Abstract
Despite widespread recognition of the need to increase sample utilization, the utilization rate of collected biospecimens for research is still low. In recent years, funders have shifted priorities towards supporting biobanks/collections with high utilization. Given the imperative to upscale sample utilization, a roundtable was held to discuss the considerations for maximizing and measuring the utilization of biospecimens and the output models that biobanks can employ to ensure greater impact and directly attributable advancements in medical science. The discussion revealed that most represented biobanks measure utilization of biospecimen but the measures vary broadly. Attendees agreed that the need to maximize utilization of collected biospecimens for research could be reinforced by a harmonized approach to increasing visibility, facilitating accessibility, and measuring subsequent outputs. The roundtable concluded with calls to action for the creation of biospecimen finding platforms and increased efforts towards the promotion of biobanking to the public.
Introduction
Biobanks are critical research infrastructure that provide high-quality biospecimens and have demonstrated impact in advancing sciences. Despite these impacts, literature shows that typically only 10%–20% of biobanked specimens are utilized, 1 indicating significant underutilization and considerable opportunity cost. Given the increasing need for funding bodies to justify expenditure and demonstrate return on investment, both government and non-government funders are favoring investment in biobanks with a demonstrated track record of sample utilization—many of which are developed around protocol-driven or specific research projects such as clinical trials. Furthermore, biobanking activities are significant consumers of energy and liquid nitrogen, resulting in considerable environmental impact. Subsequently, it is pertinent to justify not just the financial cost but also the environmental cost of biobanking—pointing to a need for increased focus on biobanking sustainability. 2 Thus, biospecimen utilization becomes a key output metric.
A roundtable discussion on biospecimen utilization was held at the ISBER Annual Meeting in Melbourne, Australia. Facilitated by the ISBER Regional Ambassadors from the Indo-Pacific Rim region, 11 delegates participated, with 10 biobanks of various sizes and models represented from Australia, India, and the United States. Most of these biobanks worked on human biospecimens, with the exception of one being a veterinary biobank.
The discussion focused on two large aspects:
Considerations for measuring biospecimen/biobank utilization and the correlated impacts to advancement in health and medical sciences. Approaches to maximize the utilization of biospecimens and biobanking infrastructure.
Discussions
Measuring biospecimen utilization and their impacts
A quick survey during the roundtable showed that most biobanks (n = 7) actively measured utilization of biospecimens, one measured retrospectively only when requested by stakeholders, and two had an intention to measure in the near future. Utilization metrics vary greatly across the biobanks, including (but not limited to) the number of specimens accessed (measured as aliquots in general), the number of research projects initiated, or the publication output linked to biobank specimens. One participant indicated that utilization is not considered a necessary metric for their biobank (due to institutional preference to store the specimens for future internal use).
Furthermore, the value of biospecimens collected through clinical trials was also acknowledged, particularly for secondary usage for other studies. Experiences were shared on the provision of such biospecimens to other studies but pointed out the need of consent for future use in their original consent.
Measures on research impact were also discussed during the roundtable. Institutions were shifting from quantitative approaches to include qualitative measures, i.e., assessing the real-world impact of research utilizing biobanked specimens on health outcomes and also the impact of biobank donation on the donor psychosocially. Within this was discussion of the impacts of biospecimen utilization for research from the perspective of donors and community. Biobank donors and associated families were reported to express the urge to see their donated samples utilized in meaningful research rather than sitting long-term in freezers.
Tracking the diversity of research areas that utilize the specimens could also demonstrate broad impact (e.g., precision medicine, diagnostic product development). In addition, long-term tracking of research outcomes resulting from biobank specimens to provide a fuller picture of their value over time was discussed. This included the use of secondary data or downstream applications once initial assays or investigations had been conducted on the initial biospecimen.
Consistent with the wider conversations, 3 the participants also agreed that FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) should be applied to benchmark the success of biobanking activities. In this case, quantitative metrics serve as good indicators for measuring success where biobanking information systems can be used to track them.
Maximizing utilization of biospecimens
The roundtable proceeded to discuss approaches to maximizing biospecimen utilization and impactful scientific discoveries. The group reached consensus that a multi-pronged approach where solutions can be implemented following consideration of the specific biobank and it’s nuances was favorable. These strategies are outlined below.
Strengthening collaborations
Fostering partnerships with the research community to enhance awareness and visibility of available biospecimens and their potential applications. Facilitating this requires the creation of dedicated outreach programs to connect biobank personnel with active research groups.
In addition, collaborating with the biospecimen “marketplace” facilitated by third-party vendors (e.g., iSpecimen 4 ) would also increase the networking between biobanks and researchers (industry in particular).
Enhancing accessibility
Federated platforms can be established to link biospecimens globally to enhance the accessibility of biobanked samples (e.g., APPRISE Virtual Biobank 5 and BBMRI-ERIC Specimen and Data Portal), 6 In addition, access processes could also be streamlined through technology and flexible models (e.g., AI or collaborative agreements). In recent years, data generated from biobanked specimens are increasingly acknowledged as shareable products for accelerating research and preventing duplication (e.g., whole exosome data from UK Biobank 450,000 participants). 7
Research alignment
Align biobank collections with current and emerging research priorities, such as precision medicine and public health initiatives, to ensure relevance and hence sample utilization. Conduct regular needs assessments to adapt biobank collections to the evolving landscape of biomedical research ensure biobank processes are agile.
Engagement and education
Programs could be developed to educate researchers on potential applications of biobanked specimens and data in their work, particularly the early career scientists. Furthermore, successful case studies are also critical for promoting biobanks and their values to potential users and other stakeholders. Such education materials may also support ethics and IRB committees, particularly those who are not familiar with biobanking, to better understand biobanking and the associated governance processes while reviewing biobanking programs.
Policy advocacy
Advocate for policies at a state, national, and international level that support biobank utilization, including funding for research that leverages biobanked specimens and recognition of biobank contributions in grant evaluations.
Conclusions
The discussion underscored the importance of strategic planning and collaborative efforts in enhancing biospecimen utilization through focusing on clear metrics, fostering collaborations, and aligning research initiatives.
The group proposed two calls to action among the biobanking community. Firstly, the creation of platforms to allow searchability of available specimens at the global, regional, or country level (e.g., BBMRI Sample and Data Portal). Secondly, increase the promotion of biobanking and its value to the public at the biobank, national, and global level. Through a harmonized approach, underutilization can be addressed and greater research utility leveraged from banked samples, increasing return on investment and therefore ensuring a sustainable biobanking ecosystem.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors contributed to the conceptualization of the manuscripts, W.N. and A.H. contributed to Writing—original draft, and all authors edited, reviewed, and approved the article.