Pharmacy is the science focused on the development, production, and distribution of medicines. In Indonesia, the pharmaceutical field continues to develop, especially in terms of technology.
Technology Behind Pharmaceuticals
Research and Development of Drugs
In Indonesia, many research institutions and universities are actively involved in the research and development of new drugs. Universities such as Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) have pharmaceutical study programs that produce many innovations in the field of pharmacy.
Research on herbal medicines is also increasingly developing, given Indonesia's extraordinary natural wealth. The latest technologies, such as supercritical extraction, are used to obtain active compounds from plants like sambiloto, temulawak, and moringa leaves.
Nanoparticle Technology
Nanoparticle technology is used to enhance drug effectiveness. With this technology, drugs can be designed to have very small particle sizes, allowing them to easily penetrate cells and reach the desired target.
For example, research on nanoparticles for cancer treatment is being conducted at various universities in Indonesia. This technology is expected to improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects.
Precision Pharmacy
Precision pharmacy is a new approach in treatment where medications are tailored to the individual genetic profiles of patients. This technology allows doctors to prescribe the most effective drugs with minimal side effects based on the patient's DNA analysis.
Some hospitals in Indonesia have started adopting this technology, especially for the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Interesting Facts About Pharmaceutical Technology in Indonesia
Growing Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia continues to grow rapidly. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) show that the production of medicines increases every year.
Indonesia is also one of the largest producers of generic drugs in Southeast Asia. Generic drugs play a crucial role in providing affordable medication to the broader community.
Regulation and Supervision
The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) is the institution responsible for drug supervision in Indonesia. BPOM ensures that the medicines circulating in the market are safe and effective for consumption.
Strict regulations are also applied to prevent the circulation of counterfeit drugs, which could endanger public health.
Latest News in the Indonesian Pharmaceutical World
COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the pharmaceutical world in Indonesia. Efforts to develop and distribute vaccines have become a top priority. The Merah Putih vaccine, a domestically produced vaccine, is in the final stages of development.
The government is collaborating with various pharmaceutical companies to ensure vaccine availability for the entire Indonesian population.
New Drug Innovations
Various new drug innovations continue to be developed in Indonesia. For example, research on anti-cancer drugs derived from Indonesian natural materials is underway.
Additionally, there are innovations in gene therapy and stem cell therapy expected to provide more effective treatment solutions for various chronic diseases.
The development of pharmaceutical technology in Indonesia continues to make significant contributions to the health sector. With the support of advancing research and technology, along with strict regulations, the pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia is expected to continue providing effective and safe health solutions for the entire community.