The minister met with the CEO of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Christophe Weber, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) agenda in Davos, Switzerland, on January 18.
"I thank Takeda for their products that have helped the Indonesians a lot. We encourage Takeda not only to import the vaccine but also to produce it in Indonesia," he noted in a written statement received here, Friday.
As a country that is endemic for dengue fever, especially in the eastern region, Kalimantan, and Java during the rainy season, Indonesia needs a dengue fever vaccine to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce mortality, he stated.
Lahadalia lauded Takeda's efforts to develop a dengue fever vaccine and also the company's investment in Indonesia that had started in 1971 in the pharmaceutical sector.
The minister said he would assist Takeda's investment plan through coordination with the Ministry of Health.
The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has also given approval to Takeda regarding the use of the Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine (TAK-003) for dengue fever, especially for the age group of six to 45 years.
In addition, the Ministry of Investment and BKPM is ready to facilitate and connect Takeda with local partners in accordance with the company's needs.
Responding to this, Weber said that his side had been developing a dengue fever vaccine for 10 years until now, and it was ready for distribution.
He stated that Takeda opened up the possibility of producing a dengue fever vaccine in Indonesia as long as they have a suitable local partner.
"We hope to help the Indonesian people with this vaccine, considering that dengue is a problem in Indonesia. We are very committed to working well and cooperating with Indonesia. We hope for support from the minister for this vaccine program. We are also open to the possibility of partnering with local Indonesian companies," he stated.
Takeda is a Japanese-based global pharmaceutical company that invests in research and commercializes over 700 products in 70 countries and has more than 55 thousand employees globally.
In Indonesia, Takeda has emerged as a key healthcare partner for over five decades and contributes to the handling of complex diseases in the field of oncology, primary care, and consumer healthcare.
Related news: AKI: Indonesia to receive 200 antidote vials from Japan
Related news: Indonesian, Japanese firms sign MoU for biomass supply
Related news: Indonesia, Japan announce initiative to realize AZEC concept
Translator: Ade Irma J, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
