Finding the Value in Biobanks: Enhancing the CTRNet Locator

Specimen sharing for epidemic preparedness: Building a virtual biorepository system from local governance to global partnerships

We present a framework for a federated, virtual biorepository system (VBS) with locally collected and managed specimens, as a 'global public good' model based on principles of equitable access and benefit sharing. The VBS is intended to facilitate timely access to biological specimens and associated data for outbreak-prone infectious diseases to accelerate the development and evaluation of diagnostics, assess vaccine efficacy, and to support surveillance and research needs. The VBS is aimed to be aligned with the WHO BioHub and other specimen sharing efforts as a force multiplier to meet the needs of strengthening global tools for countering epidemics. The purpose of our initial research is to lay the basis of the collaboration, management and principles of equitable sharing focused on low- and middle-income country partners. Here we report on surveys and interviews undertaken with biorepository-interested parties to better understand needs and barriers for specimen access and share examples from the ZIKAlliance partnership on the governance and operations of locally organized biorepositories.

Review of Indicators in the Context of Biobanking

Background: Biobanks that intend to serve as high-performing and stable elements of an innovative research ecosystem must have an established system for regular measurement and evaluation using appropriately set indicators. The main objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of indicators in the context of biobanking, with new perspectives to highlight the existence of numerous options and introduce indicators that could help overcome problems associated with the difficult assessment of the impact of biobanks. Methods: A literature review was performed to identify publications relevant to the topic of indicators in biobanking. The Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases were searched using specific keywords. In addition, three articles that focused on indicators designed for the evaluation of research infrastructures were included in the review. Results: Based on the scientific literature for the biobanking field, many types of quantitative and qualitative indicators exist. They are mainly related to the quantity and quality of data and samples, their distribution, the monitoring of research projects, and subsequent publication outputs. The indicators identified in the biobanking literature primarily focus on the outcome, not the impact. Conclusions: Indicators identified in the biobanking literature may be further expanded with suggestions designed for other types of research infrastructures, while considering the context where biobanks operate and the needs of individual biobanking stakeholders. The establishment of a comprehensive monitoring system that captures all necessary elements is crucial for modern biobanks.

The Availability of Human Biospecimens to Support Biomarker Research

Preserved biospecimens held in biobank inventories and clinical archives are important resources for biomarker research. Recent advances in technologies have led to an increase in use of clinical archives in particular, in order to study retrospective cohorts and to generate data relevant to tissue biomarkers. This raises the question of whether the current sizes of biobank inventories are appropriate to meet the demands of biomarker research. This commentary discusses this question by considering data concerning overall biobank and biospecimen numbers to estimate current biospecimen supply and use. The data suggests that biospecimen supply exceeds current demand. Therefore, it may be important for individual biobanks to reassess the targets for their inventories, consider culling unused portions of these inventories, and shift resources towards providing prospective custom biobanking services.