Partnership with CIDER Osaka University

INCREASE and the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CIDER) at Osaka University have formalized a strategic partnership to advance infectious disease research and clinical laboratory capabilities in Indonesia, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on 13 July 2025 at the Biomedical Campus in Tangerang, Banten.

CIDER, founded in 2021, is one of Japan's premier centers for infectious disease science, with a strong track record in viral immunology, outbreak preparedness, and translational research. The center brings expertise in emerging pathogens including coronaviruses, arboviruses, and hemorrhagic fever viruses that are endemic or epidemic risk areas across Asia.

INCREASE contributes its integrated clinical research and laboratory testing infrastructure to the partnership. With an in-house central reference laboratory operating an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system, and a network of qualified clinical sites across Indonesia, INCREASE provides the on-the-ground capability to translate scientific discoveries into validated clinical outcomes.

The collaboration will focus on three primary areas. First, joint infectious disease surveillance studies leveraging INCREASE's site network to gather epidemiological and serological data across diverse Indonesian populations. Second, development and clinical validation of novel diagnostic tools and assays developed by CIDER's research teams. Third, capacity building programs that will train Indonesian laboratory scientists and clinical research staff in cutting-edge infectious disease methodologies.

Indonesia is a priority geography for infectious disease research due to its diverse ecological niches, high population density, and status as a hotspot for emerging pathogens. Strengthening local research infrastructure is critical to ensuring that outbreak detection and response happens at the source, rather than being dependent on external expertise.

Dr. Robby Hertanto, CEO of INCREASE, stated: 'This partnership with CIDER Osaka University marks a milestone in our mission to build world-class clinical research infrastructure in Southeast Asia. By combining our local expertise with CIDER's scientific leadership, we can accelerate high-quality research that directly protects public health in Indonesia and the region.'

The partnership is expected to result in multiple joint publications, grant applications, and co-developed research protocols over the next three years, with the first collaborative study planned to commence in the first quarter of 2026.