Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge for women in Indonesia. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates, Indonesia recorded approximately 31,100 new cervical cancer cases and 15,600 deaths from cervical cancer in 2024, making cervical cancer the second most common cancer among women in the country.[2] Prof. Taruna Ikrar, Chairman of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), said, “We have a very huge number of woman in Indonesia who have cancers that specially belong to uterus and cervical cancer, that's why we need vaccine, especially vaccine 9-valent human papillomavirus.”

For many years, the stability of HPV vaccine supply has been an important factor affecting women’s access to preventive protection in Indonesia. In response to this public health need, IX is advancing localized collaboration and technology transfer for a 9-valent HPV vaccine in Indonesia, supported by its independently developed Escherichia coli expression system. The collaboration aims to support the development of a more sustainable local HPV vaccine manufacturing and supply system.

Through its collaboration with PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia (Etana), a local biopharmaceutical company, IX is providing technical support and working systematically across manufacturing processes, quality control, technology transfer and on-site support. These efforts are designed to help strengthen local vaccine manufacturing capabilities in line with international standards. Vino Soaduon, Production Director of Etana, said, “So the core element actually is the knowledge or experience. We have good collaboration and that program actually defines the technology transfer with the parameter process and the quality target. We have get the quality process that is make it the transferable and high possible reproduce.”

As localized collaboration continues to progress, Indonesia is expected to gradually strengthen its local HPV vaccine manufacturing capacity. According to Etana’s estimates, once production capacity is fully realized, annual supply could reach the level of tens of millions of doses, helping to further improve HPV vaccine supply security in Indonesia and benefit more women and families.

“If the local production can ensure a stable supply, it would greatly reduce the barrier. I would feel much more confident to recommend HPV vaccine for my family and others around me.” said Dr. Ita Widjajanti, an Indonesian physician and mother, in the report.

As highlighted by Xinhuanet, the value of vaccine innovation extends beyond research and development breakthroughs. It is also reflected in the ability to help high-quality, affordable and sustainable public health solutions reach more countries and populations. Looking ahead, IX will continue to work with partners in countries and regions where needs remain, helping improve HPV vaccine access and supporting global efforts to prevent and control cervical cancer.

Sources

[1] XinhuaNet. Title of video report to be added [EB/OL]. Publication date to be added. Available from: https://weixin.qq.com/sph/Axq4XHW5LG. Accessed July 22, 2026.

[2] Ervik M, Laversanne M, Lam F, Colombet M, Ferlay J, Filho AM, Bray F. Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today (2024 estimates, version 1.0): Indonesia Fact Sheet. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2026. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/360-indonesia-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed July 9, 2026.