Rizal Azis, a lecturer in the Biomedical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering (FT) Universitas Indonesia (UI), has successfully obtained a patent in the UK for his innovative discovery: xeno-free stem cell culture media (free from animal components). This innovation, developed with Professor Nick Hannan from the University of Nottingham since 2020, is expected to revolutionize stem cell research and therapy worldwide, especially in clinical applications. Rizal developed the stem cell innovation while continuing his doctoral education at the University of Nottingham, UK (October 2020 – August 2024).
This patented formula allows the production of various types of cells—such as immune cells (macrophages and dendritic cells), endothelial cells, fibroblasts, heart, lung, and liver cells—using one type of media. The xeno-free nature of this media significantly reduces the risk of contamination, thus providing a higher safety standard in clinical applications. Professor Hannan explained, “This patent is a major step in ensuring that cell therapy becomes safer and more reliable, especially 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 the therapy safer and more affordable. “Currently, treatment uses animal-based media that are susceptible to contamination. Our new media ensures higher safety, consistency and efficiency, which are very important for clinical applications,” Rizal explained.
This xeno-free stem cell technology offers a variety of benefits, including being free from animal components, thus reducing the risk of pathogen contamination (xeno-free); using a well-defined composition that provides consistent treatment results; can be used for various types of cells, from the liver cells to heart cells, in various 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 has not only had a major impact on the world of science, but also on society at large. In the future, patients with genetic disorders, cardiovascular disease, or organ failure may benefit from safer and more personalized stem cell therapy. In addition, Rizal has also succeeded in developing Indonesian-specific induced stem cells called RI (Republic of Indonesia) cells. These cells can be used in treatments 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 real evidence of the dedication and quality of research produced by the academic community of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia. This innovation not only makes a major contribution to the world of global health, but also elevates Indonesia’s name in the international scientific arena. This kind of health technology would not have been achieved without cross-disciplinary, cross-country, and cross-field collaboration that supports each other. This kind of collaboration enables scientific breakthroughs that truly impact the wider community.”
The Dean of FTUI also added that this patent is a step forward that underlines 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, hopefully, stem cell-based therapy 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 this xeno-free technology positions 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.
This discovery has the potential to pave the way for the implementation of more effective large-scale stem cell therapy worldwide, benefiting millions of people in need of advanced medical treatment.
