The Biobank of Andalusia receives recognition from the Granada Association of Multiple Sclerosis

The Biobank of the Public Health System of Andalusia has been recognized by the Granada Association of Multiple Sclerosis (AGDEM), a group with which it has been collaborating for a decade.

Specifically, this association has especially distinguished the work of the Andalusian Registry of Sample Donors for Biomedical Research and its key role in research that seeks to improve the quality of life of the population, in general, and of patients in particular. In this sense, and during a day of activities organized by AGDEM on the occasion of World Multiple Sclerosis Day, a commemorative plaque was presented to its director, José Manuel Puerta Puerta.

The collaboration between the Biobank and this Granada association has resulted in specific training and dissemination activities at events such as the European Researchers' Night; the Consciousness Cafés in the Science Park; Pint of science,... as well as the contribution in the preparation of informative material to disseminate the Registry activity in various media (audiovisual material, brochures...) inside and outside the province; or collaboration in collecting samples for multiple sclerosis research.

For the Biobank of the Public Health System of Andalusia, patient associations are key elements in scientific development since they are a group highly sensitive to biomedical research. The symbiosis established between the biobank and patient associations through the Andalusian Registry of Sample Donors for Biomedical Research allows citizens to participate directly in biomedical research, getting involved in improving health; while, on the other hand, it allows the Biobank to increase the availability of biological samples and data for research, facilitating the work of researchers.

The Andalusian Registry of Sample Donors for Biomedical Research has 2,592 registered individuals whose samples have supported various research projects. Donations of biological samples, in general, are essential to facilitate the viability of biomedical research projects that help advance scientific knowledge, disease diagnosis, therapeutic efficacy and access to drugs.

Currently, the Registry is actively promoting the donation of samples from patients who have overcome COVID-19 to contribute to research into this disease. All the information about this campaign can be found on the website: www.biobancosspa.com .

For its part, the AGDEM promotes actions aimed at improving the quality of life and social situation of people with multiple sclerosis and similar diseases and their close family environment, raising awareness among institutions and public opinion, cooperating with them to achieve full integration. This association was honored in 2015 with the Flag of Andalusia, awards that recognize and distinguish merits and actions that are based on solidarity and work for the benefit of the citizens of the province.