Community and bioethicists’ perspectives on iPSC research with biobanked samples collected using broad consent

Using anonymized, biobanked samples for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) creates new and unresolved ethical dilemmas. To elucidate the issues, we studied the perspectives of community members and bioethicists involved in the collection of the Yoruba Resident in Ibadan, Nigeria (YRI) HapMap samples. We found support for broad consent, commercial use of samples, more benefit sharing, sustained engagement of the community and local researchers, particularly for novel research, where a long time has elapsed between samples' collection and new research projects, and in the oversight of biobanked samples. Broad consent was durable when coupled with sustained community engagement, transparent governance, and practical mechanisms for reciprocal benefit.