National Biorepositories

Indiana University School of Medicine is home to a diverse portfolio of national biorepositories that provide essential infrastructure for biomedical research and translational discovery worldwide. Through the collection, preservation and distribution of high-quality biospecimens and associated data, biorepositories support research across a broad range of diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Parkinson's disease, neurological disorders, breast cancer and other complex health challenges. Together, these programs enable investigators to advance scientific knowledge, identify new therapeutic targets and improve approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Attaya Suvannasankha pulls a frozen sample out of a biobank

Explore the biorepositories

National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

The National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) is an NIA-funded biorepository that manages a wide range of biospecimens banked from over 90 studies that include over 135,000 research participants. With over 1100 publications using data from NCRAD samples, NCRAD supports research focused on the etiology, early detection and therapeutic development for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. NCRAD provides critical infrastructure and expertise for scientists and clinicians studying these disorders, as well as a biomarker assay laboratory that supports the Alzheimer Disease Research Centers and many national and international studies.

Biospecimen Exchange for Neurological Disorders

The Biospecimen Exchange for Neurological Disorders (BioSEND) is an NINDS-funded biorepository that has banked over 600,000 biospecimens from over 67 studies. BioSEND supports research focused on the etiology, disease progression and therapeutic development for over 20 neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxias and brain injury. BioSEND provides critical infrastructure and expertise for scientists and clinicians studying these disorders, as well as a vital resource for biomarker research.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation Biorepository

Indiana University is funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to serve as the central biorepository working with studies to ensure the uniform collection, processing, banking and distribution of a wide range of biospecimens. The biorepository at Indiana University coordinates efforts with two international biorepositories ensuring coordinated processes. Specimens banked at these biorepositories are available for request from qualified investigators for Parkinson’s disease discovery and validation work.

Komen Tissue Bank

The Komen Tissue Bank is a unique biorepository of normal breast tissue and matched blood-derived biospecimens, including serum, plasma and DNA. These richly annotated samples support researchers around the world in advancing the understanding of breast cancer, its origins and how the disease may develop and affect people differently across diverse backgrounds.