BPOM: Gene Therapy Requires Strong Regulations to Ensure Benefits

The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) stated that rapidly advancing gene therapy, as a precision medicine approach, requires robust science-based regulatory governance to ensure tangible benefits for the public. “Regulation is about safeguarding hope,” said BPOM Chief Taruna Ikrar in a statement in Jakarta on Monday. This was stated by Taruna Ikrar when he received an academic appointment as an Adjunct Professor in Advanced Cell Gene Therapy Pharmacology from UTMSPACE Services in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Taruna explained that genetic therapy is advancing rapidly on a global scale as a precision medicine approach, targeting the biological roots of diseases through modification or replacement of specific genes. Furthermore, advancements in technologies such as gene therapy, precision medicine, and artificial intelligence must be regulated to maintain public safety and trust. Therefore, Taruna stated that all new drugs, vaccines, and therapies must undergo rigorous scientific review. He urged Southeast Asian nations not only to be technology users but also active contributors to its development. He noted that the academic event in Malaysia also served as a platform for exchanging ideas on strengthening health innovation and regulatory readiness at the regional level. In line with scientific progress, the agency continues to strengthen food and drug oversight through science-based approaches, international standardisation, and enhanced collaboration to ensure health products meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards. The honour was conferred in recognition of the BPOM Chief’s academic contributions in biomedicine, neuroscience, pharmacology, cell and gene therapy, and public health. For over two decades, he has actively developed interdisciplinary research, including brain mapping, neuropharmacology, and modern cell- and gene-based therapy approaches.