Russian biotech company Biocad has announced the creation of its own biobank – a specialised storage facility for biological samples (fluids and tissues) collected during clinical trials. The new infrastructure, the company told GxP News, shortens the development time for original drugs whose mechanism of action requires in‑depth molecular study, and also opens up opportunities for partnerships with medical organisations across Russia.
The biobank infrastructure has been placed on the territory of Biocad’s research and production complex in the Neudorf special economic zone in St Petersburg. Its capacity allows for the storage of more than 380,000 biological samples across a range of temperatures – from −196°C (liquid nitrogen) to +25°C.*
The biobank is equipped with a continuous liquid nitrogen supply system, backup power, monitoring systems and data protection. To manage the lifecycle of biological samples, experts use a laboratory information management system (LIMS), which enables detailed tracking of each sample and provides a complete, clear picture of its storage and use.
The continuously expanding biobank already holds 774 samples from 225 study participants across nine nosological groups, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis and others. It is already being used in eight research projects and product programmes, including the BCD‑180 project aimed at expanding knowledge about the drug seniprutug, as well as to support clinical trials.
Biocad has expressed interest in partnering with state research institutes and medical organizations. Company representatives noted that biobanks can exchange biological samples, opening up opportunities for joint research projects. All processes, including obtaining informed patient consent, are strictly regulated and comply with legal requirements.
As previously reported by the analytical company Cursor, Biocad became the undisputed leader of the ranking of the largest full-cycle manufacturers in 2025, with sales of 48.8 billion roubles. That represents 42% of the entire full-cycle drug market. The company holds 21 strategic partnership agreements and showed positive growth of 3% compared with 2024.
