Biobanche
There is an increasing trend towards personalised and precision medicine, which is possible thanks to biomolecular techniques. However, there are criteria to be met for the collection, preparation, preservation, storage and distribution of biological samples and related data. It is in this field that Biobanche operates, a project that aims to build an integrated pathway for the management of cryopreserved material for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Regulation of the cryopreservation of human biological material in Apulia including the definition of minimum requirements and additional requirements for the characterisation of the individual facilities that have cryopreserved material for diagnostic, research and therapeutic purposes
- Establishment of a regional registry of cryopreservation centres to which access is granted on the basis of specific criteria
- Structuring a regional training programme for cryopreservation centres aimed at achieving and maintaining specific skills to guarantee adequate quality standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs) necessary for collaboration between biobanks
- Conducting a feasibility study outlining the governance, technological and sustainability aspects required to improve regional cryopreservation activities
The Evaluation and Research Area produced the 'Proposal for a regional policy document for the regulation of cryopreservation of human biological material for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes' (AReSS DDG no. 173 of 2020). It then defined a self-assessment form useful for framing the various regional realities that deal in various ways with the cryopreservation of human biological material and, according to an inclusive logic, involving them in a shared path of recognition, adaptation and development.
A web-based survey has been planned for ASLs, AOs, public and private IRCCSs, EEs, public and private PMA Centres, Uniba teaching and research departments, CNR Institutes, Regional Transplant and Transfusion Centres, Haematology Network, Oncology Network, Rare Diseases.
The activity of analysing the collected data is underway.
Among the expected results is the identification of strengths and weaknesses on which to plan interventions/investments to improve cryopreservation activities with positive repercussions in many fields: research (access to quality material), economy of the system (greater attractiveness of investments by drug companies) and for citizens (development of personalised medicine). Also, an adequate promotion of the culture of biobanking among professionals, policy makers and society, the creation of a coordination on the subject of biobanking with the aim of creating relationships at national and international level.
The project was launched in April 2019 and is still ongoing.
IRCCS Istituto tumori Giovanni Paolo II, IRCCS De Bellis, Policlinico CNT, Fondazione Benzi.
Elisabetta Anna Graps coordinates the project; the scientific head is Angelo Virgilio Paradiso - BBMRI Italia.
