The NEC Biorepository, a groundbreaking effort to accelerate NEC research, has now enrolled nearly 300 babies!

The goal of the biorepository (biobank) is to help fragile newborn babies by improving our understanding of the disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

A biorepository is a research facility that collects and stores biological samples for research. Our biorepository holds samples from numerous medical centers across the country. Researchers share the samples, making it easier to study NEC.

The biorepository collects samples of blood, stool, urine, saliva, and stomach fluid from babies in the NICU. It also collects breast milk samples from the birthing parent. If a baby in the NICU has intestinal surgery for NEC or any other condition, intestinal tissue that would have otherwise been discarded is saved for the biorepository.

Two types of babies are eligible to participate: 1. Babies who are in the NICU and have developed NEC, and 2. Babies who are the same age as another baby who has developed NEC. Only babies at NEC Biorepository centers can participate.

The NEC Biorepository is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the NEC Society. You can read more here.