Bill Gates-Funded TB Vaccine Trial in Indonesia Enters Phase 3

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Society of Respirology (PDPI) Chairperson, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, stated that the development of a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, funded by Bill Gates, is still in phase 3 research.

Tjandra mentioned that Indonesia has been involved in tuberculosis vaccine research networking for the past few years, along with "high-burden TB" countries. The vaccine is named M72/AS01E.

"Currently, the vaccine discovery process is still in phase 3 research, conducted in five countries, namely South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Indonesia, which are countries with a significant burden of TB cases. If this research phase is successful, it will proceed to the next phase," said Tjandra in a WhatsApp message to Tempo on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Tjandra said the current TB vaccine being used is the BCG, which was discovered 104 years ago in 1921. Therefore, he suggested that a new vaccine should be developed now, and even earlier. He revealed that the currently produced BCG vaccine is only effective during childhood. Its purpose is to prevent severe TB and death.

"So, it is very worthwhile to develop a new and much more effective vaccine. With the development of the COVID-19 vaccine and current advanced technology, the possibility of finding a new TB vaccine has indeed become greater," said Tjandra, who is also an Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, Australia.

President Prabowo Subianto stated that Microsoft founder Bill Gates will make Indonesia a site for the trial of the TB vaccine, which he is developing. Prabowo mentioned it while receiving Bill Gates and several Indonesian conglomerates at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on May 7, 2025.

"He is currently developing a TB vaccine for the world, and Indonesia will be one of the trial sites," said Prabowo.

Prabowo stated that the development of this vaccine is positive because TB claims nearly 100,000 lives each year. Therefore, he welcomed Bill Gates' commitment to assist Indonesia in vaccination. In addition to the TB vaccine, Bill Gates is also developing a malaria vaccine.

Bill Gates mentioned that the world needs a TB vaccine, and he is concerned about the TB figures in Indonesia. He stated that trials for the TB vaccine have begun, including in Indonesia. Besides Indonesia, India and Africa are also trial sites for the TB vaccine developed by Gates.

"We have two trial sites for the vaccine here, and that will help us determine the effectiveness of the vaccine," he said.

Editor's Choice: Bill Gates Impressed with Free Nutritious Meal Program, Claims Head of National Nutrition Body

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Japan to Rotate Squad Against Indonesia

7 menit lalu

Profile of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation That Grants Rp2.6 Trillion to Indonesia

3 jam lalu

West Java Records Highest Online Gambling Transactions in Indonesia, Says PPATK

3 jam lalu

Bill Gates' Story of Failed Nuclear Project with China

5 jam lalu

Bill Gates Impressed with Free Nutritious Meal Program, Claims Head of National Nutrition Body

5 jam lalu

Everything About Bill Gates' Arrival in Indonesia

7 jam lalu

Prabowo Cites Unwashed Hands, No Spoons Behind Food Poisoning in Free School Meal Program

16 jam lalu

Gov't Invites Bill Gates to Join Danantara Investment Advisory Board

18 jam lalu

Prabowo Highlights Bill Gates' US$159mn Grant to Indonesia Since 2009, Cites Award

22 jam lalu

Bank Indonesia: 4.87% Growth 'Robust Enough' for Investors

22 jam lalu