Rizal Azis, a lecturer at the Biomedical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering (FT), Universitas Indonesia (UI), won a patent in the UK for his innovative invention: xeno-free stem cell culture media (free from animal components). The innovation, which was developed with Professor Nick Hannan from the University of Nottingham since 2020, is expected to be able to revolutionize stem cell research and therapy around the world, especially in clinical applications. Rizal developed stem cell innovation (steam cell) while continuing his doctoral education at the University of Nottingham, England (October 2020 – August 2024).
This patented formula allows the production of different cell types—such as immune cells (macrophages and dendritic cells), endothelial cells, fibroblasts, heart, lung, and liver cells—using a single type of media. The xeno-free nature of these media significantly reduces the risk of contamination, thus providing a higher standard of safety in clinical applications. As Professor Hannan explains, “This patent is a major step in ensuring that cell therapies become safer and more reliable, especially for large-scale clinical applications.”
Safer and More Efficient Stem Cell Therapy
So far, stem cell therapy has been limited by the high cost 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, treatment uses animal-based media that is susceptible to contamination. Our new media guarantees safety, consistency, and higher efficiency, which is critical for clinical applications,” Rizal explained.
This xeno-free stem cell technology offers various benefits, including: free from animal components, thereby reducing the risk of pathogen contamination (xeno-free); using a well-defined composition that provides consistent treatment results; It can be used for a wide range of cell types, from liver cells to heart cells, in a variety of medical applications; and can be produced on a large scale at a lower cost than similar products, making stem cell therapy more accessible.
This technology not only has a great impact on the world of science, but also the wider community. In the future, patients with genetic disorders, cardiovascular disease, or organ failure could benefit from safer and more personalized stem cell therapy. In addition, Rizal also succeeded in developing Indonesia-specific induced stem cells called RI (Republic of Indonesia) cells. These cells can be used in treatment tailored to Indonesian patients, ensuring a higher success rate in treating genetic disorders.
Responding to this achievement, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., Dean of FTUI said, “Rizal Azis’ achievement in obtaining this international patent is clear evidence of the dedication and quality of research produced by the academic community of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia. This innovation not only makes a great contribution to the global health world, but also raises Indonesia’s name in the international scientific arena. This kind of health technology will not be achieved without cross-science, cross-country, and cross-field collaboration that supports each other. Collaborations like this allow for scientific breakthroughs that truly impact society at large.”
The Dean of FTUI also added that this patent is a step forward that underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in creating health solutions that are not only efficient, but also affordable for the community. “With this safer and easier to produce technology, it is hoped that stem cell-based therapies can be accessed by more people in Indonesia, while increasing domestic research capacity.”
This innovation has attracted interest from seven international biotechnology companies from the UK, Canada, and Germany, who are interested in producing this technology globally. The success of xeno-free technology places Indonesia as a key player in the rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine. Rizal’s achievement is a monumental achievement for the scientific and medical community.
The discovery could potentially pave the way for more effective large-scale stem cell therapy applications around the world, benefiting millions of people in need of advanced medical treatments.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
