For immediate release                                                                           

Contact: Sharon F. Terry, President
Email: sterry@geneticalliance.org
Phone: 202.966.5557 x201
http://www.biobank.org/

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ADVOCACY GETS TECHNICAL: GENETIC ALLIANCE BIOBANK AND GENE LOGIC JOIN FORCES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (June 15, 2007) For millions of Americans suffering from genetic diseases, the hope for a cure has been a distant one.  Now, an innovative partnership between the Genetic Alliance BioBank and Gene Logic offers not only a reason to hope, but a way to contribute to a cure.  By collaborating through the BioBank, patient advocacy organizations have the capacity to leverage the services of Gene Logic, a leading biorepository and data management firm, to host and manage thousands of DNA and tissue samples donated from patients and their supporters from around the country.  Member organizations of the BioBank have established rigorous standards to allow qualified researchers to access the samples for use in approved studies, advancing the possibility of a cure for these diseases.

Seven genetic disease advocacy organizations established the Genetic Alliance BioBank™, a repository for the standardized collection, storage and distribution of biological samples and clinical data for research purposes, in 2003. The Genetic Alliance BioBank™ helps accelerate basic and translational research and serves as an essential platform solution for applying the tools of genetics, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

With the help of industry leader Gene Logic the BioBank is one giant step closer to the prize of a cure. Gene Logic is contributing its TRIMS clinical information system, and industry-grade registry, to the effort. This sophisticated system will allow the Genetic Alliance BioBank members to collect clinical histories, medical records and images, and track this information over time.

“The addition of data management capability for the BioBank will accelerate translation,” said GA BioBank™ founding President Sharon Terry, “Partnering with Gene Logic provides us with expertise in sample and information management.  We know that novel solutions are necessary, and building lasting communities as stewards of their own samples and data will enable genotype/phenotype correlations, natural history studies, recontact, ethical participation and phase IV studies. This partnership empowers us to change the way research is conducted and move the field forward for our community.” 

Current members of the Genetic Alliance BioBank include Angioma Alliance, CFC International, Joubert Syndrome Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation, NBIA Disorders Association, and PXE International. The BioBank is accepting applications from other advocacy organizations. For more information go to www.biobank.org or contact Sharon Terry at sterry@geneticalliance.org