Genomic and Stem Cell Research for Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases: Experience from Persahabatan Hospital

Abstract

Background: Chronic lung diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis, remain major health challenges in Indonesia. In recent years, genomics-based approaches and regenerative therapies have become two rapidly growing areas of research to support more precise diagnosis and treatment. Persahabatan Hospital, as a national referral hospital for respiratory diseases, plays an important role in the implementation of genomic research through the Biomedical and Genome Science Initiative (BGSi), particularly in TB with a targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) approach. At the same time, Persahabatan Hospital has also initiated stem cell research programs aimed at establishing a regenerative therapy platform for chronic respiratory diseases. The current focus is on the clinical evaluation of umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) as an adjuvant therapy for COPD, utilizing GMP-certified stem cell products provided by an external partner.

Methods: This article is an institutional review describing the progress of genomic and stem cell research at Persahabatan Hospital, as well as its future development direction. The information is compiled based on the BGSi program report, RSP scientific publications, and the institutional research strategic plan.

Results: Through BGSi, RSP has achieved genomic infrastructure readiness, ranging from specimen collection from health facilities in 26 provinces and specimen processing in 12 DST Labs to sequencing and bioinformatics analysis in 12 tNGS Labs. The implementation of tNGS has supported rapid diagnosis, drug resistance mapping, and strengthening of the national TB surveillance system. Meanwhile, the stem cell research has entered the clinical translation phase, conducting a randomized, double-blind trial of UC-MSCs as adjuvant therapy in Group E COPD patients. The trial aims to evaluate safety, efficacy, and immunomodulatory effects on cytokine profiles (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10). The study involves collaboration with an accredited GMP-certified cell processing facility, while the hospital’s long-term goal is to gradually develop internal expertise and infrastructure in cellular therapy.

Conclusion: Advances in genomic and stem cell research at Persahabatan Hospital demonstrate concrete steps toward integrating precision medicine and regenerative therapy in respiratory care. Continuous capacity building, regulation compliance, and multidisciplinary collaboration are crucial to achieving clinical implementation that benefits patients and strengthens national biomedical innovation.