BioVU: Research Ethics in the Design of a Biorepository

BioVU is a biorepository at Vanderbilt University designed to allow for genomic research related to Personalized Medicine. BioVU is based on electronic medical records and leftover clinical blood samples. Samples are obtained without formal consent from patients, although patients are offered the opportunity to opt-out. While the design of this biorepository is consistent with international standards for research, its model for collecting leftover samples without formal informed consent is based on US research regulations. Research regulations in other countries would lead to a very different biorepository design. In this talk, I will explore how government regulations on human subjects research impact the design and governance of genomic biorepositories.

Kyle Brothers studied religion, biochemistry and molecular biology. He received his B.S. in 2000 and went for his M.D. at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2004. Since 2008 Brothers has been working as clinical instructor in the Division of General Pediatrics and in the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and since 2010 he has held the position of adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University Law School. His teaching activities at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital include workshops and lectures for undergraduate students, nursing and allied health professionals, and medical students with an emphasis on pediatrics and ethics. He is a member of the Medical Center Ethics Committee and reviewer for various journals.

Moderation: Dr. Martin Langanke