BioNet and Bio Farma Team Up to Expand Vaccine Access Across ASEAN Region

BioNet and Bio Farma Collaborate to Enhance Vaccine Accessibility

In a significant step towards improving public health in the ASEAN region, BioNet, a Franco-Thai vaccine biotechnology firm, has forged a partnership with PT Bio Farma, Indonesia's prominent state-owned vaccine manufacturer. On June 3, 2025, during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia, the two companies executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing and distributing a combined TdaP vaccine—targeting tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis.

This collaboration is not just an alliance in name; it is underpinned by a commitment to accelerate the availability of innovative vaccines throughout Southeast Asia. The strengths of BioNet, which boasts proprietary recombinant pertussis technology and extensive global clinical experience, are complemented by Bio Farma's capacity for large-scale manufacturing and its established public health framework. The primary goal is to address vital immunization needs across the ASEAN nations.

Philippe Guillot-Chêne, CEO of BioNet Europe, articulated the vision behind the partnership: "This agreement reflects our shared goal to make next-gen vaccines accessible where needed most. By aligning our strengths, BioNet and Bio Farma strengthen the regional health ecosystem and ASEAN's capacity to respond to current and emerging infectious disease threats."

The MoU lays the groundwork for cooperation in several critical areas, including clinical development, regulatory alignment, and market access. While Bio Farma will spearhead clinical trials and regulatory submissions within Indonesia, BioNet will oversee similar processes in other ASEAN countries. Crucially, the collaboration aims to shorten the vaccine introduction timeline significantly, from the typical 10–15 years to under five years.

Yuliana Indriati, Director of Business Development at Bio Farma, highlighted the larger implications of their partnership, stating, "Through this collaboration, we are reinforcing Indonesia's commitment to regional vaccine self-sufficiency and innovation. With BioNet's advanced recombinant pertussis technology and our production capacity, we aim to ensure timely access to TdaP vaccines for Indonesian adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly. We hope this product will soon be part of our immunization program."

The TdaP vaccine, which integrates Bio Farma's Td and BioNet's aP antigens, is projected to target the ASEAN market effectively, with an estimated demand of 10–15 million doses annually, translating to approximately USD 200 million in value. This partnership is particularly timely, given the growing need for robust pandemic preparedness initiatives and the reinforcement of vaccine supply chains, both critical components for equitable healthcare access across the region.

Moreover, this collaboration resonates with the broader goals outlined by President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita initiative, which emphasizes national self-reliance in various sectors, including healthcare.

About BioNet

BioNet is a Franco-Thai organization at the forefront of vaccine biotechnology, dedicated to the development and manufacture of genetically engineered vaccines with a wide-reaching global presence. Their operations include BioNet Europe, which has submitted an EU-GMP application for a recombinant pertussis vaccine to the EMA, and BioNet Asia, located in Thailand, known for producing the world's sole standalone recombinant pertussis vaccine. BioNet is also at the forefront of mRNA technology development, thereby enabling partnerships aimed at technology transfers and enhancing regional manufacturing capabilities for pandemic preparedness.

About PT Bio Farma

PT Bio Farma (Persero) is recognized as Indonesia's largest state-owned pharmaceutical holding company. It provides integrated services across research and development, manufacturing, distribution, retail pharmacies, clinics, and laboratories. With its headquarters and manufacturing facilities situated in Bandung, West Java, Bio Farma produces over 3.2 billion vaccine doses each year and exports to over 150 countries. They are also the parent company of PT Kimia Farma Tbk (KAEF) and PT Indofarma Tbk (INAF), both listed entities on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.