JAKARTA - The re-increase in the number of COVID-19 spread in Indonesia has made various parties, both state-owned and private, work together to support the government to accelerate the handling of COVID-19. In line with this, DNR through one of its business units, DNR Distribution, has a cooperation agreement with PT Indofarma Tbk in distributing the drug Ivermectin in Indonesia. Ivermectin is reported to be used as a COVID-19 therapy drug that Indofarma has started to produce in large capacity.

The signing of this cooperation agreement was officially signed by Mr. Rudy Tanoesoedibjo as President Director of DNR and also Mr. Arif Pramuhanto always President Director of PT Indofarma Tbk on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

"This cooperation is very important to accelerate the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Indonesia where the drug Ivermectin is known to be effective in preventing and eradicating the COVID-19 virus," said Rudy Tanoesoedibjo.

DNR Empowers Distribution Networks Across Indonesia

In the cooperation between the two companies, DNR will be involved in the distribution of Ivermectin through its distribution network and supported by infrastructure integrated with digital technology systems. With this, DNR will become the official distributor in Indonesia of the drug produced by Indofarma.

With more than 57 years of experience in the distribution of pharmaceutical products, DNR has collaborated with a number of health institutions, namely working with 16,277 pharmacies, 1476 private hospitals, and 1004 government hospitals. This is a major provision for DNR to be able to carry out the mandate from Indofarma as the distributor of Ivermectin.

"With our extensive distribution network of 32 branches and more than 100,000 outlets across Indonesia, we are confident that we can distribute Ivermectin to various health facilities from Sabang to Merauke efficiently, quickly and safely," added Rudy Tanoe.

It should be noted that Ivermectin has been widely known as a worm medicine in its use in the community. Along with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of SOEs has sent a letter to BPOM to support the application submitted previously by PT Indofarma Tbk so that Ivermectin can be used as a COVID-19 therapy drug. Furthermore, in exploring cooperation regarding the Ivermectin drug, DNR Distribution will sell Ivermectin in accordance with the HET, namely the Nett Pharmacy Price (HNA) of IDR 140,000 / 20 tablets excluding VAT.

Used in Various Countries, Ivermectin is Important in Suppressing COVID-19 in Indonesia

In addition, the drug Ivermectin itself has also been used in various countries in the world as a step in suppressing the spread of COVID-19. Countries such as the European Union, Greece, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, South Africa, India, and countries in the Latin American region have used Ivermectin as a medical part in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

"With the production of up to 4 to 5 million Ivermectin tablets per month depending on the availability of raw materials by Indofarma, and with the potential demand that will continue to increase, DNR through all the facilities and distribution infrastructure that is complete and integrated in a modern manner, is ready to assist in the smooth distribution process considering this drug is needed in accelerating the treatment of COVID-19 throughout Indonesia," added the Chairman of DNR in his statement.