In a major step forward for personalised medicine, BBMRI-ERIC and REPO4EU, the European-global platform for mechanism based drug repurposing, have partnered to accelerate precision treatments. Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this strategic partnership unites precision drug repurposing research with Europe’s network of biobanks to better translate biomedical discoveries into tangible benefits for patients.
Officially presented during the RExPO26 conference in Berlin, the agreement establishes a powerful framework for scientific cooperation between the two organisations. By combining REPO4EU’s expertise in systems medicine, precision diagnostics and patient stratification with BBMRI-ERIC’s extensive biological samples, data and biobanking expertise, the collaboration aims to drive highly effective and targeted approaches to drug repurposing.
Connecting molecular insights with patient data
REPO4EU aims to advance drug repurposing by identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and leveraging this knowledge to find new therapeutic applications for existing medicines. By focusing on the disease drivers, researchers can work towards identifying treatments that are better matched to individual patients and their specific disease characteristics.
Biobanks play an important role in this process by providing access to the biological samples and associated data needed to investigate and validate research findings. Through its Europe-wide network, BBMRI-ERIC connects researchers with these resources and the expertise required to maximise their potential.
As Harald Schmidt, REPO4EU Project Coordinator, explained, “this collaboration offers an opportunity to investigate how predictive and mechanistic biomarkers relate to specific disease phenotypes; such insights can help researchers assess how prevalent a biomarker is within a patient population and how effectively it can predict a particular disease characteristic.”
The MoU sets out several key areas for scientific collaboration, including biomarker discovery, pre-clinical testing, precision pharmacology and medicine. Additionally, it aims to facilitate access to samples, data and related biomolecular resources, while simplifying access processes across institutions and encouraging collaboration across disciplines and countries.
“For us, BBMRI-ERIC is a very important collaboration partner because they have a European-wide network of biobanks, data and expertise. This will help us identify drugs that can be repurposed to actually cure patients, and do so faster and safely.” — Harald Schmidt, REPO4EU Project Coordinator
A shared ambition to improve patient outcomes
For BBMRI-ERIC, the agreement connects the potential of biobanking with a clear clinical purpose: finding new uses for existing medicines and supporting their translation into healthcare.
Jens Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC, highlighted the value of combining REPO4EU’s expertise in systems medicine, precision diagnostics and patient stratification with the biological samples, data and resources available through the BBMRI-ERIC network.
He also remarked how the agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening European biomedical research and advancing precision healthcare, while aligning with BBMRI-ERIC’s 10-Year Roadmap, Biobanking for a Healthier World, and the objectives of the EU Life Sciences Strategy 2030.
“This collaboration really connects the potential of biobanks with a concrete clinical purpose: finding new uses for existing medicines. Together, we can build a stronger path from molecular insight to clinical research, ultimately for the benefit of patients and to sustain affordable healthcare systems.” — Jens Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC
In a nutshell, this partnership sets a foundation for closer cooperation between the two research communities while reinforcing a common ambition: to translate advances in biomedical research into meaningful benefits for patients and contribute to more effective, accessible and affordable healthcare.