This patented formula enables the production of various cell types—such as immune cells (macrophages and dendritic cells), endothelial cells, fibroblasts, heart, lung, and liver cells—using a single media type. The xeno-free nature of the press significantly reduces the risk of contamination, offering a higher safety standard for clinical applications. Professor Hannan explained, “This patent is a major step toward ensuring that cell therapy becomes safer and more reliable, particularly for large-scale clinical applications.”
Safer and More Efficient Stem Cell Therapy To date, stem cell therapy has been limited by the high costs and risks associated with the use of animal-based culture media. The xeno-free innovation developed by Rizal eliminates these risks, making therapy safer and more affordable. “Currently, treatments use animal-based media that are prone to contamination. Our new media guarantees higher safety, consistency, and efficiency, which is crucial for clinical applications,” Rizal explained.
This xeno-free stem cell technology offers numerous benefits, including being free from animal components, thus reducing the risk of pathogen contamination; using a well-defined composition to provide consistent treatment outcomes; applying to various cell types, from liver to heart cells, across a range of medical applications; and being scalable for mass production at a lower cost than similar products, making stem cell therapy more accessible.
This technology not only has a significant impact on the scientific world but also the wider community. In the future, patients with genetic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or organ failure could benefit from safer and more personalized stem cell therapies. Additionally, Rizal has successfully developed induced stem cells specifically for Indonesia, known as RI (Republic of Indonesia) cells. These cells can be used in treatments tailored to Indonesian patients, ensuring higher success rates in treating genetic disorders.
Commenting on this achievement, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., Dean of FTUI, stated, “Rizal Azis’s achievement in securing this international patent is a testament to the dedication and quality of research produced by the academic community of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia. This innovation not only contributes significantly to global healthcare but also elevates Indonesia’s name in the international scientific arena. Such healthcare technology could not be achieved without cross-disciplinary, cross-country, and cross-field collaboration that mutually supports each other. This kind of cooperation enables scientific breakthroughs that truly impact the wider society.”
The Dean of FTUI also added that this patent marks a step forward, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in creating healthcare solutions that are not only efficient but also affordable for the public. “With this safer and more easily producible technology, it is hoped that stem cell-based therapies can be accessed by more people in Indonesia, while also enhancing domestic research capacity.”
This innovation has garnered interest from seven international biotechnology companies from the UK, Canada, and Germany, which are interested in producing this technology globally. The success of this xeno-free technology positions Indonesia as a key player in the rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine. Rizal’s achievement is a monumental accomplishment for the scientific and medical communities.
This discovery has the potential to pave the way for more effective large-scale stem cell therapies worldwide, benefiting millions of people in need of advanced medical treatments.
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