The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectives
Abstract Advancing organoid technology requires human tissue donations and collaboration between researchers and commercial parties. However, many potential donors have reservations about commercial involvement in organoid research. To better understand these reservations, we conducted four focus gr...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Ethics |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-025-01269-3 |
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| author | Hanna de Groot Manon van Daal Regina W. Hofland Inez Bronsveld Karin R. Jongsma Renske M.T. ten Ham |
| author_facet | Hanna de Groot Manon van Daal Regina W. Hofland Inez Bronsveld Karin R. Jongsma Renske M.T. ten Ham |
| author_sort | Hanna de Groot |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Advancing organoid technology requires human tissue donations and collaboration between researchers and commercial parties. However, many potential donors have reservations about commercial involvement in organoid research. To better understand these reservations, we conducted four focus groups with potential donors. Two focus groups were held with individuals with cystic fibrosis (n = 10). One focus group included individuals with neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease) (n = 4) and the other consisted of individuals with neurological disease (epilepsy) (n = 5). Four themes were identified: (1) benefits and concerns regarding commercial involvement, (2) trust in involved parties in research, (3) control over commercial parties and (4) appreciation of donors. To address these themes, we recommend that researchers and commercial parties communicate transparently and effectively, actively engage and appreciate donors, implement robust oversight mechanisms and (re)establish trust and trustworthiness through responsible practices. These considerations can help researchers and commercial parties work toward responsible and sustainable organoid research. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-562e5eef66c94e3da36f38a5e46eceb8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6939 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Ethics |
| spelling | doaj-art-562e5eef66c94e3da36f38a5e46eceb82025-08-20T03:43:36ZengBMCBMC Medical Ethics1472-69392025-07-0126111210.1186/s12910-025-01269-3The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectivesHanna de Groot0Manon van Daal1Regina W. Hofland2Inez Bronsveld3Karin R. Jongsma4Renske M.T. ten Ham5Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Epidemiology & Health economics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Bioethics & Health Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityDepartment of Pulmonology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityDepartment of Pulmonology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Bioethics & Health Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Epidemiology & Health economics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityAbstract Advancing organoid technology requires human tissue donations and collaboration between researchers and commercial parties. However, many potential donors have reservations about commercial involvement in organoid research. To better understand these reservations, we conducted four focus groups with potential donors. Two focus groups were held with individuals with cystic fibrosis (n = 10). One focus group included individuals with neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease) (n = 4) and the other consisted of individuals with neurological disease (epilepsy) (n = 5). Four themes were identified: (1) benefits and concerns regarding commercial involvement, (2) trust in involved parties in research, (3) control over commercial parties and (4) appreciation of donors. To address these themes, we recommend that researchers and commercial parties communicate transparently and effectively, actively engage and appreciate donors, implement robust oversight mechanisms and (re)establish trust and trustworthiness through responsible practices. These considerations can help researchers and commercial parties work toward responsible and sustainable organoid research.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-025-01269-3Donor perspectivesCommercializationOrganoidsEthicsEconomics |
| spellingShingle | Hanna de Groot Manon van Daal Regina W. Hofland Inez Bronsveld Karin R. Jongsma Renske M.T. ten Ham The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectives BMC Medical Ethics Donor perspectives Commercialization Organoids Ethics Economics |
| title | The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectives |
| title_full | The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectives |
| title_fullStr | The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectives |
| title_full_unstemmed | The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectives |
| title_short | The ethics and economics of organoid commercialization: potential donors’ perspectives |
| title_sort | ethics and economics of organoid commercialization potential donors perspectives |
| topic | Donor perspectives Commercialization Organoids Ethics Economics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-025-01269-3 |
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