Ethical Challenges of Human Biobanks

Large scale biobanks have emerged as a central data resource for biomedical research. Countries of all over the world have invested heavily in the establishment of these research infrastructures. They are regarded as necessary to elucidate the complex and interrelated genetic and environmental factors that contribute to human disease. The repeated and long term use of samples is allowed by these platforms. Therefore, they need the long term contribution of research participants and continued connection between the biobank and the participant’s health, lifestyle, genealogical and demographic information. In practice, these approaches have generated enormous ethical debates. In addition, development of modern biobanks with international sample and data exchange, and availability of whole genome technologies have expanded these ethical challenges. Although the social benefit of biobanking has been used to justify altering well-established ethical norms. However, along with progress of bio-banks, the close monitoring and protecting of ethical aspects, especially privacy, by ethical committee seems necessary. This article reviews the recent ethical challenges of biobanks.