Abstract: A rare disease should not mean rare access to research. The launch of the Global AortaBank by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital represents a major step toward changing how aortic diseases are studied worldwide. By creating a centralized, open-access biobank for aortic tissue and blood samples, the initiative removes long-standing barriers around sample availability, storage, and sharing. For conditions like aortic dissection, where tissue can only be collected during surgery, this coordinated effort could significantly accelerate scientific discovery and improve survival outcomes.
With the aorta now recognized as an organ, a deeper understanding of its biology has become critical to cardiovascular medicine. The Global AortaBank will enable researchers across institutions and countries to access high-quality, well-preserved samples needed to study complex conditions such as Marfan Syndrome, Loeys-Dietz, and Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease. By combining surgical expertise, interdisciplinary research, and global collaboration, this initiative demonstrates how biobanking infrastructure can directly support faster diagnosis, targeted therapies, and long-term patient impact. It is a powerful reminder that shared resources can drive shared progress in healthcare.
Read the full article here: https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2026/02/12/global-aortic-biobank-to-accelerate-life-saving-research/
