NIDDK data repository: a central collection of clinical trial data

The NIDDK Data repository is a web-enabled resource cataloguing clinical trial data and supporting information from NIDDK supported studies. The Data Repository allows for the co-location of multiple electronic datasets that were created as part of clinical investigations. The Data Repository does not serve the role of a Data Coordinating Center, but rather as a warehouse for the clinical findings once the trials have been completed. Because both biological and genetic samples are collected from many of the studies, a data management system for the cataloguing and retrieval of samples was developed.The Data Repository provides a unique resource for researchers in the clinical areas supported by NIDDK. In addition to providing a warehouse of data, Data Repository staff work with the users to educate them on the datasets as well as assist them in the acquisition of multiple data sets for cross-study analysis. Unlike the majority of biological databases, the Data Repository acts both as a catalogue for data, biosamples, and genetic materials and as a central processing point for the requests for all biospecimens. Due to regulations on the use of clinical data, the ultimate release of that data is governed under NIDDK data release policies. The Data Repository serves as the conduit for such requests.The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, have established central repositories for DNA, biospecimens, and data collected in clinical studies. The purpose of the Central Repositories is to increase the utility of NIDDK sponsored research by providing access to the samples and data to a wider research community than those research groups involved in the studies.The repositories involved in this initiative are:Research Triangle Institute (RTI International)Research Triangle Park, NCMcKesson Bioservice Corporations (Now Fisher Bioservices)Rock