Commercialization of biobanks a murky issue

jolabBiobanks are important research platforms that involve the collection and storage of human health data and biological samples, including DNA, blood, urine and tissues. According to AllerGen Principal Investigator and health law expert, Professor Tim Caulfield, biobanks may operate in murky waters, facing ethical and security questions associated with public trust, consent and ownership of samples.

In a new paper published in the Journal of Law and the Biosciences, Professor Caulfield and co-authors, including AllerGen Research Leaders Drs Allan Becker and Malcolm Sears, explore the challenges of commercializing biobanks for the purpose of advancing medical research and knowledge.

Read how Canadians feel about the commercialization of biobanks here.