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The Ethics of Repurposing Previously Collected Research Biospecimens in an Infectious Disease Pandemic
Author(s) -
Berkman Benjamin E.,
Mastroianni Anna C.,
Jamal Leila,
Solis Coleman,
Taylor Holly A.,
Hull Sara Chandros
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ethics and human research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.353
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2578-2363
pISSN - 2578-2355
DOI - 10.1002/eahr.500083
Subject(s) - repurposing , presumption , pandemic , research ethics , covid-19 , argument (complex analysis) , public health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , political science , disease , engineering ethics , public relations , medicine , law , biology , engineering , ecology , pathology , nursing
In the early days of a pandemic, repurposing biospecimens from established research projects could prove to be extraordinarily useful in achieving substantial and timely public health benefits. Nonetheless, there are potential ethical and regulatory uncertainties that may impede access to those valuable biospecimens. In this article, we argue that there should be a presumption in favor of using previously collected identifiable research biospecimens without reconsent to directly address an infectious disease pandemic, assuming certain conditions are met. This argument fills a unique yet critical gap in decision‐making where the specific consent accompanying the identifiable biospecimens would not otherwise permit repurposing. Further, it suggests that even if gaining reconsent is feasible, doing so in a fast‐moving crisis is not necessary. This analysis also attempts to address the ethical concerns of public health authorities who already may have the power to use such specimens but are reluctant to do so.