEN

JAKARTA - Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Azis Syamsuddin, hopes that the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), researchers and epidemiologists will support the birth of the Nusantara vaccine.

Following the continuation of the phase II clinical trial which was attended by a number of board members and other officials at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital, Wednesday, April 14.

For Azis, whatever it is called, if the vaccine made by the country's children is successful, it will be a major breakthrough that can be aligned with other developed countries.

"From the data and reports from RSPAD, there is an acquisition of immunity against COVID-19. Both from the cellular and humoral side. Of course this is news and could be a new discovery," said Azis Syamsuddin, Thursday, April 15.

According to him, vaccine researchers from Indonesia certainly have a complete explanation so that they dare to give the vaccine. Moreover, President Jokowi asked Indonesia to prioritize domestic products.

"The Nusantara vaccine can be an example of a domestic product. This is a matter of sovereignty and independence in the fields of health and medicine," explained the Golkar politician.

Therefore, the DPR leadership in the Korpolkam sector hopes that the BPOM clinical trial results and applicable standards will actually be applied in the development of the Nusantara vaccine.

"A number of epidemiologists have warned the government not to over-claim the Nusantara Vaccines. Transparent scientific testing and assessment by BPOM and experts is very important," said Azis.

The DPR, said Azis, made sure that it would not interfere with the developments being carried out. However, research should not be counterproductive to the prevailing vaccine manufacturing methods.

"If it does not meet clinical principles, convey it transparently. The integrity of the POM has been tested when releasing EUA for Sinovac. Therefore, BPOM hopes to help in the development of the Nusantara vaccine. This is in the context of Indonesia's independence in the pharmaceutical sector," said Azis Syamsuddin.