Lipedema Foundation Biobank
The Lipedema Foundation Biobank is a new initiative created to support research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of Lipedema. By collecting and securely storing biospecimens and health information from individuals with Lipedema and related conditions, the Biobank will become a resource for scientists working to better understand this complex disease.
We are just at the beginning of this effort — the launch of the Biobank marks an exciting new chapter in our work to enable high-quality, high-impact research.
WHY A BIOBANK?
Lipedema is a poorly understood condition, and researchers have long faced challenges accessing well-annotated samples from individuals with Lipedema. The Biobank is designed to address that gap by providing approved researchers with de-identified biological samples—such as blood, urine, adipose, and other tissue types—alongside relevant clinical and lifestyle information.
Over time, this resource can support a wide range of studies, including investigations into the biology of Lipedema, the potential development of diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and the search for new treatments.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
We officially launched the Lipedema Foundation Biobank with a pilot collection at the 2025 Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) conference. At this event, we collected blood and urine samples and data from 74 participants—a foundational step toward building a larger, more comprehensive resource.
Looking ahead, we are beginning to partner with Lipedema surgeons and clinical collaborators to collect additional sample types—such as adipose biopsies, lipoaspirate, and other tissue types—during routine care or surgical procedures. We’re also actively exploring new ways to make participation easier and more accessible for individuals and families affected by Lipedema.
This is just the beginning, and we’re committed to building the Biobank thoughtfully and transparently.
If you’d like to stay updated as we grow:
Biobank Updates
As this effort takes shape, we’ll use our blog to share regular updates about new participation opportunities, research partnerships, and what we’re learning along the way.
Latest Biobank Updates
Live Research at FDRS 2025: A Milestone for the LF Lipedema Biobank
Our first-ever sample collection event brought together 74 participants and marked the launch of the Biobank. Read more on the blog here.
(More updates to come as the project evolves.)
Special Note: Families with Lipedema
If you have a family with two or more members diagnosed with Lipedema and are interested in future research opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out this form to tell us more.
If you are a clinician or surgeon interested in supporting this effort by collecting samples as part of your practice or research, we would like to explore opportunities for collaboration. Please contact us at biobank@lipedema.org to learn more about how to get involved.