Biobank Bootstrapping: Is Biobank Sustainability Possible Through Cost Recovery?

Abstract

Biobanks are expensive and, to mitigate costs, are frequently challenged to operate under "self-sustainable" financial models. However, the only possible route to self-sustainability through distribution fees in today's market would require an almost exclusive targeting of commercial researchers and, even then, evidence suggests this is an impossible goal to attain. Support for biobanks should recognize that they exist to further development of personalized treatments and diagnostics essential for precision medicine. For biobanks to continue to achieve this goal, pro bono publicum, funders need to be aware of the full funding requirements of biobanks and create appropriate funding streams.