About BBJ
A biobank is a specialized depository/entity designed for the storage and management of biological samples, including blood and tissue, generously donated by patients and the public for research purposes. In contrast to a financial institution, a biobank collects and preserves biological specimens along with associated clinical and lifestyle information for use in research. These resources are supplied to studies that meet specific screening criteria, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of medical research and the generation of valuable research outcomes.
BioBank Japan (BBJ), established in 2003 as a pioneer biobank in Japan, is a disease-oriented biobank that collects and stores biological samples and data from approximately 270,000 patients diagnosed with 51 target diseases. These samples and data are valuable resources for research aimed at biomarker discovery and the development of new clinical and therapeutic approaches.
Our aim is to contribute to the realization of healthy future for every one of us by promoting usage of these research resources for the advancement of genome research and genomic medicine.
Please refer to the following webpage on the BBJ’s history of the collection of samples and information to date.
The BBJ collected biological samples and clinical information from approximately 270,000 collaborating patients through cooperative medical institutions nationwide during the first three phases of 2003-2017. These samples and data are stored under full security measures, with names and other personal information removed and IDs attached for research purposes. We are able to provide these samples and data to the broad research community; researchers in academic research institutions or private companies who aim to realize genomic medicine and develop new diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
BBJ’s samples and data are donated from patients diagnosed with 51 common diseases such as cancer, dyslipidemia, and diabetes (as of 2023.12). These samples can be analyzed in conjunction with clinical information on each disease. Research outcomes using the BBJ’s samples and information/data are generated and published in Nature and other high impact scientific journals, and shared by scientific communities globally, thereby contributing to the development of genome research not only in Japan but also in the world.
（2024.4.1現在）
Collaborative Patients
270,000 patients
51 diseases
DNA
800,000 tubes
（ 270,000patients）
Serum
1,700,000 tubes
（ 200,000patients）
Genome Data / Information
etc.
WGS: 14,000 patients
SNP: 270,000 patients
Clinical Information：
270,000 patients
To be expanded further!
BioBank Japan (BBJ) was established at the Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo in 2003 as a national project to realize personalized medicine based on individual genetic information. The BBJ consists of the Office of BioBank Japan, the Sample Bank (DNA, Serum), as well as Genome/Clinical Information Database, and the BBJ Management Committee, which oversees the BBJ’s whole operation.
The BBJ is operated under the BBJ Management Committee, comprising Director, Head of the Office of BBJ, and Member Researchers.
Under the management of the BBJ Management Committee, there is the Office of BioBank Japan, the Sample Bank (DNA and Serum), and the Genome and Clinical Information Database. The Sample Bank holds approximately 270,000 DNA and 200,000 serum samples, as well as DNA, plasma, and tumor tissues from collaborating banking, all stored strictly according to ISO protocols. Additionally, BBJ offers contract storage services for samples from external research institutions and companies.
BioBank Japan stores biological samples, which are invaluable research resources donated by collaborating patients, in sample storages equipped with the latest security systems under strict control. Each storage unit for samples and information is equipped with a security device that permits only specific persons to enter. In addition, the operation of each storage unit is also strictly controlled with biometric authentication device. The BBJ thus constantly ensures the security of our samples and information
DNA Storage
4℃
Fully automatic system
Capacity: 2 million tubes
Serum Storage
-150°C
Liquid nitrogen tanks: 58
Capacity: 3.34 million tubes
More about the sample storage facilities
The BBJ’s Sample and Data Access Committee is an organization composed of internal and external experts. When researchers from academic research institutions or private companies who aim to realize genomic medicine or develop new diagnostic or therapeutic methods wish to use BBJ’s samples and data, their requests are reviewed by the Sample and Data Access Committee. In addition, an Advisory Board consisting of experts from external organizations and an ELSI Committee have been organized to give advice and recommendations on the BBJ based on their respective knowledge and expertise.
The BBJ has collected biological samples and data from patients who collaborated in the study with the generous cooperation of 12 medical institutions nationwide since the project’s inception in 2003.
| 12 Cooperative Medical Institutes | |
|---|---|
| The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR | Fukujuji Hospital |
| Iizuka Hospital | Juntendo University |
| Iwate Medical University | Nippon Medical School |
| Nihon University | Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases |
| Osaka Medical Center | Shiga University of Medical Science |
| Tokushukai Hospitals | Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology |
To promote the utilization of data obtained by the analysis of biological samples, genome data and omics data are made available in public databases such as the NBDC Human Database, the Genome Restriction Sharing Database (AGD) by DBCLS and the CANNDs. The BBJ also collaborates with the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG), the Japan Children’s Cancer Group (JCCG), and the National Hospital Organization (NHO) to store samples collected by these groups.
The BBJ are also collaborating with Institute of Science Tokyo (former Tokyo Medical and Dental University), Okayama University, and Kanazawa University and accepts their samples and data.
The BBJ is collaborating with domestic biobanks such as the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization and the National Center BioBank Network (NCBN), a national center biobank network project involving six National Centers for Biomedical Research and Innovation (NC), through a cross-bank search system and other means to create a framework for users to use samples and data on across the banks.