UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) is preparing to launch a newly developed vaccine for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), signaling a major milestone in its commitment to public health. During UNAIR’s 70th Anniversary Assembly on November 11, 2024, UNAIR Rector, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak, formally handed over the results of the vaccine’s development to PT Biotis Pharmaceutical Indonesia.
The event represents a formal partnership between UNAIR and PT Biotis Pharmaceutical Indonesia for the production of the FMD vaccine. Prof. Nasih presented the vaccine to Director of PT Biotis, FX Sudirman.
UNAIR role in national health research
FX Sudirman, an alumnus of UNAIR, expressed his appreciation for UNAIR’s role in the project, lauding the university’s contribution to national health research.
“As an alumnus, I feel immense pride. This vaccine is the result of hard work from UNAIR researchers, led by Prof. Fedik Abdul Rantam. My role is simply to ensure that Prof. Fedik and his team’s research, with the rector’s support, reaches the people of Indonesia,” said FX Sudirman.
Sudirman emphasized that the FMD vaccine has the potential to support broader government initiatives. By providing a reliable FMD vaccine, he noted, Indonesia could strengthen its national food security, particularly in the livestock sector.
Supporting government initiatives
In an exclusive interview, Prof. Nasih explained that UNAIR began FMD-related research when the issue first emerged. “From the outset, we have been researching FMD. It wasn’t until 2024 that PT Biotis approached us with a collaboration offer to produce the FMD vaccine,” he stated.
Prof. Nasih highlighted UNAIR’s commitment to advancing health solutions through the FMD vaccine. While the vaccine is still undergoing additional testing, he is optimistic that production could start in early 2025.
“We aim to support the government’s program for providing nutritious food, including animal-based products like meat and milk. The FMD vaccine is essential to ensuring food security so that the program for nutritious meals can proceed smoothly and sustainably,” Prof. Nasih concluded.
Author: Adinda Aulia Pratiwi
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
