Indofarma advances biodiversity processing through research

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Indofarma (INAF) is strengthening the downstream process of biodiversity into raw materials and nature-based pharmaceutical products by leveraging technological innovation and research collaborations with various stakeholders.

Here in Jakarta on Wednesday, Indofarma President Director Sahat Sihombing explained Indonesia's natural wealth must be explored in a more focused manner through sustained research and collaboration between the industry, universities, and research institutions.

"Indonesia is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, including various plants that have the potential to be developed into raw materials for nature-based medicines. We need to explore the potential through scientific research, technological innovation, and close collaboration among universities, research institutions, and the industry," Sihombing said.

He added the challenge lies not only in identifying the potential of natural materials, but also in ensuring that research findings can be successfully processed into products that are safe, high-quality, effective, compliant with regulatory requirements, and economically valuable for Indonesia.

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In supporting the research translation, Sihombing noted Indofarma possesses capacity for the extraction of natural materials, as well as production facilities for traditional medicines that are certified under the Good Manufacturing Practices for Traditional Medicines (CPOTB) standards.

He added the capabilities serve as a vital asset for processing natural materials, ranged from extraction to the development of finished products, such as jamu (traditional herbal medicine), and, provided that development and registration requirements are met, Standardized Herbal Medicines and phytopharmaceuticals.

"The readiness of these industrial facilities is expected to bridge the gap between research findings and the product development process, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements," Sihombing said.

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Indofarma has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Danantara Development Management Fund, the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), and PT EBM Saintifik dan Teknologi to explore collaborations on the research translation into medicinal plants with high economic potential.

Sihombing hopes the collaboration will serve as a foundation for synergy among the parties involved in developing research outcomes, evaluating the potential of processing technologies, and exploring funding and investment opportunities.

Furthermore, the collaboration aims to foster the development of nature-based products, advancing them toward commercialization in accordance with the respective mandates and capacities of each party.

In that regard, Sihombing invites all stakeholders to redefine the future of global health by harnessing the power of Indonesia’s natural medicinal resources.

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Translator: Muhammad Heriyanto, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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