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INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – Indonesia has officially become one of the key locations for the clinical trial of the M72/AS01E tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The announcement came during Bill Gates’ visit to Merdeka Palace on Wednesday (7/5/2025), where he met with Indonesian leaders to discuss health initiatives.
“Indonesia plays a crucial role in the global fight against tuberculosis,” said Gates, highlighting the country’s strategic importance due to its high TB burden.
Indonesia Among Top Sites for TB Vaccine Trial
Alongside India and several African countries, two of the M72/AS01E vaccine trial sites are located in Indonesia. The Phase 3 clinical trials aim to evaluate the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in preventing active TB, particularly among individuals with latent infections.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the country ranks second worldwide in TB cases, just after India, with approximately 1 million cases and 134,000 deaths annually.
What Is the M72/AS01E TB Vaccine?
The M72/AS01E is a novel TB vaccine candidate developed through global collaboration. It contains:
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M72: a fusion protein combining two Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens (MTB32A and MTB39A),
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AS01E: an immune-boosting adjuvant also used in other successful vaccines like RTS,S (malaria) and Shingrix (shingles).
The vaccine works by stimulating CD4+ T cells to produce interferon-gamma and antibodies, strengthening the body’s ability to control TB bacteria before it becomes active.
In Phase 2b trials in South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia, the M72/AS01E vaccine demonstrated a 50% efficacy rate in HIV-negative adults with latent TB infection.
Phase 3 Trials and Global Impact
The ongoing Phase 3 trials are being conducted across Indonesia, Vietnam, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Kenya. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed significant funding and partnerships to accelerate the process.
If the vaccine is proven effective and receives regulatory approval, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over the next 25 years, it could:
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Save 8.5 million lives,
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Reduce household economic losses by over US$41 billion.
A Milestone for Indonesia’s Global Health Leadership
Indonesia’s involvement in the trial not only reflects its strategic health importance but also marks a turning point in global TB control efforts. The M72/AS01E vaccine presents new hope for tackling a disease that continues to be a major public health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
FAQ – TB Vaccine Trials in Indonesia
Q1: What is the M72/AS01E vaccine?
It is a new TB vaccine candidate designed to prevent active tuberculosis by targeting latent TB infection.
Q2: Why was Indonesia chosen for the trial?
Indonesia has one of the highest TB burdens in the world, making it a critical location for testing vaccine effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Q3: Who developed the vaccine?
The vaccine was developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline and various global health research institutions.
Q4: How effective is the vaccine so far?
In Phase 2b trials, the vaccine showed 50% efficacy in preventing active TB in individuals with latent TB.
Q5: When will the vaccine be available to the public?
If the Phase 3 trials succeed and receive regulatory approval, the vaccine could begin global rollout within the next few years.
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