Commodification occurs when something is treated as a commodity—bought, sold, or traded. This concept, particularly in relation to the human body and its parts, often carries negative connotations. As a result, people are concerned that biobank transactions might lead to commodification. But is this concern justified?
The structure of a biobank, whether non-profit or for-profit, can impact concerns about commodification. Non-profits often prioritize advancing science, while commercial enterprises may sell or license samples for financial gain. When profit motives dominate, there is a higher risk of commodifying samples, especially if donor rights are overlooked.
This issue becomes especially important when considering the supply of clinical samples to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It is vitally important that these companies have access to biosamples, so they can develop new therapies, diagnostics, and vaccines. However, concerns about commodification may discourage some biobanks from supplying companies with clinical samples.
Concerns About Commodification
Steven Wilkinson explores this issue in his 2005 article, Biomedical Research and the Commercial Exploitation of Human Tissue. He argues that while bodies and body parts are indeed objects, they are not ordinary objects. Their value extends beyond everyday items like cans of baked beans or lumps of coal. Tissue samples connect deeply to a person’s identity. They contain genetic information and may carry cultural or religious significance. Treating them as mere objects ignores this connection and effectively commoditizes the sample.
Wilkinson asks: What does it mean to treat a tissue sample as if it weren’t connected to a person? He identifies two main ways: (a) using the sample without valid consent, or (b) doing something with it that harms the person. These scenarios illustrate the meaning of commoditization in the context of biobanking.
Given these concerns, is there a real risk that commercial transactions involving human biosamples could lead to such harms?
Justification of Concerns
These concerns are serious, but their validity depends on how biobanking practices are regulated. Several factors can either reduce or increase the risk of commodification:
Regulation and Governance: In countries or institutions with strict ethical guidelines, biobanked samples are usually donated voluntarily and used for public benefit. Moreover, clear policies on ownership, usage, and compensation reduce the risk of exploitation and dehumanization.
Informed Consent: A strong informed consent process ensures donors understand how their samples will be used. Maintaining traceability throughout the life of the sample is critical. This practice ensures samples are always used according to the donor’s consent and the decisions of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This reduces the risk of commoditizing samples.
Non-Profit vs. For-Profit: Whether a biobank operates as a non-profit or for-profit can influence concerns about commodification. Non-profits often focus on advancing science, while commercial enterprises may sell or license samples for profit. When profit motives dominate, the risk of commoditization increases, especially if donor rights are ignored.
Intellectual Property: Biobanked samples can lead to valuable inventions or patented therapies. While the samples themselves might not be directly commoditized, the resulting products could generate significant financial returns, which may or may not benefit donors or the wider public.
Conclusion
Concerns about commodification in biobanking are partly justified, especially where profit-driven motives prevail, or donor rights are poorly protected. To address this concern, biobanks must respect human dignity, preserve donor autonomy, and focus on societal benefit over pure commercialization. Strict protective measures, such as informed consent and IRB oversight, serve as essential safeguards against the commodification of human biosamples.
References
Other posts on this Biosample Hub blog include:
- Why Academic / Hospital Biobanks Should Provide Biosamples to Industry
- Ensuring Public Support For Biobank Cooperation With Industry
- The Main Actors Providing Biosamples To Industry
- Biosample Needs of Different Industry Players
- Acceptable Transactions In Biobanking
- What is Commodification?
- Why Biobank Access Policies Should Be Publicly Available
- Biospecimen Provenance: What Researchers Need To Know
