PRESS RELEASE

Hope on the Horizon: Indonesia Embraces Breakthroughs in TB and Leprosy Therapies

Jakarta, July 3, 2025 – The Indonesian Respiratory Research and Training Foundation (RPRI), in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (FKUI) and Persahabatan General Hospital, held a guest lecture titled “Novel TB Drugs on the Horizon: Hope for a Better Cure?” featuring keynote speaker Dr. Eugene Sun, Senior Vice President of the TB Alliance—a global nonprofit dedicated to the development of innovative TB therapies.

Indonesia continues to face a significant burden from Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), ranking second globally in tuberculosis cases and third in leprosy. In response to this challenge, innovation in drug discovery and development has become an essential strategy for accelerating disease elimination. This event was designed to introduce the latest research developments on novel therapies for Mycobacterium-related infections, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae, to clinicians, academics, and policymakers.

In his presentation, Dr. Sun highlighted the TB Alliance’s groundbreaking advancements, including the BPaL regimen (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid), as well as new drug candidates such as TBAJ-876 for tuberculosis and Telacebec for leprosy. He also shared preclinical data, clinical trial results, and future development strategies aimed at improving treatment access and efficacy.

The event was held in two main sessions, drawing a total of 258 participants:

• The first session, hosted at Persahabatan Hospital, welcomed 130 attendees including pulmonologists, residents, and healthcare professionals. The program featured the guest lecture, Q&A session, a site visit to the hospital’s Drug-Resistant TB Clinic, and a presentation by the RPRI–INAVIMED collaboration.

• The second session, held at IMERI FKUI, was attended by 128 participants from academia, government, and research institutions. The lecture, titled “New Weapons for Old Enemies: Rethinking Mycobacterial Disease With Unexpected Discoveries”, expanded the conversation to broader challenges and innovations in the field.

The IMERI session was opened by key figures from national health institutions:

1. Dr. Tiffany Tiara Pakasi, MA, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the National TB Program Manager, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia.

2. Tian Nugraheni, Apt, delivered remarks in her capacity as Head of the Working Group on Local API and Drug Development Facilitation, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia.

3. Dr. Ria Christine Siagian, Apt, MSc, shared insights as Director of Drug Registration, National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM).

Through this initiative, RPRI reaffirms its commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions for neglected diseases through strategic partnerships, scientific exchange, and integration between research and public health policy. The knowledge shared in this event is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s national capacity in tackling tuberculosis, leprosy, and other NTDs through innovation-driven approaches.

For further information, please contact:
📧 humas@yayasanrpri.org
🌐 www.yayasanrpri.org