Institute of Human Virology H3Africa Biorepository (I-HAB) ADMIN SUPPLEMENT

Institute Of Human Virology, Abuja

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) H3Africa biorepository (I-HAB), has successfully upgraded its practices to be ISBER compliant through an iterative quality assessment-based interaction involving capacity building drawing upon Coriell’s proven models and graduated to be the W/Africa H3Africa regional biorepository, During the COVID-19 pandemic, I-HAB lost 18 months of its planned activities due to the disruption of services by the pandemic. So far, I-HAB has only successfully received and aliquoted all DNA biospecimens from only one of the six H3Africa research projects that it supports. Two of the projects deposited 67% and 86% while the rest of the three projects are below 50% submission; at only 0%, 17%, and 29%. The goal of this administrative supplemental submission (1 JULY 2022 TO 30 JUNE 2023) is to ensure that all remaining biospecimens are deposited by H3Africa investigators, aliquoted, and used in the final phase which is to distribute aliquoted biospecimens and data to investigators from the wider scientific community whose application has been approved by the Data and Biospecimen Advisory Committee (DBAC) to conduct high-quality genomics and translational research in Africa using well processed, preserved and quality controlled and redundantly protected human biological samples. To achieve this, I-HAB builds on its past successes to address four specific aims. 1) Engage PIs to complete deposition and create sub-aliquots of primary human biologic samples and genetic materials in compliance with GLP, ISBER guidelines, and QC 10% in line with H3Africa policies/ guidelines. 2) Populate, interrogate, and query the database regularly to ensure that the online catalogue is up to date, interfacing regularly with other two regional H3Africa biorepositories, the H3AfricaBionet team, and relevant stakeholders to review and brainstorm on ways to address gaps during scheduled meetings. 3) Pilot processes for efficient distribution of high- quality biological samples to the wider scientific community, based on Data and Biological samples Access Committee approval and according to H3Africa policies and guidelines. 4) Strengthen I-HAB’s business model as part of a long-term sustainability strategy. Working collaboratively with the other two sister H3Africa biorepositories and the H3Africa Bionet, I-HAB continues to advocate for host government and community support and pilot processes to make the regulatory and ethical process of sharing samples and data easier. The strong institutional support through the expansion of the biorepository to over 3times its size at IHVN’s new facility, the acquirement of a liquid nitrogen plant, and the expansion of its clientele to investigators outside of H3Africa signals a sustainable future for I- HAB.