BPOM partners with 187 universities to boost ATMP ecosystem

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has partnered with 187 top domestic universities to boost the advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) ecosystem through research, innovation, and commercialization.

BPOM head Taruna Ikrar highlighted the move in Jakarta on Tuesday during the signing of a joint commitment with several institutions, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, to develop the country’s stem cell therapy ecosystem.

Ikrar explained that Indonesia has so far authorized only one type of ATMP, which is still imported. By comparison, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 48 ATMP products, while Japan has authorized around 26.

He added that the global market potential for ATMPs reached US$50 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow by 14.15 percent annually.

“As a result, it is predicted to triple or quadruple in the near future—a 200 percent increase from current levels,” he said.

To address this, the agency is actively supporting research by offering guidance on preclinical trials, in addition to working closely with key stakeholders.

He explained that one of the innovative products currently undergoing trials aims to treat osteoarthritis, a condition affecting many Indonesians.

On the same occasion, Director General of Research and Development at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Mohammad Fauzan Adziman, said that through its Hilirisasi initiative, the ministry aims to advance innovations toward commercialization.

Part of these efforts includes collaboration with BPOM, he noted, adding that around 4,000 healthcare research projects across Indonesia are being funded in 2026.

He expressed hope that such initiatives will support lecturers to conduct meaningful research backed by scientific evidence that leads to commercially viable products.