Bridging borders: the virtual biorepository system, a sustainable global biobanking system for epidemic threats preparedness

Background Frequent outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola, dengue fever, Zika, and COVID-19 have highlighted the urgent need for equitable and timely access to high-quality biological specimens and associated data for diagnostics, vaccine development, and research. However infectious disease collections and biorepositories frequently have narrow mandates, prioritize internal goals, and lack global coordination. The Virtual Biorepository System (VBS) aims to transform this landscape by connecting local biorepositories, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), into a federated, trust-based network that promotes global equity, access, and resilience during public health emergencies. Methods Under the CONTAGIO (Cohort Networks to be Activated during Outbreaks) program, a pilot known as “10x10” was launched to test the feasibility of the VBS model. Ten founding member institutions from LMICs were selected based on location, specimen sharing and biorepository experience, interest, and willingness to engage for at least three years. Each site agreed to collect and share ten mL of plasma or serum from ten individuals, allowing assessment of molecular/immunological testing capacity and shipping logistics, and development of governance and a sustainable business model. Coordination was managed virtually through regular meetings and workshops, with the Center for Global Health (CGH) being the managing partner as well as co-technical lead along with University Aix-Marseille. Results Participating sites included national reference labs, accredited biorepositories, academic institutions, and newer biorepositories. Motivations for participation included networking opportunities, capacity building, contributing to epidemic preparedness, and increasing knowledge of regulatory and logistical challenges related to specimen sharing. Benefits reported by sites emphasized enhanced collaboration, technical capacity development, and alignment with global outbreak response efforts. Discussion The 10x10 pilot demonstrates the practical implementation of the VBS model and identifies known and emerging barriers to specimen access. Its LMIC-focused design enhances the representativeness of samples for diagnostic and vaccine development, addressing long-standing equity gaps. Lessons from the pilot will inform scale-up and refinement of governance, data harmonization, and sustainability strategies. Conclusions The VBS, through the 10x10 pilot, has shown strong early feasibility and collaboration, reinforcing the demand for an equitable biorepository system for preparedness. Continued development under the CONTAGIO program will build global biobanking capacity and improve epidemic preparedness, particularly in underrepresented regions.