Launching Europe’s First Private Women’s Health Research Tissue Bank
BioGrad has unveiled Europe’s inaugural private women’s health research tissue bank, an expansive 10,000 square foot facility situated in Liverpool. This groundbreaking initiative aims to propel research into significant conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, and various cancers, backed by a robust £25 million investment in women’s health research.
Comprehensive Collection of Biological Samples
The tissue bank specializes in the collection and preservation of menstrual blood, peripheral blood, umbilical cord tissue, and umbilical cord blood. BioGrad is actively seeking female donors aged 13 and older, providing compensation between £15 to £80 for each successful sample donation. To streamline the collection process, the organization has partnered with Liverpool Women’s Hospital and other regional healthcare providers.
A Commitment to Women’s Health Research
Dr. Natalie Kenny, CEO of BioGrad, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “For far too long, women’s health has been an afterthought in scientific research. At BioGrad, we are proud to lead the change. By establishing Europe’s first dedicated private women’s health research tissue bank, we are closing a critical gap in medical research while empowering women to directly contribute to advancements in healthcare and patient outcomes.”
Expert Leadership and Support
This initiative is spearheaded by an all-female expert team, led by Dr. Sherin Pojar, aligning with the goals of The Women’s Health Strategy 2024 to tackle disparities in healthcare. Lynn Greenhalgh, Medical Director at Liverpool’s Women’s Hospital, noted, “The tissue bank will serve as a vital resource for researchers in women’s health throughout the North of England, facilitating quicker access to samples and enhancing our understanding of women’s health issues.”
Advancing Stem Cell and Immunotherapy Research
The facility is set to foster advancements in stem cell and immunotherapy research, exploring the underlying causes of various women’s health conditions. Participants have the convenience of receiving collection kits at home or scheduling appointments through BioGrad’s online portal, with certain samples requiring pre-arranged collection services.