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 sample 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.
Patient Advocate, use MY data, says:
“There is a responsibility for those holding information to do something with it, because nobody wants to give their data, or their samples, and then nothing happen with it”
The ‘Issue with Tissue’ sets out a ten-point action plan to address the issue with tissue. Recommendations are made at each step of the tissue sample pathway, but common themes run throughout: the release and use of human tissue samples must be underpinned by transparency, collaboration and voluntary action.
A key takeaway of the report is the significant role that patients play in enabling research, and ultimately facilitating the discovery of new treatments, through donating their tissue.
To read the ‘Issue with Tissue’ report please visit: md.catapult.org.uk/resources/the-issue-with-tissue/
PACE (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have released five new contemporary antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strain panels, giving innovators worldwide a resource to test novel therapeutics and diagnostics against today’s resistance patterns.
New appointments support MDC’s mission to turn drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs.
Dr Emma Jones, a Lead Scientist in in vitro Neurobiology at Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), has contributed to a new children’s book celebrating the diversity of careers in science.
