Biospecimens are essential for advancing neurological research. Access to well-documented samples allows researchers to:

• study disease biology
• identify biomarkers
• validate therapeutic targets
• develop and test new treatments

By organizing biospecimen collections, Patient Advocacy Groups can help ensure their communities are represented in research.

Current COMBINEDBrain Biorepository Inventory

COMBINEDBrain supports PAGs by providing the infrastructure required to build and manage a biospecimen program. Support includes:

• IRB-approved research protocol
• participant consent framework
• sample collection coordination
• mobile phlebotomy and Roadshow events
• partnerships with professional biorepository facilities
• sample tracking and documentation systems
• coordination of research access requests

This shared infrastructure allows PAGs to build research resources without needing to establish and manage a biobank independently.

Communities that contribute samples to the COMBINEDBrain Biorepository may also have opportunities to participate in larger research initiatives coordinated across multiple neurological disorders.

Participation in these initiatives is coordinated with Patient Advocacy Groups and may depend on sample availability and research priorities.

Current COMBINEDBrain Projects

Samples collected through COMBINEDBrain remain connected to the communities that contribute them. Patient Advocacy Groups maintain stewardship of samples from their communities and participate in decisions regarding research access.

Distribution fees associated with sample access help sustain the biorepository, with the majority of fees returned to the contributing PAG to support ongoing research within their community.

PAGs can support sample collection through several pathways:

• organizing a COMBINEDBrain Roadshow at a community conference
• coordinating participation in existing Roadshows
• arranging home collections through mobile phlebotomy
• facilitating physician-based collections during routine clinical care
• transferring existing biospecimen collections to the biorepository

These flexible options allow communities to build collections over time.

Patient Advocacy Groups interested in building a biospecimen collection for their community are encouraged to connect with the COMBINEDBrain team.

We would be happy to discuss how the biorepository can support your community’s research goals and help coordinate sample collection.

Submit a Membership Request