IPB University Professor Promotes Bioinformatics System for Precision Medicine Based on Natural Materials
Indonesia is known as a megabiodiversity country. More than 80 percent of the world’s medicinal plants are found here. In an area of 143 million hectares of tropical forest, there are around 30.000-40.000 species of medicinal plants, more than 1.000 of which have pharmacological potential.
However, of the approximately 11.000 herbal products registered with the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), only 69 are Standardized Herbal Medicines (OHT) and 25 are categorized as phytopharmaceuticals. This fact shows the need for a new scientific approach in the development of natural ingredient-based medicine.
Responding to this, Prof Wisnu Ananta Kusuma, Professor of IPB University from the School of Data Science, Mathematics, and Informatics emphasized the importance of the bioinformatics system approach in supporting precision medicine based on Indonesia’s biological wealth.
“Our natural ingredients still stop as herbal medicine and have not been upgraded to drugs that can be prescribed,” he told the media crew during the press conference of the Pre Scientific Oration of Professor of IPB University, Thursday (7/10) online.
According to him, the biggest challenge of natural materials is their multicomponent and multitarget nature. This is different from synthetic drugs which usually only have one active compound for one biological target.
“Therefore, a holistic approach is needed that can be analyzed through bioinformatics systems,” he explained.
Systems bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary approach that combines systems biology, computing, mathematics, statistics, and omics technologies such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
By utilizing computational algorithms, machine learning, and deep learning, this approach enables comprehensive mapping of compound and biological target interactions. “The goal is to present therapies that are safer, more effective, and in accordance with the genetic profile of the Indonesian people,” said Prof Wisnu.
To support this effort, he has designed six main strategies. First, formulating a scientific framework for the multicomponent-multitarget approach. Second, formulating an in silico workflow based on bioinformatics systems. Third, developing computational algorithms such as Disassembly Greedy Modularity (DGM), Community Consideration Centrality (CCC), and Skyline Query.
Fourth, building an integrative platform called iPrime (Integrative Platform for Research in Indonesian Herbal Medicine Ecosystem) which becomes the center of bioinformatics data and analytics. Fifth, strengthening human resources (HR). Sixth, establishing a research collaboration network with national institutions.
Although there are still challenges such as limited bioactive data, clinical trials, and low industry involvement, Prof Wisnu is optimistic that IPB University can become a center for the integration of science and technology in the development of precision medicine based on natural ingredients.
“IPB University can become a center for the development of drugs made from natural ingredients based on bioinformatics systems and bridge the transfer of research results to the industrial sector,” he said.
Precision medicine based on natural ingredients is believed to be a holistic solution based on science, technology, and Indonesia’s biological wealth that is beneficial for national health and globally competitive.
“The integration of science, digital technology, and biological wealth is the key to presenting therapies that are in accordance with the genetic diversity of Indonesian society,” he concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/KQA)
