Large-scale, interoperable biobanks are an increasingly important asset in today's life science research and, as a result, multiple types of biobanks are being established around the globe with very different financial, organizational and legal set-ups. With interdisciplinary chapters written by lawyers, sociologists, doctors and biobank practitioners, Global Genes, Local Concerns identifies and discusses the most pressing issues in contemporary biobanking. This timely book addresses pressing questions such as: how do national biobanks best contribute to translational research?; What are the opportunities and challenges that current regulations present for translational use of biobanks?; How does inter-biobank coordination and collaboration occur on various levels?; and how could academic and industrial exploitation, ownership and IPR issues be addressed and facilitated? Identifying that biobanks foundational and operational set-ups should be legally and ethically sound, while at the same time reflecting the hopes and concerns of all the involved stakeholders, this book contributes to the continued development of international biobanking by highlighting and analysing the complexities in this important area of research. Academics in the fields of law and ethics, health law and biomedical law, as well as biobank managers and policymakers will find this insightful book a stimulating and engaging read. Contributors include: T. Bossow, T.A. Caulfield, B.J. Clark, A. Hellstadius, J.R. Herrmann, K. Hoyer, M. Jordan, J. Kaye, N.C.H. Kongsholm, K. Liddell, J. Liddicoat, M.J. Madison, T. Minssen, B. Murdoch, W. Nicholson Price II, E. Ortega-Paino, M. Prictor, M.B. Rasmussen, K. Sargsyan, J. Schovsbo, A.M. Tupasela, E. van Zimmeren, F. Vogl, H. Yu, P.K. Yu

Regulators have been more permissive for medical devices compared to their drug and biologic counterparts. While innovative products can thereby reach consumers more quickly, this approach raises serious public health and safety concerns. Additionally, the nature of medical devices is rapidly changing, as software has become as important as hardware. Regulation must keep pace with the current developments and controversies of this technology. This volume provides a multidisciplinary evaluation of the ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns surrounding medical devices in the US and EU. For medical providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, the book offers a framework for the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for medical device regulation. Readers will gain a nuanced overview of the latest developments in patient privacy and safety, innovation, and new regulatory laws. This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Regulators have been more permissive for medical devices compared to their drug and biologic counterparts. While innovative products can thereby reach consumers more quickly, this approach raises serious public health and safety concerns. Additionally, the nature of medical devices is rapidly changing, as software has become as important as hardware. Regulation must keep pace with the current developments and controversies of this technology. This volume provides a multidisciplinary evaluation of the ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns surrounding medical devices in the US and EU. For medical providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, the book offers a framework for the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for medical device regulation. Readers will gain a nuanced overview of the latest developments in patient privacy and safety, innovation, and new regulatory laws. This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.