Indonesia, Australia Partner to Advance Novel Synthetic Antibiotics Against Resistance
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) is partnering with Australian stakeholders to accelerate access to a new class of synthetic antibiotics aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance and bolstering the country’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said on Friday that the antibacterial drug, developed by Australia’s Recce Pharmaceuticals, targets sepsis-causing pathogens and is designed to prevent antibiotic resistance.
“The product is a novel synthetic antibiotic. We welcome its development in Indonesia, especially given the growing global concern over resistance,” Ikrar stated.
During a visit to Australia, BPOM held discussions with representatives from Investment New South Wales, Austrade, and Recce Pharmaceuticals. The development of the drug in Indonesia will be carried out in collaboration with PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia under a new drug development scheme.
Ikrar emphasized BPOM’s commitment to supporting the introduction of innovative pharmaceutical products aligned with national health priorities. He noted that effective collaboration between regulators and stakeholders is essential to ensure public access to new medicines.
BPOM, he added, continues to pursue efficiency in the approval of clinical trials by establishing clear legal frameworks and transparent mechanisms, which are expected to attract both domestic and international sponsors to invest in pharmaceutical innovation in Indonesia.
“I hope this innovative product from Recce can develop as a product available in Indonesia and have a tangible impact on people,” Ikrar said.
Recce Pharmaceuticals Managing Director and CEO James Graham highlighted that the collaboration with Etana marks the company’s first-ever technology transfer initiative in Indonesia. He expressed optimism that their first product could be available in the country by 2026, with Indonesia set to become the first to use the new anti-infection liquid product for diabetic foot injection (DFI) patients.
