Research biobanks’ in Lithuania: a question of its historical, social, ethical & legal perception
ENThe purpose of this paper is by analysing the major social, historical and legal factors, which influence applicable models of research biobanks (i.e., a collection of human bio-sample and linked information, used for future research purposes) in various countries, find the best solution for legal framework in Lithuania. Recent researches have shown that contemporary medicine is moving from “reactive approaches” centred on disease therapy to personalized, predictive, preventive and participatory medicine (i.e., P4 Medicine or asymptomatic predictive medicine), which focuses on the maintenance of health. In this transitional period research biobanks have the real potential to become important source for helping to drive this change in healthcare delivery in the country. Undoubtedly, implementation of the biobanks would not only raise the level of research and personalized medicine in Lithuania, but might also have positive impacts for the economy by attracting big pharmaceutical companies to the country, create work places, etc. However, based on various surveys of all EU countries the awareness of biobanks by society is relatively low. Therefore, in order to build a better understanding and social perception, many social, ethical and legal problems must be analysed and solved. The main focus in this paper will be made on the comparative study of the definition of a biobank, which would allow us to crystallize major legal problems – a starting point for a proper legal framework. Furthermore, it will allow us to decide if this relatively new institute cannot be regulated under existing legal norms in Lithuania and if traditional theories, socially acceptable and used in medicine’s practise, such as informed consent, cannot be “borrowed” also for research biobanks. Keywords: biobank, consent, personalized medicine, genetics, DNA.
