Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10495

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Publication type: Journal Article

Vlassov V.
Russian clinical research is threatened by ban on export of samples
BMJ 2007 Jun 16; 334:(7606):1237
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7606/1237-a

Abstract:

Russia’s Federal Customs Service has blocked the export from Russia of all human biological materials, from hair to tissue and blood samples.

An article in the Russian online newspaper Kommersant says that the decision is thought to have arisen from a report submitted to President Vladimir Putin by the Federal Security Service (formerly the KGB), which warned of the possible development by Western countries of genetic biological weapons against particular nations (www.kommersant.ru/doc-y.html?docId=769777&issueId=36291).

From the end of May the export of materials for clinical research and samples of blood and tissue is forbidden until further notice. Customs officers do not cite any specific document but say that they are carrying out orders.

The decision threatens dozens of clinical trials in Russia, because doctors and scientists need to send many samples abroad to be tested. About two thirds of trials in Russia depend on European laboratory services, and about a . . .