The development of ethical and legal guidance for biobanking in Argentina

Abstract

Biobanks that collect biological materials and related data have become an essential tool in biomedical research. Their value lies in the sharing of large quantities of samples and data stored for multiple future investigations. This new scenario presents ethical, legal and social challenges related to the protection of the rights and interests of donors and the community to which they belong. In response to these challenges and in order to promote in Argentina the existence of biobanks with high quality samples for the development of research with scientific and social value, that respect the rights and interests of donors and the community, the Government Secretariat of Health has developed a Guide for ethical and legal guidelines for biobanks for research purposes. This article describes and analyzes the key points of the Guide