Work Package 4
Virtual Biorepository System (VBS)
Lead:
Professor May Chu, PhD, FASTMH
Clinical Professor, Department of Epidemiology
Senior Investigator, Center for Global Health
Colorado School of Public Health
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Co-Lead:
Judith Giri, PhD
Biorepository Consultant
Senior Investigator, Center for Global Health
Colorado School of Public Health
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The overall aim of WP4 is to build the foundational framework for an equitable Virtual Biorepository System (VBS), with locally managed characterized samples and associated data, that can be rapidly mobilized for sharing when needed for development of diagnostics, vaccine efficacy and research. Our aim is to build a diverse, globally distributed system, for access to representative samples.
“10x10”: We recruited the following ten working partner sites from LMICs to help us accomplish WP4 tasks: Bangladesh, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Moldova, Senegal, Sierra Leone and French Polynesia (Tahiti); with support from France (quality assessment) and USA (secretariat). We refer to the group as the
“10x10”, as each member will collect 10 plasma/serum samples from 10 healthy donors.
WP4 Objectives:
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Under the umbrella of CONTAGIO, is tasked with developing the governance framework and identifying barriers and solutions for growing and sustaining the VBS.
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Task 4.1: Develop the VBS Governance framework
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Develop a governance framework for the VBS with policies for access and for sample sharing, with input and agreement of 10x10 members
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Develop templates and to enable collection and exchange of samples: provide templates to assist member sites comply with local and national ethical and legal requirements
Leads: Anyela Lozano and Gustavo Gomez (UIS, Colombia)
Task 4.2: Map regulations impacting sample sharing
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Map member countries shipping and benefit sharing (“Nagoya protocol”) regulations and compliance
§Determine benefits of membership in the VBS and develop an equitable benefit sharing and sustainability model for the VBS
Leads: May Chu and Judith Giri (CU, USA)
Task 4.3: Characterize reference materials and demonstrate sample exchange
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Assess molecular testing capabilities of member sites (EQA)
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Coordinate and establish protocols collection of “healthy control”: samples and associated data
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Characterize samples by molecular and serology- based methods
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Ship reagents and samples
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Leads: Laura Pezzi (Aix Marseille University) and May Chu (CU, USA)
Collaboration with CONTAGIO Work Packages: ​
WP4 is collaborating with all CONTAGIO work packages and relying on their expertise in data management and ethics including ethics requirements.
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Contributors:
10x10 members
