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HUNT Biosciences: Anonymity and Security
On November 17th Per A Foss, CEO of HUNT Biosciences was interviewed on National Broadcasting , NRK 1. In the program “ Her og Nå” Foss commented on how samples and data from HUNT now can be used for research by pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to develop new products and diagnostic tests. One of the themes in the program was how to secure the interest of the HUNT participants, including their full anonymity.
During the interview Foss stated that securing the interest of the HUNT participants is essential in any use of samples and data from HUNT. HUNT Biosciences have therefore implemented strict guidelines for industry access to HUNT. These guidelines regulates all industry use of HUNT.
Biological samples from HUNT are never being sold but made available through well regulated research collaborations with industry partners. The research collaborations are based on agreements which controls every use of the HUNT samples and data. Every research project has to be approved by the HUNT advisory committee and also the Regional Ethical Review Board – REK - before samples and data can be used by the researchers.
The aim of these industry projects is to support development of new diagnostic tests and medicines to secure better healthcare in the future, which is why HUNT Biosciences was established in 2007. The company is owned by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the North Trøndelag County.
