Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical company and Bio Farma, an Indonesian drug manufacturer, have entered into a partnership to enhance the national manufacture of diabetes drugs for the Indonesian market within the country.
This initiative follows the Health Service Resilience scheme set up by the Indonesian government, and aims to make medicines more accessible to the region.
Enhancing treatment availability and accessibility in Indonesia
Novo Nordisk will bring its expertise in diabetes care and insulin production, while Bio Farma will offer its local manufacturing capabilities — committing both companies to assisting the Indonesian healthcare system in improving diabetes care for its population.
Currently 19.5 million people live with diabetes mellitus, and this number is rapidly increasing.
Diabetes still strongly impacting the Indonesian population
Diabetes is one of the top three causes of death in Indonesia, which highlights the necessity for comprehensive access to treatments and support to manage such a condition in the country.
It is also estimated that 80.9% of those with diabetes in Indonesia are not receiving any treatments for the disease, which can lead to severe complications — and even death — if left for prolonged periods.
Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Audi Gunadi Sadikin, said: “Uncontrolled diabetes can cause significant complications, and when left untreated, can have devastating effects. If we can identify and treat diabetes early, the cost of treatment is notably reduced and the effects on patient quality of life will be manifold. We have reformed 10,000 primary services for better diabetes management. The collaboration between Novo Nordisk, Indonesia and Bio Farma will save many lives in Indonesia.”
The Main Director of Bio Farma, Shadiq Akasya, added: “Our strategic collaboration with Novo Nordisk will significantly increase Bio Farma’s capabilities in producing affordable and high quality diabetes medications for the Indonesian population. We also hope it will enhance the awareness of the importance of disease management of chronic diabetes, and allow the Indonesian health system to overcome the challenges it has faced in treating the condition previously.”