The four institutions carried out a six-month research program involving 20 community health centers (puskesmas), 6 sub-districts, and 243 villages across Sergai. The study demonstrated that administering a syrup containing a combination of snakehead fish extract, meniran, temulawak, and honey, developed by PT MMP, effectively reduced stunting prevalence.

Integrated Data Recording Through a Stunting Database System

Prof. Bens Pardamean, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Research Team in the Registry Study Report on Stunting Prevalence in Serdang Bedagai Regency, stated that this research innovation implemented systematic data recording through an Integrated Database System.

Read More: Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra

“Sergai has implemented several stunting intervention programs, including the distribution of PT MMP products, supplementary feeding (PMT), and a combination of both,” said Prof. Bens Pardamean while presenting the research findings during the Stunting Innovation Reflection Event with Bina Nusantara University on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

The event was attended by the Regent of Serdang Bedagai, H. Darma Wijaya, along with regional leaders from various districts and municipalities. Prof. Bens explained that the processes of data recording, storage, and access for analyzing the impact of programs or interventions on the growth and development of stunted children were conducted using the StuntingDB application.

Also present offline were the Head of the Indonesian National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN RI), dr. Hasto Wardoyo, Sp.OG (K), represented by the Deputy for Training, Research, and Development Prof. drh. Muhammad Rizal Martua Damanik, M.Rep.Sc., Ph.D. Other attendees included Prof. Dr. dr. Sarma Nursani Lumban Raja, Sp.OG (K), Dr. rer. dr. M. Ichwan, M.Sc. from the Faculty of Medicine, USU, the USU Faculty of Pharmacy research team led by Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Khairunnisa, S.Si., M.Pharm., Ph.D., and Sutristo, Director of PT MMP.

Significant Reduction in Stunting Cases After Data Validation

The number of stunted children in Serdang Bedagai initially reached 483 toddlers. After the first validation stage, which removed duplicate data, and the second validation stage, the data were refined to 219 toddlers from 17 community health centers.

Research Results Show Channa Syrup Product from PT MMP Provided the Most Significant Impact on Stunting Intervention

After six months of research, participant characteristics showed improvements in height growth, weight gain, appetite, and a reduction in the frequency of fever or diarrhea among toddlers.

“Overall, all three intervention programs demonstrated significant impact. However, the administration of Channa syrup product from PT MMP showed the most significant impact compared to the other two intervention programs,” said Prof. Bens Pardamean, who also serves as Director of the Bioinformatics & Data Science Research Center at BINUS University.

Participants who consumed the Channa syrup product from PT MMP experienced significant anthropometric improvements, with an average increase of 8.45 cm in height and 2.80 kg in body weight over a six-month period.

“The syrup containing a combination of snakehead fish extract, meniran, and temulawak developed by PT MMP has been proven to significantly reduce stunting rates,” Prof. Bens emphasized.

PT MMP’s Commitment to Mother and Child Health Products Based on Indonesian Natural Resources

Meanwhile, Sutristo, Director of PT MMP, explained that the company focuses on developing health products for mothers and children, utilizing Indonesia’s natural resources, particularly snakehead fish (Channa striata) as the main raw material.

The developed products cater to various life stages, including pregnant women, postpartum mothers, breastfeeding mothers, and children.

“To ensure raw material availability, the company has successfully cultivated snakehead fish using organic maggot feed and domesticated broodstock, ensuring sustainability and consistent product quality,” Sutristo stated.

Read More: ChannaFit Successfully Provides the Best Impact in Stunting Management Through a Research Collaboration by BINUS, USU, and PT MMP in Serdang Bedagai

Preclinical Testing by USU Shows Promising Results for Stunting Intervention

Preclinical testing of the syrup formulation containing a combination of snakehead fish extract, temulawak, meniran, and honey was also conducted by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara.

“Supplementation of the combined extracts in syrup form administered to test animals at a dose of 135 mg/kg body weight showed the best activity, followed by doses of 90 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg,” explained Imam Bagus Sumantri, Head of the Preclinical Testing Research Team.

Snakehead fish (Channa striata) is a local natural resource with high nutritional potential, containing a complete profile of essential amino acids that closely matches the body’s requirements, thereby supporting efforts to prevent malnutrition.

Meanwhile, temulawak, meniran, and honey contain compounds known to improve appetite. “The data indicate that the combination of snakehead fish extract, temulawak, meniran, and honey represents a promising approach for stunting intervention,” Sutristo concluded.

Source: Media Indonesia

The post Collaboration Between BINUS University, Serdang Bedagai Regency Government, USU, and PT MMP Successfully Reduced Stunting Rates by 38% in Serdang Bedagai Regency appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

The meeting was officially welcomed by Prof. Dr. Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Ph.D., Vice Rector of BINUS; Mr. Budi Sumalim from the Development Acceleration Team of Serdang Bedagai; and Mr. Selamat Hartono, Head of the Serdang Bedagai Health Office. Also present at the meeting was the Director of PT MMP, Mr. Sutristo.

In addition, the research team from USU and BINUS was led by Prof. Bens Pardamean, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. and Prof. Dr. dr. Sarma Nursani Lumban Raja, Sp.OG (K), accompanied by several members of the research team.

Read More: Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra

Stunting Remains a Major Health Problem Among Toddlers in Indonesia

Many people in Indonesia still do not fully understand what stunting is and how it affects children. Stunting is a condition of chronic malnutrition experienced by toddlers, resulting in impaired height, length, and weight growth compared to children of the same age.

Unlike acute malnutrition, stunting tends to occur as a long-term cycle rather than a temporary nutritional deficiency that can easily return to normal. Even worse, women who experienced stunting during childhood are more likely to give birth to children who also suffer from stunting.

Based on the 2019 Indonesian Toddler Nutrition Status Survey (SSGBI), the national stunting prevalence reached 27.67%, which is still considered high based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standard that targets a prevalence below 20%.

In North Sumatra Province, the stunting prevalence reached 30.11%, with several districts prioritized for stunting intervention programs in 2021. Approximately one-third of the nine million toddlers in Indonesia experience stunting (Ministry of Health Data and Information Center of Indonesia, 2018; UNICEF & Others, 2021).

According to the Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI), Serdang Bedagai is one of the regencies with a higher stunting prevalence than the national average, reaching 36.2% among toddlers aged 0–59 months.

Background and Objectives of the Research Collaboration on Stunting Management

Stunting remains a major health challenge in Indonesia. One of the main factors contributing to the ineffective handling of stunting is the lack of valid databases and the limited implementation of technology for storing stunting data, particularly at the district and village levels.

As a result, appropriate interventions to reverse the negative impacts of stunting cannot be optimally formulated. Therefore, this research collaboration aims to facilitate systematic data collection through a database management system using the StuntingDB application.

Real-time monitoring of stunting prevalence through statistical analysis in this application is carried out on children who are at risk of stunting in Serdang Bedagai. This initiative also supports the local health office in managing data in an accountable and consistent manner.

Based on this database, the Serdang Bedagai Health Office can evaluate stunting prevention programs such as Supplementary Feeding Programs (PMT), both local and national.

Remarks from the Director of PT MMP, Regional Government Representatives, and the Serdang Bedagai Health Office

At the opening of the meeting, Mr. Budi Sumalim from the Development Acceleration Team of Serdang Bedagai and Mr. Selamat Hartono, Head of the Serdang Bedagai Health Office, explained that 20 public health centers (puskesmas) were included in this research and had been visited directly by the BINUS research team.

Stunting problems currently arise mainly from family economic conditions, children’s eating patterns, and inadequate nutritional intake.

Therefore, the regional government and the health office have implemented various efforts to prevent stunting, starting from health education for prospective brides, socialization for pregnant women, direct intervention for toddlers, and improving environmental hygiene and sanitation.

These efforts aim to support the national stunting reduction target of 14% by 2024. Continuing the meeting, the Director of PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP), Mr. Sutristo, expressed his gratitude to the regional government, BINUS, and USU for their support in implementing this stunting research program.

He also emphasized that there is a significant data gap between the results of the SSGI survey and the actual stunting conditions in the field. Therefore, this research plays a crucial role in helping the government clarify real stunting data.

Based on the research results, Mr. Sutristo stated that the six-month study produced positive outcomes. Data showed that toddlers who received ChannaFit experienced faster growth and better weight gain compared to those who only received the PMT program such as biscuits, milk, eggs, and bread.

Presentation of the Research Collaboration Results by PT MMP, BINUS, and USU on Stunting Management in Serdang Bedagai

The research was conducted from July to December 2022 (six months), involving 20 public health centers, 6 urban villages, and 243 villages in Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra. The study participants were toddlers aged 13–59 months who met the stunting criteria (height-for-age z-score between -2 to -3 standard deviations) and were residents of Serdang Bedagai.

A registry study model was applied using the StuntingDB application developed by BINUS as a database system to monitor the growth (height and weight) of stunted toddlers in Serdang Bedagai.

During the research presentation, Reza Rahutomo, S.Kom., M.MSI., explained that there were 486 toddler data records registered in the StuntingDB. Three intervention programs were implemented: government PMT, ChannaFit supplementation, and a combination of both.

During the six-month observation period, 166 toddlers (75%) received ChannaFit, 38 toddlers (17%) received the combination of ChannaFit and PMT, and 14 toddlers (6%) received PMT only. Reza also explained that stunting can be genetically inherited from parents to children.

Role of Snakehead Fish, Meniran, and Temulawak in Stunting Prevention

The presentation continued with Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt., from the USU research team, who explained that stunting not only causes children to become shorter but also affects their cognitive development.

He stated that snakehead fish can be used as a nutritional source due to its high content of protein, albumin, and essential amino acids. Additionally, meniran and temulawak have been scientifically proven to increase children’s appetite.

He also presented a study conducted by the USU team titled “Preclinical Test of a Combination of Snakehead Fish Extract, Temulawak, Meniran, and Honey in Syrup Form for Stunting Prevention.”

This preclinical research aimed to identify the characteristics of the active compounds, the syrup formulation, and the effectiveness of the combination for stunting prevention.

The experimental method used male white rats aged 5–6 weeks with body weights of 100–150 grams. A total of 20 rats were adapted for seven days and divided into two control groups and three treatment groups for 56 days.

The results showed that the syrup combination at a dose of 135 mg/kg body weight produced the best activity, followed by doses of 90 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg. The highest body weight improvement reached 53.6%, while the lowest was 23.5%. These findings confirm that the combination can be used as a stunting intervention.

Read More: The Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PT MMP and Serdang Bedagai Health Service on Research Collaboration in Reducing Stunting

ChannaFit Successfully Helps Children Escape from Stunting with Significant Height and Weight Gain

During the six-month study period, 38% (81 children) were successfully freed from stunting, with an average height increase of 8.9 cm and a weight gain of 2.6 kg. Overall, all three stunting intervention programs produced significant improvements.

However, ChannaFit showed the most significant impact compared to the other programs. Participants who consumed ChannaFit experienced an average height increase of 8.45 cm and a weight gain of 2.80 kg.

The post ChannaFit Successfully Provides the Best Impact in Stunting Management Through a Research Collaboration by BINUS, USU, and PT MMP in Serdang Bedagai appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

As one of the invited participants, PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP) attended and took part in the official event by presenting its seaweed-based product innovation combined with snakehead fish (Channa striata) in the form of a prototype named Channa Film.
This was conveyed directly by the Director of PT MMP, Sutristo, who also delivered remarks and explanations.

“We are proud that this product has been well received by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, and the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, as the only seaweed-based pharmaceutical product showcased at the event,” Sutristo told reporters on Monday (7/11/2022).

Read More: Innovation of Natural-Based Wound Dressing Attracts Attention from Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries at Seaweed Fest 2021

Seaweed-Based Innovation by PT MMP Highly Appreciated by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment

Image of Seaweed as Indonesia’s “Green Gold” | Source: Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) RI

During SIFFEST 2022, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono conveyed five key programs for the blue economy sector in his opening speech.

More specifically, within the third program—development of environmentally friendly aquaculture in marine, coastal, and freshwater areas—Minister Sakti emphasized the government’s focus on empowering seaweed as Indonesia’s “green gold,” particularly the species Eucheuma cottonii, for which Indonesia is the world’s largest producer.

“We give high appreciation to PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals, which has introduced a breakthrough by creating a seaweed-based product combined with snakehead fish,” Sakti stated during the event.

A similar statement was delivered by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. Through his live-streamed remarks, Luhut expressed support for the innovation developed by PT MMP. He also emphasized his support for SIFFEST as a platform to accelerate and develop the seaweed industry from upstream to downstream.

“I hope this event serves as a forum for business and investment players while showcasing domestic seaweed-based product innovations, such as those developed by PT MMP,” Luhut said.

As a Form of Appreciation, the Ministry Offers Assistance to Support Product Development

The presence of Channa Film was warmly welcomed by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries as the only seaweed-based pharmaceutical product featured at the event. During the occasion, ministry staff specifically requested the MMP team—represented by Asep Aripin, S.Si., M.Farm—to submit a written proposal outlining the type of support needed for further development of this seaweed-based pharmaceutical product.

Read More: Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra

Channa Film as an Innovative Product to Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing

Guntur Berlian, M.Si., Scientific Affairs Manager of PT MMP, provided a detailed explanation of the product innovation and presented scientific evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of Channa Film in accelerating the healing of diabetic wounds in laboratory rats.

“Several wound-healing parameters such as wound contraction, epithelial and collagen growth, as well as neovascularization were reported by the research team from the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, as parameters proven to be accelerated by Channa Film,” Guntur explained during his presentation at SIFFEST 2022.

In his closing remarks, Guntur emphasized that in developing Channa Film, PT MMP still requires support and assistance from various parties, especially the government. Such assistance includes regulatory and policy support, as well as partnerships with investors for technology development, so that this prototype can be further refined and prepared for broader use.

The post Seaweed-Based Product Innovation by PT MMP Welcomed by Ministers at the 2022 Seaweed Investment and Forum Festival appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

At this official event, many unique products from selected local producers were presented, one of which was developed by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MPP) — introducing a natural wound dressing made from seaweed.

This wound dressing represents a new innovation that combines natural raw materials from seaweed and snakehead fish (Channa striata) extract, forming a wound care product known as Channa Film.

The exhibition was initiated by the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resource Surveillance (PSDKP) in collaboration with the Tropical Seaweed Innovation Network (TSIN), and held at the Ballroom of Mina Bahari III Building, the main office of the Ministry in Jakarta.

Read More: The Signing of Research Collaboration Agreement between PT MMP and FK USU

Channa Film Gains Special Attention from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

Unexpectedly, Channa Film drew special attention from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who also served as the keynote speaker at the event.

According to Minister Sakti, technological advancement and innovation in seaweed processing must be encouraged so that the results can be utilized as industrial supporting materials as well as innovative product applications — one of which is represented by Channa Film.

“This is one of the steps to address the challenges in seaweed downstream development. There is a link and match between seaweed research and development with the seaweed industry players, which will advance Indonesia’s national seaweed industry,” said Minister Sakti during his visit to the Channa Film booth.

Read More: Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra

The Advantages and Composition of Channa Film as a Natural Wound Dressing Innovation for General and Diabetic Wounds

Guntur Berlian, M.Sc, Scientific Affairs Manager of PT MMP, accompanied by researcher M. Ichwan from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sumatera Utara (USU), and Sutristo, Director of PT MMP, provided an explanation to Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and the Director General of PSDKP.

They explained that besides containing alginate and albumin, which are widely reported to play an important role in wound healing, Channa Film also contains kappa-carrageenan, a compound that provides superior adhesive potential and flexibility — helping reduce mechanical disruption on the wound area.

Guntur further elaborated that animal testing on Channa Film was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, USU. The study proved that applying Channa Film significantly accelerated wound healing in diabetic-induced test animals.

This indicates that the activity of Channa Film is not only potentially effective for treating common wounds, but also applicable for diabetic wounds.

“Currently, the clinical research phase for Channa Film is already underway,” Guntur added.

The post Innovation of Natural-Based Wound Dressing Attracts Attention from Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries at Seaweed Fest 2021 appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

This stunting prevention initiative is carried out by providing additional nutritional intake in the form of capsules or syrup made from snakehead fish cultivation. As part of its innovation efforts, PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP) has produced five types of snakehead fish–based processed products designed as supplementary nutrition for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers—recognized as highly beneficial in preventing early stunting.

Read More: Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Appreciates Sergai Regency Government and PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Developing Snakehead Fish

Appreciation from Hasim Djojohadikusumo for Snakehead Fish Cultivation by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP)

Acknowledging this development, philanthropist and national figure Hasim Djojohadikusumo expressed his appreciation and praise toward the modern snakehead fish cultivation carried out by MMP during his visit to the company’s factory and research facilities.

“Today we are observing the research facilities and the development of maggot facilities derived from flies, which can help address nutritional deficiencies in Indonesia. This is a significant innovation, including from snakehead fish cultivated in Serdang Bedagai. The progress and research are truly remarkable,” said Hasim during his visit to the snakehead fish processing plant in Dusun IV, Kota Galuh Village, Perbaungan District.

Hasim, who is also the younger brother of Indonesia’s Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, stated that products made from snakehead fish—such as Channa, Striatamin, ChannaFit, Channa Boost, and Channa Plus—represent an important innovation in addressing stunting growth in Indonesia. “I believe this is one of the most interesting solutions and responses to this national problem,” he remarked on July 17, 2022.

Meanwhile, Budi Sumalim, SE, expressed his gratitude for Hasim’s visit to Serdang Bedagai.

“Today, Mr. Hasim and his team are observing the snakehead fish processing facilities and their use in multivitamin products aimed at reducing stunting growth in Indonesia,” Budi stated in his remarks.

He further explained that Hasim was greatly impressed by how snakehead fish are fully optimized from upstream to downstream sectors in Serdang Bedagai.

“Snakehead fish are known to be challenging to cultivate. However, today in Serdang Bedagai, PT Mega Medica has succeeded—following two years of research—and in the last 10 months, we have successfully produced high-potential snakehead fish broodstock suitable for farmers and local communities,” said Budi Sumalim.

Read More: Serdang Bedagai Local Government Collaborates on Stunting Alleviation Research using Snakehead Fish and Striped Catfish Products

Various Processed Products from Snakehead Fish Cultivation

There are several snakehead fish–based products developed from this cultivation initiative:

1. Channa Striata
   A standardized herbal medicine (OHT) used to increase albumin levels through oral snakehead fish extract.
2. Channa Plus
   A combination of snakehead fish extract and sea cucumber that helps accelerate wound healing, increase albumin levels, support post-surgery recovery, and assist the healing of chronic conditions such as hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition.
3. Striatamin
   A supplement to help enhance the immune system, formulated from snakehead fish extract and turmeric extract.
4. ChannaFit
   A high-protein nutritional syrup for children, enriched with honey, meniran, and temulawak to support nutritional needs and strengthen the immune system.
5. Channa Boost
   A capsule supplement made from standardized natural ingredients including snakehead fish extract, meniran, and temulawak to help maintain strong immunity.

The post Hasim Djojohadikusumo Appreciates and Praises Snakehead Fish Cultivation to Reduce Stunting Rates by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

Their participation was marked by a special invitation from the Directorate General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, to attend the National Forum on the Independence and Resilience of the Pharmaceutical Industry. The event took place over two days, from November 8–9, 2021, at Eastparc Hotel, Yogyakarta.

MoU Signing between PT MMP and USU

The forum not only discussed national pharmaceutical resilience but also facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universitas Sumatera Utara and PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals. The collaboration focuses on the development of natural raw materials. The MoU was signed by Sutristo, Director of PT MMP, and Dr. KhairunnisaM Pharm, Ph.D, Apt., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at USU.

Recognition and Honor

According to Sutristo, this was an honor for both PT MMP and USU, especially as the forum featured General (Ret.) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, as the keynote speaker. The event was officially opened by Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Sp.PD, Ph.D, KEMD.

“We are truly proud of this invitation, especially since the event was attended by Mr. Luhut Pandjaitan, representatives of the House of Representatives Commission IX, and Dr. Mego Pinandito, M.Eng, Deputy for Research Utilization and Innovation at the National Research Agency, who joined virtually,” said Sutristo.

Commitment to Research and Development

Sutristo emphasized that the MoU represents a research collaboration agreement for both ongoing projects and future phytopharmaceutical products. This, he explained, is part of PT MMP and USU’s commitment to contributing to the independence and resilience of Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry.

“Our commitment is clear, especially after hearing the statement from the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who confirmed the government’s strong support for the development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry. He even stated that the government has decided to purchase pharmaceutical products once they are produced locally. We are ready for this—we are prepared to meet domestic pharmaceutical needs and reduce dependency on imported products,” Sutristo added.

Proving Global Competitiveness

Furthermore, Sutristo underlined that PT MMP’s participation demonstrates that Indonesian pharmaceutical products are on par with those from other countries.

“We want to prove that we are not inferior to countries like India, Bangladesh, and even Pakistan, whose pharmaceutical industries are currently growing rapidly,” he concluded.

The post PT MMP and USU Participate in the Independence and Resilience of the Pharmaceutical Industry appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

Read More: Faculty of Pharmacy USU, PT Akar Rimba, and PT MMP Receive RISTEK/BRIN Research Grant for the Development of Natural Products to Prevent Covid-19

Recognition for Sergai as a Pilot Project in Snakehead Fish Development in Indonesia

Assistant Deputy for Downstreaming of Marine Resources, Ir. Amalyos, M.M., emphasized during the Coordination Meeting on the Utilization of Snakehead Fish Development in Indonesia for Stunting and Covid-19 Prevention (26 October 2021), that Sergai is considered a pilot project, champion, and showcase in snakehead fish cultivation.

“This is truly an outstanding achievement. Snakehead fish, which was never regarded as a superior commodity, has now contributed to the local economy and raised Sergai’s profile nationally and internationally,” he remarked.

Amalyos further highlighted that the ecosystem developed in Sergai includes both upstream and downstream sectors. “What makes this even more interesting is that not only is the upstream prepared, but also the downstream. With cooperatives and key players already in place, this has become an extraordinary industrial ecosystem,” he added.

MIGI: Sergai Should Become a Learning Business Center

Chairman of the Indonesian Snakehead Fish Community (MIGI), Yunan Rhedian, stated that Sergai has the potential to become a learning business center for snakehead fish cultivation.

According to him, the government should fully support the efforts of the Sergai Regency Government in strengthening this sector.

“There should be a dedicated area that continually acts as an engine to produce snakehead fish, just like Sergai,” Yunan explained.

He added that Sergai already has adequate infrastructure with PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals serving as both an industry partner and an off-taker for community-based snakehead fish production.

PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals: Commitment to Innovation in Snakehead-Based Products

Director of PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP), Sutristo, highlighted the company’s commitment to continuously supporting snakehead fish cultivation, ensuring added value for the commodity.

MMP has developed various supplements made from snakehead fish, in both capsule and syrup formulations, which have already been approved by Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM). These products are beneficial for the prevention of stunting and Covid-19, developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU).

Sutristo also underlined the need for superior snakehead fish genetics that are easy to cultivate.

“We can adapt snakehead fish genetics to specific needs. For consumption, fast-growing varieties are required. For pharmaceutical use, varieties with high albumin content are necessary. Currently, Indonesia’s demand for injectable albumin is still 100% met through imports,” he explained.

Read More: The Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PT MMP and Serdang Bedagai Health Service on Research Collaboration in Reducing Stunting

Targeting Self-Sufficiency in Albumin Production

PT MMP aims to achieve independence in producing albumin-based medicines in Indonesia. Alongside oral supplements such as capsules and syrups, the company has also developed snakehead fish extracts combined with Phyllanthus niruri (chanca piedra) and Curcuma xanthorrhiza (temulawak) to enhance immunity and address stunting.

“To meet Indonesia’s high demand for albumin, which is still fully imported, we are committed to pursuing continuous research innovations with universities and researchers. Our goal is to eventually produce injectable albumin derived from snakehead fish domestically,” Sutristo concluded.

The post Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Appreciates Sergai Regency Government and PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals in Developing Snakehead Fish appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

From a total of 902 research proposals submitted by various universities and research institutions across Indonesia, 139 proposals were selected for meeting the required criteria. One of the selected studies has also been published in the prestigious international scientific journal Scientific Reports.

Among the selected proposals, 30 focus on prevention research, which will be further developed through downstream processes such as research, development, assessment, and application. The aim is to produce outcomes that can be utilized by the community in efforts to control Covid-19.

During the official announcement of the second phase on July 10, 2020, the Minister of Research and Technology, Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro, S.E., M.UP., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of collaboration in the consortium.

“Research today must prioritize collaboration and synergy between researchers, industry partners, and the government as regulator and facilitator,” he stated.

The Minister also highlighted the urgent need to develop supplements in the prevention sector to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. He further stressed that these supplements must meet quality standards and comply with clinical procedures.

“The development of proposed supplements in this program must strictly follow complete procedures,” he added.

One of the projects that successfully passed the selection stage is the research on developing a natural product combination derived from Channa striata (snakehead fish), Phyllanthus niruri (chanca piedra), and Curcuma xanthorrhiza (temulawak) for Covid-19 prevention.

This research, led by Chief Investigator Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt., is a collaboration between the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FF USU), PT Akar Rimba (AR), and PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP). Both companies have extensive experience in extracting snakehead fish for more than five years. Together, they aim to develop an immunomodulatory product to strengthen the human immune system.

The project, titled “Development of Capsule Formulation of Snakehead Fish, Phyllanthus niruri, and Curcuma xanthorrhiza Extracts as an Immunomodulator for Covid-19 Prevention”, is considered highly promising as a potential daily supplement to maintain immunity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Broadly, the study seeks to explore the pharmacological benefits of combining these three natural ingredients, each of which is already known to possess significant immunomodulatory properties when used individually.

Previous studies have shown that snakehead fish, rich in protein and particularly albumin, plays an important role in macrophage activation. Meanwhile, Phyllanthus niruri contains phyllanthin, and Curcuma xanthorrhiza contains curcumin—both compounds known to enhance macrophage function and boost antibody synthesis within the immune system.

More specifically, this research—covering both pre-clinical and clinical stages—will examine the combined effects of snakehead fish, chanca piedra, and temulawak extracts in activating macrophages, T cells, and B cells. The goal is to help prevent transmission, accelerate clinical recovery, and reduce hospitalization time for Covid-19 patients.

With a well-structured research design, a competent team of scientists, and strategic collaboration with industry partners to ensure high-quality and controlled pharmaceutical products, this study is expected to produce significant outcomes for Covid-19 prevention.

The post Faculty of Pharmacy USU, PT Akar Rimba, and PT MMP Receive RISTEK/BRIN Research Grant for the Development of Natural Products to Prevent Covid-19 appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

Furthermore, the management of PT MMP through its representatives expressed their prayers and concerns regarding this pandemic and addressed messages to the medical staffs to always maintain their personal health.  Acknowledgments were conveyed by representatives from each hospital. They mentioned that the donation of immunostimulant supplements are very much needed by the medical staffs who have directly and daily contacted with COVID-19 patients. By increasing the immunity of the medical staffs, it is expected that the risk of contracting the disease can also be reduced.

The post Donation of PT MMP to Several Hospitals in Indonesia for COVID-19 Prevention appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.

As the continuous commitment, MMP will ensure that all of their products comply with BPOM requirement on product quality. MMP will also be continuing to provide more scientific evidences of the efficacy of Channa product and its variants.

The post Channa: The Only OHT of Snakehead Fish Extract in a Capsule Form appeared first on Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals.