Indonesia debuts first homegrown typhoid vaccine, cuts import reliance

Indonesia has launched its first domestically developed typhoid vaccine, marking a major step toward reducing its heavy reliance on imported medical supplies. The vaccine, named Bio-TCV, was officially authorized for distribution by the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) following a thorough evaluation of its safety, quality, and effectiveness. Developed through a collaboration between the University of Indonesia (UI) and state-owned pharmaceutical company Bio Farma, Bio-TCV represents a breakthrough in the nation’s quest for self-sufficiency in healthcare innovation. The vaccine is part of broader national initiatives aimed at decreasing Indonesia’s dependency on foreign imports, which currently account for nearly 94 percent of the country’s medicinal and vaccine raw materials. BPOM head Taruna Ikrar emphasized that the approval process was expedited using a special new drug development pathway, allowing the vaccine to reach the market within just 100 working days. This accelerated timeline underscores the urgency with which authorities view the need for indigenous solutions to public health challenges. Clinical trials conducted on Bio-TCV showed promising results, with nearly 100 percent of participants demonstrating a strong immune response. Infants, children, and adults all exhibited a significant rise in antibody levels, with some reaching up to four times higher than baseline measurements. These elevated antibody levels remained stable for at least a year after vaccination, indicating long-term immunity potential. The vaccine is designed for administration via a single 0.5 ml intramuscular injection to individuals aged six months and older, offering protection against typhoid fever for several years. As of July 2026, Indonesia has produced two batches of Bio-TCV, totaling 84,719 vials. According to data from Bio Farma, the company has manufactured a total of 208,235 doses, with 30,875 already distributed to the public. The remaining supply is expected to be allocated based on regional health priorities and outbreak patterns. The vaccine joins two other approved typhoid vaccines, Vivaxim and Typhim Vi, as one of only three available options in the country. Dr. Mohammad Kurniawan, chair of the 2026 FKUI Med-Expo Committee, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in achieving such milestones. He noted that the success of Bio-TCV is a direct result of collaboration among academia, government agencies, and private industry. “Indonesia faces complex health challenges. No single sector can act alone,” he said during the launch of the One Health Indonesia Ecosystem. “Today’s success is clear evidence of what happens when academia, government and industry unite.” The introduction of Bio-TCV is also expected to play a crucial role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Historically, high rates of Salmonella typhi infections have driven the frequent and often unnecessary use of antibiotics, contributing to the growing global crisis of AMR. By providing an effective preventive measure, the vaccine helps reduce the demand for antibiotics, thereby mitigating the risk of resistant strains emerging. In addition to its public health implications, the vaccine aligns with Indonesia’s long-term goals of increasing domestic production of essential medical products. Government officials have set a target of producing 15 vaccine antigens by 2029, further reinforcing the significance of Bio-TCV as a stepping stone toward greater self-reliance in healthcare.