Collection of human biological samples for research purpose: Key challenges and patients’ perspectives

Abstract

The development and the access to collections of human biological samples is one of the major challenges for health research. In recent years, biological resource centres (BRCs) have developed in such a way that they provide all activities relating to the handling of samples. In this context, France is undoubtedly a pioneering country, because most of the biological collections available were created on the basis of themed research projects, which involved a particular donor phenotype. The round table was an opportunity to emphasise the persistence of some pitfalls particularly in relation to ensuring the consistency of different regulatory pathways. It also gave the opportunity to question and make recommendations on aspects of governance of biological collections and the BRCs, to state the challenges linked to scientific and economic valorisation and to consider the place of patients and the general public. The development of specific education in public health and research is essential to underline that these initiatives are necessary for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Keywords: Biobank; Biological resource center; Biological samples; Education; Ethics; Medical research; Regulation; Valorisation.