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What are biorepositories and why are they important in drug development?

Biorepositories are places for storing biological samples (also called biospecimen) such as blood samples, tumor samples, or other tissue. The type of biological samples stored in biorepositories will vary depending upon the type of disease and/or nature of research. To learn more about biorepositories and why they are important for drug development, click on the links below.

• NCI OBBR: What are Biospecimens and Biorepositories?
• NCI OBBR: Life Cycle of a Biospecimen
• NCI OBBR: The Critical Role of Biospecimen in Cancer Research

Testimonials: How we did it

• Genetic Alliance: Advocates are Leading in Biobanking
• Genetic Alliance: Making Your Organization’s Biobank a Reality

Relevant publications

• Genetic Alliance: Registry and Biobank Bulletin
• Genetic Alliance: Weekly Tips
• Genetic Alliance: BioBank Discussion Listserv
• NCI: Workshop on Release of Research Results to Participants
• NCI OBBR: Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources
• ISBER: Best Practices for Repositories

Related Tools

Building a Biorepository

• Genetic Alliance: Registry and Biobank Toolbox
• Genetic Alliance: Biobank Boot Camp
• Genetic Alliance: BioBank Ambassador Mentoring
• Genetic Alliance: Landscape Analysis Manuscript

Existing Biorepositories

• SpecimenCentral: Global Directory of Biobanks and Biospecimen
• NIDDK: Data, Biosample, and Genetics Repository
• NHLBI: Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center
• NCI DTP: Tumor Repository
• NCRR: Human Tissue and Organ Resource for Research
• NCI: Specimen Resource Locator