Cibinong, Indonesia – December 12, 2024: Bionyeri has partnered with the BRIN Vaccine and Drug Research Center (PRVO) to explore Kratom’s potential as a new herbal therapy for pain and cancer.

Bionyeri and PRVO signed a non-disclosure agreement for Kratom research at an official ceremony in Cibinong Indonesia, on 12 December 2024 marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two organisations.

Professor Indi Dharmayanti, Head of the Health Research Organisation, emphasized that Kratom research is a key focus at PRVO. “Its potential as a new treatment deserves further research to provide solutions for public health,” she stated during the NDA signing ceremony.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to leveraging science and innovation to address health challenges and discover new drugs. Collaborating with industry can enhance public health,” she added. Professor Indi also expressed hope that this research would position Indonesia as a leader in utilizing natural resources for health improvements.

Professor Masteria Yunovilsa Putra, Head of PRVO, detailed the ongoing Kratom research, which includes studies on its traditional use and pharmacological activities. Research has shown that Kratom contains alkaloids and extracts with analgesic effects. PRVO’s studies cover standardization of alkaloid extracts, in vitro antioxidant activity, dual anti-inflammatory activity, adjuvant cancer therapy, and in vivo studies on analgesic activity, withdrawal effects, and oral acute toxicity.

Masteria highlighted that the primary compounds studied for their analgesic and addiction properties are Mytraginine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds are being investigated for their potential as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and cancer treatments.

Mr Eng Liang Tan, chairman and co-founder of Bionyeri expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with young Indonesian researchers. “Our goal is to utilise Indonesian herbs. Indonesia is rich in natural resources, especially herbs, and we must optimize this potential,” he said. Bionyeri, established in June 2023 and based in Australia, has built many connections with Indonesian medical and academic institutions to discover new natural medicines.

At the signing ceremony, Gilles Guillemin, CEO and co-founder of Bionyeri said: “We are thankful to BRIN for this opportunity to work together to find new treatments for cancer and pain using Indonesia’s natural resources.”

“This is a groundbreaking collaboration with immense promise for developing new treatments to pave the way for significant advancements in pain management and cancer therapeutics”, he said.

Bionyeri is proud to be part of the Indonesia-Australia collaboration in pharmaceutical and healthcare innovation. We extend our appreciation to Investment NSW, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), and the Australian Embassy in Indonesia for their support. We also thank Dr. Ir. Raphael Aswin Susilowidodo, ST, MSi, CIP, IPU for facilitating the connection with BRIN.