El Biobank of the Andalusian Public Health System is playing a key role in the development of biomedical research in Europe through its participation in 3TR, the largest European project focused on autoimmune, inflammatory and allergic diseases. This ambitious study, which brings together 69 institutions from 15 countries and has a budget of 80 million euros, aims to improve the management of patients who do not respond to conventional treatments through advanced analysis of biological and molecular profiles.
3TR, led by Marta Alarcón-Riquelme, researcher at the Progreso y Salud Foundation and scientific director of the GENYO center (Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Center for Genomics and Oncology Research), seeks to decipher the mechanisms of response and lack of response to therapies in seven immune-mediated diseasesThese include systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In this context, the Andalusian Health Biobank plays a crucial role in handling the logistics for obtaining, processing and storing biological samples from participating patients. To date, it has managed more than 172.000 samples from more than 2.400 donations, representing 25% of the total expected to be collected during the duration of the project.
The Andalusian Biobank, a leading project in Europe
El Biobank has designed a rigorous system to ensure the quality and traceability of the samples. Everything begins with the preparation of customized kits containing the necessary material for the collection, processing and preservation of the biological samples. These kits are labeled with a unique code generated by the Biobank information system, which guarantees the correct identification and tracking of each sample.
Once the samples are collected by the associated research centres, they are sent back to the Biobank, where they are stored under strictly controlled conditions. Depending on their characteristics, the samples are preserved at temperatures ranging from -80ºC to -196ºC, allowing their use in future studies and ensuring their long-term integrity.
El One of the main objectives of the 3TR project is to develop personalized treatments for autoimmune diseases.. Currently, one of the main limitations in the treatment of these pathologies is the unpredictability of the response of patients to the available therapies. Despite the existence of effective medications, not all patients respond in the same way, which complicates the management of the disease and can lead to prolonged and costly treatments.
For this reason, 3TR focuses on identifying molecular biomarkers that allow predicting the response to treatments and adapting therapies on an individual basis. The integrated and cross-analysis of data obtained from biological samples is providing key insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive these diseases, which could translate into significant advances in diagnosis and treatment.
Andalusian public health is a pioneer
The participation of the Biobank in 3TR highlights the capacity of Andalusia to lead international research projects. In addition, the role of the Biobank Coordinating Node, located in Granada, stands out as the nerve center for logistics and sample management. This research structure not only supports the development of studies in the field of public health, but also contributes to the training of professionals and the improvement of the processes of preservation and management of biological samples.
The project is also a example of public-private collaboration, as part of the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 (IMI2), a partnership between the European Commission and the pharmaceutical industry. This cooperation allows the resources and expertise of both sectors to be combined to address the challenges posed by autoimmune diseases, potentially paving the way for new, more effective and accessible treatments.
Autoimmune, inflammatory and allergic diseases represent a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. It is estimated that they affect millions of people and their management entails a high economic and social cost. Although therapies are available, the lack of detailed knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that cause them limits the ability of professionals to offer definitive solutions.
Thanks to projects such as 3TR and the essential role of the Andalusian Health Biobank, progress is being made towards a better understanding of these diseases. This collective effort could translate in the near future into more precise diagnoses, personalized treatments and, ultimately, into a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients. With the management of more than 172.000 samples and its active participation in 3TR, the Andalusian Health Biobank consolidates its position as a benchmark in biomedical research European, making a decisive contribution to positioning Andalusia as a leader in the field of personalized medicine and cutting-edge research.
