Specimen and data sharing to advance research and development on Zika virus
Rosanna W Peeling1, Noah T Fongwen2, Maria G Guzman3
1London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
The Lancet. Microbe
|March 2, 2025
Summary
Sharing biological specimens and data is vital for developing medical countermeasures against epidemic diseases like the Zika virus. Overcoming legal and ethical challenges is key to improving global research collaboration and response.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Countermeasures
Background:
- Specimen and data sharing are critical for developing medical countermeasures (diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines) for epidemic-prone diseases.
- The 2015-16 Zika virus outbreak highlighted the need for a global framework for specimen and data sharing, but legal, ethical, and intellectual property issues remain significant barriers.
- Despite challenges, regional networks and partnerships have facilitated some progress in specimen and data sharing among Zika virus-endemic countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of specimen and data sharing for Zika virus research and medical countermeasure development.
- To identify persistent challenges hindering global specimen and data sharing frameworks.
- To propose pragmatic steps for improving specimen and data sharing in public health emergencies.
Main Methods:
- Review of challenges and progress in specimen and data sharing related to the Zika virus outbreak.
- Analysis of existing regional laboratory networks and research partnerships.
- Identification of key elements for a functional specimen and data sharing framework.
Main Results:
- Legal, ethical, and intellectual property issues continue to impede a comprehensive global framework for Zika virus specimen and data sharing.
- Progress has been made through regional networks and research partnerships, particularly in Zika virus-endemic areas.
- Several pragmatic steps are identified as crucial for enhancing future sharing.
Conclusions:
- Establishing robust biobanks, standardizing protocols, ensuring data interoperability, and defining benefit-sharing mechanisms are essential.
- Augmenting laboratory capacity, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is a priority.
- Implementing these steps will facilitate the timely development and deployment of medical countermeasures during public health emergencies.
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