A review of regulatory frameworks governing biobanking in the low and middle income member countries of bcnet

Biomedical research based on the sharing and use of ever larger volumes of samples and data is increasingly becoming an essential component of scientific discovery. The success of biobanking and genomic research is dependent on the broad sharing of resources for use by investigators. However, important ethical challenges need to be addressed for the sample and data sharing to be successful. Despite low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) carrying a higher burden of disease, biomedical research conducted to date has mainly focused on high-income countries. In order for LMICs to benefit from the advances in such research, normative documents (such as laws and guidelines) play a significant role in allowing LMIC projects to partake and be represented in global biomedical research. The administration and management of the ethical aspects of biobanking, including informed consent, are key components in ensuring that samples and data can legally and ethically be used and shared.

As part of its support to the LMIC biobanks, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) established a biobank and population cohort building network (BCNet) in 2013 with the aims of providing support (including education and training) and facilitating the development and improvement of biobanking infrastructure in LMICs. A comparative analysis of the laws and guidelines in BCNet countries was completed to highlight some of the ethical and legal issues related to biobanking in LMICs and to identify examples of effective systems of governance already in operation.