[Consent for the secondary use of human residual tissue: the patient is best served by an 'opting-out' procedure].

In medical scientific research much use is made of human bodily material (residual tissue) which remains after treatment or diagnosis. Using this, relevant research questions can be answered. The way in which patients can consent to the secondary use of residual tissue is now formalised in a code of conduct, which allows such use unless the patient has objected to this use ('opting-out' procedure).

[Crucial role of patients in biobanking: national and international examples].

Biobanks are important for biomedical research into human diseases. Research physicians are often in need of human tissue and cells to conduct their research. However, they are often faced with the challenge of obtaining samples from a sufficient number of patients.

EU policies in personalized medicine-related technologies.

Against the background of a number of first drug-diagnostic co-products developed and introduced into the European market, European decision-makers feel impelled to react and position themselves in the field of personalized medicine. Their reactions cover a broad range, from the analysis of knowledge requirements for market approval to the need for translational activities and the possible contribution of pharmacogenetics to public health. This article summarizes the current positions of European institutions, based on literature review and expert consultation for three items associated with personalized medicine: biobanks, genetic diagnostics and drug-diagnostic co-products, and provides an outlook on requirements for an effective future European policy on personalized medicine.