In a critical situation affecting thousands of biological samples, the reserve of liquid nitrogen used to maintain the integrity of specimens from the defunct Biobank has run out. This development was announced by GaiaCell, a company responsible for storing part of these samples, to the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Medicines and Medical Devices (JAZMP) on Wednesday. The agency confirmed that while current temperatures within the cryogenic containers remain acceptable, without an immediate supply of liquid nitrogen, the temperature will gradually rise over time, potentially leading to the degradation of the stored samples.
The issue arises because the samples in question belong to individuals whose owners or legal representatives have either not signed agreements for continued storage, transferred the samples to a new provider, donated them for research or testing purposes, or requested their destruction. These samples were originally collected by the now-defunct Biobank, which had been storing tissue and cell samples from thousands of children for 16 years before ceasing operations. In 2024, GaiaCell took over approximately 4,000 samples from the Biobank but did not have a contract for substitute storage.
The situation escalated when the local court in Domžal issued a temporary order requiring GaiaCell to provide liquid nitrogen for the samples belonging to individuals who submitted requests for the issuance of such an order. This request came from parents who had signed agreements with the Original Cell regarding the continued storage of their children's samples. However, the court’s order applies only to the specific samples for which the request was made, not to all other samples held by GaiaCell.
JAZMP emphasized that if the owners of the remaining samples do not reach an agreement with GaiaCell or obtain a temporary order from the competent court, the absence of liquid nitrogen supply could lead to the destruction of these samples in the coming days. They also noted that this matter involves civil relations between sample owners and GaiaCell, and thus JAZMP does not intervene in the execution of the temporary order as it is not authorized to do so.
The depletion of the liquid nitrogen reserve occurred after the termination of the supply agreement between GaiaCell and Istrabenz Plini. The last refill of liquid nitrogen into the reservoir took place on June 12. JAZMP highlighted that they have repeatedly urged the law firm Vrtačnik, representing about 500 families, and the Original Cell to reach an agreement with GaiaCell for further supplies of liquid nitrogen. However, JAZMP clarified that its inspection measures cannot interfere with commercial agreements between individual tissue and cell institutions or sample owners.
All sample owners had the option to sign an agreement for continued storage with one of four providers offering such services. Transfers took place in April, May, and June 2026, with all transfers except those conducted for GaiaCell before May 2026 being carried out under the supervision of JAZMP pharmaceutical inspectors. These inspectors were present during the transfer of samples for donation to research purposes and for identity testing.
GaiaCell assumed responsibility for the samples from the Biobank in 2024, despite lacking a contract for substitute storage. The Biobank, which had been operating for 16 years, ceased its activities, leaving behind a significant number of samples that required ongoing maintenance. The current crisis highlights the challenges faced by organizations managing biological samples, particularly when transitioning from one provider to another without proper contractual assurances.
The potential loss of these samples raises serious concerns among the affected families and researchers who rely on them for medical advancements and scientific studies. It underscores the importance of clear communication and robust agreements between all parties involved in the storage and management of biological materials. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on finding solutions that ensure the preservation of these valuable resources while respecting the rights and choices of the sample donors.
2 reports
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 9010 days agoThe article reports that the biobank GaiaCell has run out of liquid nitrogen needed to preserve biological samples, leading to potential damage if not replenished. The company informed the Slovenian Agency for Medicinal Products and Health Care (JAZMP) that current temperatures in cryogenic containers are still acceptable, but without immediate delivery of liquid nitrogen, temperatures will gradually rise. Some samples remain in GaiaCell’s custody because their owners either did not agree to continued storage, had not transferred them to another provider, or had not requested destruction. A temporary court order requires GaiaCell to provide liquid nitrogen until September 5, 2026, for those individuals who submitted a request for such an order. However, this does not apply to all remaining samples. JAZMP warns that without agreements between sample holders and GaiaCell or a court order, these samples could be destroyed. JAZMP notes that they cannot intervene in commercial agreements between tissue banks and sample owners. They also mention that all sample holders had the option to sign agreements with one of four providers offering storage services, with transfers occurring in May
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding the technical and legal situation surrounding the preservation of biological samples by GaiaCell, without overtly favoring any political ideology. It provides balanced reporting on the responsibilities of GaiaCell, the role of JAZMP, and the legal框架
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): The article accurately reports the situation regarding nitrogen depletion at GaiaCell affecting biosample preservation. It provides details from JAZMP and mentions the court order, aligning with cross-source consensus. The tone remains neutral and informative.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 9010 days agoThe article reports that GaiaCell, a company storing biological samples in a cryogenic reservoir, has run out of liquid nitrogen needed to maintain the samples of individuals who have not signed agreements for continued storage. This situation arises after GaiaCell terminated its contract with Istrabenz plini, the supplier of liquid nitrogen, leading to the reservoir being emptied on June 12. The Public Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (JAZMP) warns that without immediate delivery of liquid nitrogen, temperatures in the cryogenic containers will rise, potentially leading to the destruction of the samples. A temporary court order requires GaiaCell to provide liquid nitrogen until September 5, but this applies only to specific cases where families requested it. JAZMP emphasizes that it cannot intervene in commercial agreements between institutions and sample owners.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the technical issue involving liquid nitrogen shortage and its implications for sample storage. It includes statements from both GaiaCell and JAZMP without overtly favoring any side. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the logistical and legal aspects,
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): This article mirrors the first in content, reporting the nitrogen shortage and its implications for biosamples. It maintains neutrality and presents facts without bias, consistent with the broader narrative.
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