The MLSC is building a Biobank program to accelerate patient-centric research.
Applications are open for vendors providing central Institutional Review Board services. Please submit proposals by Jan. 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST.
The life science ecosystem thrives on access to patient samples and data for breakthrough, patient-centric research. Yet, many researchers face significant barriers, including institutional restrictions and inconsistent protocols. The MLSC Biobank program is designed to break these barriers by establishing disease-specific, accessible biobanks sourced from diverse patient populations across Massachusetts.
By tackling patient sample and data access challenges, this initiative empowers startups, mid-sized companies, pharmaceutical firms, and translational researchers to drive innovation in diagnostic and therapeutic development.
Based on our ecosystem-wide Phase 1 survey, we have identified Alzheimer’s Disease and Colorectal Cancer as the disease areas of focus for the first round of the program. Partnering with institutions statewide, the goal is to create a broadly usable biobank that benefits both non-profit and for-profit institutions seeking high-quality patient samples and data.
The MLSC is seeking applications from vendors to provide central Institutional Review Board (IRB) services. Please submit proposals by Jan. 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST.
View sample application form here.
Access to diverse, well-characterized patient samples is critical for biomedical innovation. The MLSC Biobank program will ensure accelerated patient-centric research where novel biomarker discoveries, patient registries, and new therapeutics are developed with the needs of all patient populations in mind.
This initiative’s immediate impact will be on the startup and research ecosystem with access to well-curated data and samples to accelerate their therapeutic research. Long term impact will be the generation of a sustainable, standardized and diverse disease focused biobank that ensures safe and optimal use of patient samples and data.
Access to diverse, well-characterized patient samples is critical for biomedical innovation. The MLSC Biobank Program will ensure accelerated patient centric research where novel biomarker discoveries, patient registries, and new therapeutics are developed with the needs of all patient populations in mind.
This initiative’s immediate impact will be on the startup and research ecosystem with access to well-curated data and samples to accelerate their therapeutic research. Long term impact will be the generation of a sustainable, standardized and diverse disease focused biobank that ensures safe and optimal use of patient samples and data.
The MLSC Biobank program is in stage one. We invite researchers, startups, and industry leaders to take our survey below to help determine the specific diseases that will be prioritized.
If you have questions regarding the program, email: Biobank@masslifesciences.com.
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