The biobank should therefore be focused on science and not on basic research, so when defining target population groups, researchers should build a consensus strong enough to convince the different groups instead of merely benefiting certain people in a few research institutions.
The founding of a biobank concerns the security and continued existence of specific communities and even the national population as a whole, and this also involves commercial interests. Something that is so important to the economy and our daily life requires the creation of a law for the protection and security of the gene information.
The implementation of legislation requires that priority be given to cooperation with the local business community with reference to the Statute for Upgrading Industries (促進產業升級條例) and other relevant regulations to create a healthy population while promoting biotech industry advances.
It would run counter to bioethics principles if a lack of domestic group consent results in a small number of research institutions and foreign manufacturers being given gene data in exchange for research results and commercial profit. That could produce very negative results, and it is necessary for the government to take full responsibility.
Wu Shuh-min is the president of the Foundation of Medical Professionals Alliance in Taiwan. Tsai Duujian is a professor in the Welfare Research Institute at National Yangming University and chairman of the Social Empowerment Association.
Translated by Perry Svensson
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