Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is a severe, multi-systemic illness characterised by persistent fatigue not relieved by rest, cognitive impairment, post-exertional malaise, and sleep disturbances. To date, no definitive biomarkers have been identified to diagnose or predict the progression of ME/CFS.
Scientific research is critical to addressing these knowledge gaps. The UK ME/CFS Biobank (UKMEB) is a bioresource where researchers can access high quality blood samples to unravel the complexities of pathophysiology of this challenging disease, driving progress towards interventions and improved patient outcomes.
To further drive clinical and biomedical research to improve the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS, the UKMEB are delighted to offer free blood samples and data for your research through a competitive selection process. We encourage applications from research groups nationally and internationally.
Why you should use the UK ME/CFS Biobank
With over 30,000 aliquots generously donated by> 600 donors, including people with moderate to severe ME/CFS, people with MS, and healthy controls, the UKMEB provides a unique, high-quality resource.
Using the biobank offers a highly cost-effective and time-efficient approach. You can:
- Save time from: writing ethical applications, recruiting and assessing participants, and processing their samples.
- Save costs from: recruiting participants, processing and storing samples, and conducting clinical lab analysis.
Our high-quality samples provide you with a wealth of options and advantages:
- Select your required samples to suit a range of needs including:
- The types of blood samples.
- The diversity of the participants in terms of age, gender and ethnicity.
- Participants from different diagnostic groups: ME/CFS (both severe and mild/moderate) and multiple sclerosis as well as health control participants.
- Select from the extensive clinical, immunological, and demographic data that will enhance the work you are doing with the samples.
- Access samples with longitudinal data from participants at up to six time points.
Discover our sample options and available datasets by clicking the buttons below.
Participants
Samples
Application process
Interested researchers should submit an outline research proposal to the UK ME/CFS Biobank (see the form in the first document) by email to: mecfsbiobank@lshtm.ac.uk
An independent scientific committee convened for this purpose will review the application using the scoring system (see the second document) and will notify the applicant of their decision. We expect that a decision will be reached by the beginning of September.
We look forward to seeing your applications!