The notion of biobank will be regulated in Moldova for the first time.  The biobank will contain human biological samples, descriptions of DNA, descriptions of state of health and genealogies, genetic data and data that enable to identify donors of biological samples. A bill introduced into Parliament by PAS MPs stipulates the conditions needed for agreeing to become a donor of human biological samples and for having ownership rights over the samples, IPN reports.

The bill defines the right of a biobank to organize research activity in health and personalized medicine, to ensure donation is voluntary, while the identity of donors is confidential and to protect the persons from the arbitrary use of genetic data and from discrimination based on the interpretation of the structure of their DNA and the related risks.

The fact of being a donor of biological samples cannot be revealed. Only the donors can allow revealing their identity. It is banned making profit from the donation of samples, but the donor can be paid damages for eventual loss of working capacity or for justified costs incurred as a result of donation or of relevant examinations.

To ensure the functionality of technical equipment for conserving human biological samples and to maintain the information system of the biological bank, it is proposed allocating financing from the state budget. For the collection of human biological samples, preparation of descriptions of state of health and genealogies, their codification and de-codification, financing will be allowed from legal funds, such as projects, donations and grants.