BPOM: Regulatory Science to Oversee Rapid Microbiome-Based Innovation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has emphasised the importance of strengthening regulatory science to ensure that microbiome-based products are developed based on adequate scientific evidence, ensuring that safety and clinical effectiveness align with product characteristics and claims.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar, in a statement in Jakarta on Monday, stated that developments in microbiome research open opportunities for its use in treating various conditions, ranging from infections, metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders, and immune-related diseases, to oncology. Such research also supports the development of new diagnostics, therapies, biotherapeutic products, and nutritional interventions.
“The potential for developing microbiome-based therapies is also reflected in projections by Grand View Research, which estimates the global market will reach US$255.1 million by 2026 and increase to over US$1 billion by 2030,” he said.
According to Ikrar, the microbiome is one of the most promising fields in modern life sciences. Microbiome studies expand our understanding of human health, including how the body interacts with the trillions of microorganisms living within it.
However, such innovation must be supported by strong scientific evidence to ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness before being utilised by the public.
“Regulatory science must evolve alongside scientific innovation. Regulators play a vital role in protecting the public, ensuring product quality, and maintaining the integrity of health claims, while simultaneously creating a regulatory environment that supports responsible, evidence-based innovation,” he added.
He further noted that developing a microbiome ecosystem requires collaboration between academics, clinicians, researchers, regulators, policymakers, and industry. In this context, Indonesia and Malaysia have the opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the fields of microbiome and regulatory science, particularly within the scope of ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific.
Collaboration can be achieved through joint research, scientific exchange, capacity building, the development of standards and methodologies, and dialogue regarding regulatory approaches for microbiome-based products. This approach aligns with the ‘Academia, Business, and Government’ (ABG) collaboration concept promoted by BPOM to unite the strengths of science, industrial innovation, and regulatory functions.
“On behalf of BPOM RI, we support this important initiative and are ready to explore sustainable cooperation in scientific exchange, capacity building, regulatory science, and innovation,” said Taruna Ikrar.