Miradas críticas a los biobancos genómicos desde el Sur: biomedicalización, imaginarios genéticos y extractivismos

Our article critically analyzes the emergence and expansion of Genomic Biobanks in Latin America, using the Argentine National Population Reference Program and Genomic Biobank (PoblAr) as a case study. Through a thematic content analysis of scientific and institutional documents, protocols, and outreach materials, we seek to characterize and problematize epistemological aspects and political consequences of the Argentine National Genomic Biobank. We argue that projects like PoblAr privilege genomic explanations for differences between individuals, especially for multifactorial and highly prevalent diseases, fostering the advancement of genetic narratives and individualized, decontextualized versions of health. In this sense, we propose that Genomic Biobanks amplify the biomedicalization of societies. Our analysis also reveals that, despite certain rhetoric about autonomous development and equity, the private component associated with PoblAr could facilitate the widespread use and monetization of massive population genomic and phenotypic data, generated in the public sector, by private actors within the medical-industrial complex. We believe it is necessary to reflect on the relevance of these initiatives originating in the Global North for our Latin American countries.

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