Accessing the Biobank

Academic, non-commercial, and commercial researchers will be eligible to apply to use samples and/or data from the UK ME/CFS Biobank if they present a sound scientific rationale for the proposed study and have a good research track record. Eligible researchers must be supported by their institution.

All research proposals intending to use samples from the UK ME/CFS Biobank must be developed in line with the Biobank’s mission. Proposals intending to develop the following types of studies will be prioritised:

• testing or generating new hypotheses on the mechanisms (pathophysiology) of ME/CFS,
• improving diagnosis (biomarkers) and phenotyping, and/or,
• basic science, e.g. pharmacological in vitro studies potentially leading to clinical trials on therapeutic approaches.

Over 600 participants have been included in this study.  ME/CFS participants have been diagnosed by physicians and are compliant with CDC ’94 (Fukuda) and/or Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC); case definition compliance are available for four other commonly-used criteria.  Samples are available from four groups of participants:

• Mild and moderate ME/CFS
• Severe (home/bed-bound) ME/CFS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Healthy controls

To start the process, please have a look at the UK MECFS Biobank Application form (Outline), which must be approved by the UK ME/CFS Biobank Guardian Board before the full UK ME/CFS Biobank Application is submitted.

Word documents are also available: Outline Application Form (Word) and Full Application Form (Word).  Please feel free to make contact with the Biobank through the Contact Us page to discuss the application process and/or your proposal.

The UK ME/CFS Biobank’s services are provided on a cost-recovery basis, with pricing information available on request.