[Biomaterial banks are crucial to developing genetically-based prevention concepts].

Collections of human biological samples and their link to additional information is not a new concept. However, the demands on the quantity, quality, and the information content of biological samples have increased considerably in recent years. The legal and ethical frameworks have changed accordingly, as well as the degree of (IT) networking and communication between biomaterial banks. Due to this development, biobanks contribute significantly to the generation of genetically-based prevention concepts and to new therapeutic approaches.