Use of samples from biobanks for commercial purposes – JournalClub no.053

Exploring how biobanks communicate the possibility of commercial access and its associated benefits and risks in participant documents

Bio-banks and biomedical research repositories rely on volunteer participants who provide their samples and associated data. These banks aim to advance medical knowledge and improve health outcomes, but there are concerns about international sample and data sharing and relationships between public/private and non-profit/profit organizations.

How Bio-banks are Advancing Medical Knowledge and Improving Health Outcomes

While the purpose of bio-banks is to support health research, participants must be informed of the potential benefits and risks associated with their contribution. The samples collected are often used to study diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Some bio-banks offer participants the option to receive additional or incidental findings, which are carefully communicated and provided by a clinical practitioner.

Commercial Interaction with Bio-banks - The Question of Ethics

One issue that arises in the use of bio-banks is the question of whether they should interact with the commercial sector. While some bio-banks permit commercial organizations to access samples and data, stringent data governance policies ensure that only organizations that meet specific access requirements can access the data. However, the absence of information about commercial interactions can lead to mistrust among potential participants.

Addressing Concerns about Public/Private Interactions in Bio-banking

To address this issue, bio-banks should provide more information about the nature of public/private interactions, including the associated benefits and risks. Websites can be used to enlighten participants about these interactions, but they should not be the only means of addressing concerns. Population conversation should be centered on lay people, who should be involved in decisions about access to a bio-bank’s resources

Nuanced Approach to Risk and Benefit Communication in Bio-banking for Maintaining Sample Integrity

It is also important to recognize the blurred lines between public and private entities and activities, which can lead to polarized discourse. A nuanced approach is needed to address the important issues of risk and benefit communication in bio-banking. Sample storage conditions and preanalytics play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the samples and the associated data. By communicating these factors effectively, bio-banks can help participants make informed decisions about their contribution and support the advancement of medical knowledge for the public good.

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