Yogyakarta, September 17, 2025 – A research team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), involving the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Biology, is developing a tetravalent Dengue vaccine candidate using a reverse vaccinology approach and plasmid DNA production from local Indonesian isolates. This initiative aims to tackle the current challenges of commercial Dengue vaccines, such as high costs, limited supply, and weaker protection against Dengue genotypes circulating in Indonesia.
The project is led by Prof. Dr.rer.nat.apt. Adam Hermawan, M.Sc. from the Faculty of Pharmacy, together with Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M. Biotech from the Faculty of Biology. The team also includes other lecturers from the Faculty of Pharmacy, apt. M. Novrizal Abdi Sahid, M.Eng., Ph.D., apt. Navista Sri Octa Ujiantari, M.Sc, Ph.D., and apt. Setyowati Triastuti Utami, M.Sc, Ph.D., and is supported by undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from both faculties.
Cases of Dengue fever in Indonesia continue to rise each year. Current commercial Dengue vaccines were developed using serotypes from specimens found outside Indonesia, making them less effective in protecting against local Dengue genotypes. This UGM project, funded by the 2025 Learning Center In Collaboration (LC-IC) Research Grant, plays a key role in creating a vaccine that better fits the needs of the Indonesian population. By working with local isolates, the team aims to build independence in Dengue vaccine production while offering a more affordable health solution.
The research uses reverse vaccinology supported by bioinformatics to design antigen sequences from the four Dengue serotypes most common in Indonesia. The process includes designing antigen sequences, selecting protein candidates, constructing plasmids for the vaccine, and producing and purifying plasmids. Beyond advancing science and technology in biotechnology and Dengue epidemiology, the study is expected to result in international publications as well as patents and other intellectual property.
This work directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, it contributes to improving public health through effective vaccine development. It also aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by driving progress in local vaccine innovation and supporting the growth of Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry. Finally, through strong collaboration between UGM faculties, lecturers, students, and funding partners, the project embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, showing the importance of teamwork in achieving shared goals.
