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There actually exists a much better model for dealing with consent issues relating to biospecimen research in Singapore: the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), which creates an \u201copt-out\u201d system for organ donation.<\/span><\/p>\n In Singapore, you have the right to specifically put yourself on a list saying that you do not want your organs to be used for transplantation purposes after your death. But if you fail to take that action, the default is that your organs will be available for transplantation.<\/span><\/p>\n A similar rule could be used in the case of research with biospecimens. It would allow anyone to object to the use of their biospecimens for research. But for those who do not, their biospecimens will otherwise automatically become available to be stored and used for research.<\/span><\/p>\n Far fewer biospecimens will be inappropriately trashed. And a great deal of the time, effort and money spent in obtaining consent will be saved, freeing it up to pay for the actual conduct of research.<\/span><\/p>\n It would be a huge win if more specimens were made available for medical research on the unique aspects of the Singaporean population. This would go extremely far in fostering a much more conducive environment for local biomedical research without offending key bioethical pillars.<\/span><\/p>\n Shaun SE Loong and Kylie Heng are Clinician-Researchers and Roger Foo is Director of the Cardiovascular Metabolic Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Jerry Menikoffis Professor of Bioethics at the Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n