"From the accrued information, Insha Allah (God willing), the clinical trial phases I to III for the Red White vaccine can take place next year. Thus, we can start producing the Red and White vaccine in 2022," he remarked during a scientific lecture delivered at Bandung's Padjajaran University, Friday.
The minister expressed belief that with production of the Red and White vaccine, Indonesia would no longer rely on foreign-manufactured vaccines.
"It is not possible for us to depend on vaccines procured from overseas producers," Thohir pointed out.
Furthermore, Thohir noted that since the onset, Bio Farma, Eijkman Institute, and Ministry of Health's Research and Development Center had also remained optimistic about availability of the domestic vaccine. Apart from such institutions, the government has unveiled opportunities for collaboration with several universities for development of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"If we look at the vaccine, it currently targets antibody formation to fight the COVID-19 virus, and the required time is between six months to two years, according to the conducted studies," he stated. Related news: Indonesia explores cooperation with several vaccine producers
Related news: Indonesia to obtain 30 million COVID-19 vaccine doses at 2020-end
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Translator: Aji Cakti/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Suharto
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