Prof Huda S Darusman: Research Should Not Only Focus on Finding Drugs/Vaccines, the National Biomedical Industry Ecosystem Needs Attention
Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB) at IPB University, Prof drh Huda S Darusman, emphasized the importance of utilizing Indonesia’s biological resources scientifically, ethically, and sustainably through a pharmacological and comparative medicine approach.
According to Prof Huda, strengthening biomedical research in Indonesia should not only be oriented towards discovering new drugs or vaccines, but also towards developing a national biomedical industry ecosystem. This industry has great potential to address various global challenges, ranging from degenerative diseases due to increased life expectancy to the need for new medicines based on local resources.
“We need to combine the scientific frameworks of pharmacology and comparative medicine so that Indonesia’s biological resources have real added value, both scientifically and economically,” said Prof Huda during his speech at the IPB University Professor Scientific Open Session (10/25).
He explained that comparative medicine is a multidisciplinary approach that connects human, animal, and environmental health within a single One Health framework. This approach enables scientists to understand biological similarities between species, allowing animals to be used as scientific models (animal models) in disease research and drug development for humans.
The use of Indonesian primates, such as long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina), is an important example in biomedical research. The taxonomic and physiological similarities between primates and humans make them ideal for translational research, which is an important stage in the transition from laboratory research to clinical application.
“Primates have a high genetic and physiological similarity to humans. From the molecular, cellular, to organismal levels, they can serve as accurate models for testing the efficacy and safety of drugs,” explained Prof Huda.
Through a series of studies at IPB University, he has proven the effectiveness of the comparative biomedical approach. Some of the results include the development of a COVID-19 antibody detection kit and research on the active ingredient in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), which has potential as an anti-cancer agent in animal model cells. This series of studies shows that this approach can accelerate the transformation of natural resources into superior pharmaceutical products.
However, Prof Huda emphasized the importance of bioprospecting ethics, so that the exploration of biological resources does not lead to exploitation.
“Every use must take into account ethical, moral, scientific, and legal aspects. The use of animals, especially primates, must be done responsibly and with a focus on conservation,” he said.
Furthermore, he hopes for synergy between academics, industry, and government to strengthen the research ecosystem and biomedical industry development in Indonesia. With its mastery of technology in the fields of biotechnology, pharmacology, and comparative medicine, Indonesia has a great opportunity to become a center of health innovation in Asia.
“Through a measurable scientific approach and the ethical use of resources, we can realize a productive, sustainable biomedical industry that brings great benefits to humans, animals, and the environment,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)
