About 1 million patients have consented to their samples being used specifically in research studies. There are a further 3 to 5 million samples held in tissue banks in the UK, where patients have permitted their samples to be used in future studies. However, it has been estimated that only 15% of samples donated for research are ever used. Researchers and innovators have reported difficulties in identifying and accessing tissue samples at every stage of the release pathway
(Excerpt from Medicines Discovery Catapult, Issue with Tissue Report)
It is essential for those who have collected biosamples to collaborate with commercial companies that are developing new therapies, biomarkers, and diagnostics.
The Sample Network can facilitate these connections between sample sources and close-to-clinic work.
From the donor perspective, this ensures that their samples are used in research and fulfills an ethical obligation for those who collect and store the samples. Whilst from a clinical site perspective, this represents a valuable source of funding that can support patient-centered activities.
You can join The Sample Network's network of sources and collaborators to facilitate these connections.
We are particularly interested in increasing the availability of UK samples for research, as they are currently underrepresented, but we are also actively seeking to establish global partnerships to meet the demand for biosamples.