Biobanks are vital for advancing medical research, and public participation is a crucial determinant of their success. This study uses a survey to assess the awareness, attitudes, and motivation of the public in China with regard to participating in biobanks. We conducted an online survey that yielded 616 responses from participants with diverse demographic backgrounds. The survey included questions on the respondents’ awareness of biobanks, their attitudes toward them, their preferences with regard to consent, and their concerns. The results of (...) the survey revealed that 57.95% of the respondents were aware of biobanks. Altruism was the respondents’ primary motivation for participation in biobanks. Their preferences for models of consent varied. The respondents raised concerns about the commercialization of biobanks (56.66%) and data privacy (55.84%). Notably, only 37.01% of the respondents were concerned about the risk of discrimination in biobanks, where this was lower compared with the results for populations in Western countries. This study provides valuable insights into the Chinese public’s awareness of and attitudes toward biobanks. To foster public trust and enhance participation, biobanks should prioritize transparent and continual communication to ensure that the participants are well informed about the use and protection of the samples that they have donated. Future research should explore the influence of cultural nuances to develop strategies that address specific concerns and ethical challenges in the context of public participation in biobanks. (shrink)

Emerging medical biotechnology, with its dual‐use nature, presents both unprecedented opportunities and challenges for human society. As we benefit from technological innovation, it is crucial for Chinese academics and policymakers to effectively identify and address potential risks. However, the current framework for evaluating dual‐use research faces multiple challenges, including difficulties in identifying dual‐use issues, a lack of consideration for broader impacts in assessments, and a lack of consensus on balancing benefits and risks. Furthermore, inadequacies in the review mechanism, such as (...) uneven progress among institutions, insufficient review capabilities, and lacking specialized knowledge among assessment personnel, hamper the effectiveness of evaluation efforts. This article aims to explore these challenges and propose practical recommendations for strengthening the evaluation and governance mechanisms of dual‐use research. By effectively mitigating the risks associated with dual‐use research, it facilitates the promotion of responsible scientific progress in emerging medical biotechnologies in China and internationally. (shrink)

Emerging medical biotechnology typically exhibits a ‘dual-use’ nature, which, while promoting human well-being, concurrently presents potential risks of misuse or abuse, thereby posing significant threats. Globally, including in China, emerging medical biotechnology is developing rapidly. To understand the views and perspectives of Chinese scientists on dual-use concerns, this empirical study conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with researchers (n=14) from various specialties within the Chinese medical field, analysing their perspectives and ethical considerations regarding dual-use concerns. The findings of this study reveal a (...) spectrum of attitudes among interviewees towards the exploration and application of emerging medical biotechnology, ranging from aggressive to conservative. This tension reflects the complexity and challenges of seeking a balance between promoting scientific innovation and maintaining ethical boundaries. Furthermore, while there is a consensus among scientists that the development and application of biotechnology encompass both risks and benefits, their stances on weighing these factors differ, reflecting how risk perception is influenced by professional limitations. Moreover, although scientists recognise the indispensability of both self-regulation and external oversight in practice, they also exhibit misunderstandings in ethical cognition and misinterpretations of regulatory measures. In light of these findings, it is imperative for us to urgently fortify national regulatory mechanisms and the construction of legal and ethical frameworks while also enhancing the ethical awareness and risk assessment capabilities of researchers. These measures are crucial for minimising the potential risks associated with dual use and fostering the sustainable and responsible development of emerging medical biotechnology. (shrink)

Innovative therapy, as a new paradigm of medical intervention deviating from standard routine practice, prioritizes the best interests of patients, offering alternative therapeutic pathways where standard treatments fail. In China, their application is increasing alongside advancements in medical technology. However, innovative therapy poses various ethical challenges in clinical settings, including misconceptions of being viewed as research rather than therapy, benefit‐risk assessment complexities, conflicts of interest, and barriers to the development of effective regulatory strategies. This paper elucidates the concept of innovative (...) therapy and critically examines these challenges within the Chinese clinical context, emphasizing patients’ best interests. It proposes establishing guidelines and a comprehensive, adaptable regulatory framework to address the unmet healthcare‐related needs of individual patients and mitigate risks. Engaging in these discussions provides some ethical insights from China on innovative therapy, serving as a reference for fostering the development and responsible utilization of innovative therapy. (shrink)