It is expected that in the fourth quarter of 2021, we can start the mass production.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Research and Technology Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro has projected that the locally developed COVID-19 Red and White vaccine will be ready for mass production in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021.

"It is expected that in the fourth quarter of 2021, we can start mass production of the vaccine. This will complement the other COVID-19 vaccine produced in collaboration with foreign companies, including Sinovac (China) and G42 (UAE)," Brodjonegoro remarked after reporting updates on development of the Red and White vaccine to President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.

The Red and White vaccine was developed by a domestic consortium based on a virus strain found in Indonesia and named after Indonesia's national flag.

Before its mass production in the fourth quarter of 2021, the vaccine should have undergone several stages: animal testing by the end of 2020 and production formulation for clinical test stages 1, 2, and 3 in early 2021.

The National Agency of Food and Drug Control (BPOM) will check the product safety. Once the agency declares the vaccine as safe and can maintain body immunity, PT Bio Farma Persero will commence the mass production.

"Hopefully, the vaccination can be conducted soon," he remarked.

As the vaccine was developed based on a virus strain found in Indonesia, it is expected to work effectively to improve the immunity of Indonesians against the SARS CoV-2 virus.

Development of the vaccine, involving the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, several universities, and research institutions, has reached 50-percent completion.

In addition to development of the indigenous vaccine, some foreign companies have agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine to cater to the short-term demand.

The foreign pharmaceutical firms are Beijing-based Sinovac Biotech Ltd, China, and Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence firm G42, the United Arab Emirates, for supply in 2020 and 2021. Related news: Indigenous vaccine development team should work swiftly: Jokowi
Related news: Red and White Vaccine team invites private firms for production



Translator: Indra AP, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020