BPOM: AWcorna COVID-19 Vaccine Indonesia's Opportunities To Develop MRNA

Head of BPOM Penny K Lukito when delivering information to reporters regarding the granting of Emergency Use Permits (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines IndoVac and AWcorna/ANTARA

JAKARTA - Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), Penny K Lukito, said that the presence of the domestic AWcorna Vaccine is an opportunity for Indonesia to produce an mRNA (messenger RNA) platform vaccine through technology transfer that is currently starting to run. "The AWcorna vaccine can support the ideals of the Indonesian people in the independence of the domestic COVID-19 vaccine," he said at a press conference on the granting of a Domestic COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use Permit (EUA) at the BPOM Building, Jakarta, Antara, Friday, September 30. AWcorna was registered by PT Etana Biotechnology Indonesia (PT Etana) and developed through technology transfer and research with Abogen-Yuxi Walvax, China. The development of the mRNA platform was carried out by 250 Indonesian researchers at the production facility of PT Etana which is domiciled in the Pulogadung area, East Jakarta. He explained that the mRNA vaccine is the latest type of vaccine that contains different ingredients from other types of vaccines. If conventional vaccines contain viruses or germs that have been weakened or killed, the mRNA vaccine is a vaccine with a new computerized-based technology. The production of the AWcorna Vaccine as a domestic vaccine also received support from the relevant cross-sectors, namely the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant government agencies. According to him, this support shows a strong commitment from the Indonesian government to support the handling of the pandemic and investment development in Indonesia. "Indonesia will develop varied mastery of technology to support independence in access to drugs and vaccines, as well as the handling of pandemic emergencies at large," he said. BPOM ensures that AWcorna has received a halal fatwa from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and halal certification from the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH). "Development and production of vaccines in the country is the pride of the Indonesian people as the initial foundation for the realization of the nation's independence in the pharmaceutical sector," he said. This momentum is expected to encourage the national pharmaceutical industry to continue to innovate in producing vaccines with cutting-edge technology in order to be able to compete at the global level. “BPOM expressed its appreciation to the Expert Team of the National Committee for the Assessment of COVID-19 Vaccine and immunization experts for their cooperation that allows this vaccine to be released immediately to the public," said Penny K Lukito.