Building Fit-for-Purpose Biospecimen Ecosystems: Standardizing Sample Science to Advance Biomarker Discovery & Validation

• The reliability of biomarker research depends not only on assay performance, but also on the quality, consistency, and suitability of the biospecimens being analyzed. Examining how standardized collection, processing, storage, and controls can preserve specimen integrity and improve the reproducibility of biomarker data across multi-site studies
• Drawing on lessons from the Cancer Moonshot Biobank, the discussion will highlight practical approaches to building harmonized biospecimen infrastructures that support fit-for-purpose sample use throughout clinical development from early biomarker discovery and assay development to analytical validation and clinical application
• Exploring how to optimize end-to-end biospecimen workflows, align specimen requirements with assay and research objectives, and generate robust, clinically meaningful data at scale

Speakers:

Lokesh Agrawal

Chief (Acting) Biorepositories & Biospecimen Research Branch (BBRB) Cancer Diagnosis Program

National Institute of Health Science