Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are medicinal products based on genes, tissues or cells. ATMPs can be an opportunity for new innovations in disease treatment, with 36 gene and cell therapy products currently approved by the US FDA.

Regenerative medicine and cell therapy in Indonesia is currently still limited to research-based therapy services, there is no local industry that conducts mass production and circulates ATMPs products in Indonesia.

Stem cells are cells of the human body with special abilities, namely being able to renew or regenerate themselves (self regenerate / self renewal) and being able to differentiate into other specific cells (differentiate).

Stem cells and/or cells used for health care purposes are sourced from humans. The cells are obtained from voluntary donors without asking for compensation, and are prohibited from being traded. Animal and plant sources are not allowed.

In Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning health, it is stipulated that cell-based therapies and or stem cells can be carried out if their safety and usefulness are proven, for healing diseases and restoring health, and are prohibited for reproduction. In addition, the stem cells as intended may not come from embryonic stem cells.

The Directorate General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia through the Directorate of Pharmaceutical and Health Equipment Resilience in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a Workshop on Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy in Jakarta on April 30, 2024 involving Japanese institutions, Ministries / Agencies, Associations / Organizations, Hospitals Providing Research Based on Stem Cell Therapy Services, Stem Cell Industry, Stem Cell Processing Laboratories, CROs and Higher Education Researchers in the field of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy.

This workshop aims to encourage regenerative medicine and cell therapy in Indonesia, carried out by the method of conveying information with panel discussion sessions that are expected to broaden the knowledge and perspectives of stakeholders related to stem cells, both from the industry and hospital point of view.

In her opening remarks, Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices L. Rizka Andalucia expressed her appreciation for JICA's support in supporting the Ministry of Health's programs, especially in organizing the Workshop on Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy.

"Indonesia always strives to expand global cooperation and collaboration to improve public health resilience," said the Director General.