Novo Nordisk and PT Bio Farma Agree to Enhance Insulin Production for Diabetes Patients in Indonesia

On July 9th, PT Novo Nordisk Indonesia and PT Bio Farma (Persero) formally announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly produce diabetes medications in Indonesia. This agreement will leverage the expertise of both organizations to assist the Indonesian government and their efforts in delivering essential diabetes treatments to the country. 

Indonesia’s Diabetes Crisis Projected to Reach 28.6 Million by 2045

Indonesia currently reports an estimated 19.5 million people suffering from diabetes. With its increasing prevalence, this number is projected to rise to 28.6 million by 2045. Diabetes ranks as one of the top three leading causes of death in the country, thereby underscoring the urgent need for effective diabetes management.

The Indonesian population struggling with this chronic condition face significant challenges in managing diabetes due to limited awareness and understanding of both the disease and its proper treatment. A 2020 report from the Social Security Agency (BPJS) disclosed that only 2 million people in the country received diagnosis and treatment under the national health care system (National Health Insurance, JKN). Here, the consensus between Novo Nordisk and Bio Farma aims to support nearly one million diabetes patients in the coming decade.

Addressing the severity of diabetes, Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized, “Diabetes is the mother of all diseases. Uncontrolled diabetes will cause complications. Currently, we are weak in screening, and we need to reform the healthcare system. If we can identify and treat diabetes early, then treatment costs will be cheaper and can improve the quality of life of those living with diabetes. We have reformed 10,000 primary services for better diabetes management. This collaboration between Novo Nordisk Indonesia and Bio Farma aims to save more lives of Indonesian people.”

Novo Nordisk Indonesia and Government Strengthen Diabetes Care and Training in 176 Hospitals

Novo Nordisk Indonesia has demonstrated their commitment as a partner to the Indonesian government for the past 25 years. The company has collaborated with the government to strengthen capacity and train healthcare professionals in the most efficient way possible. The Ministry of Health, the Indonesian Endocrinology Society (PERKENI), the Advanced Diabetes Care program, and Centers of Excellence in Diabetes cooperated to implement accredited diabetes training programs, aiming to ensure better management and treatment of diabetes across Indonesia. Additionally, the implemented programs will focus on capacity building for health care professionals, public education, and health evaluation studies in 176 hospitals across the nation. The collaboration will reinforce the government-to-government (G2G) MoU between Indonesia and Denmark, enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in the healthcare sector.

Bio Farma’s Enhanced Local Manufacturing Strengths Drive Collaboration

While Novo Nordisk will bring its expertise in diabetes care and insulin production to the table, BioFarma, on the other hand, will contribute its established local manufacturing capabilities. PT Bio Farma (Persero) is Indonesia’s largest state-owned pharmaceutical company, specializing in research and development of various healthcare products, including vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. Through its strong infrastructure and experience, Bio Farma will ensure that the production of diabetes medications meets local needs and standards.

With a focus on advancing healthcare solutions, President Director of Bio Farma, Shadiq Akasya expressed, “Collaboration with Novo Nordisk will increase Bio Farma’s capabilities. This collaboration aims to significantly increase access to quality and affordable diabetes treatment, increase awareness of the importance of managing chronic diabetes, and strengthen the capacity of the Indonesian health system to address global challenges. To achieve this goal, a joint commitment is needed, especially from the government, to support the production of innovative domestic products.”

Looking forward, the joint agreement between Novo Nordisk Indonesia and Bio Farma promises a transformative impact on Indonesia’s healthcare landscape. The agreement will expand access to high-quality, affordable treatments, and strengthen the immediate healthcare demands of the millions of Indonesians affected.

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Denisse Sandoval