Biomarkers: a valuable tool in clinical research and medical practice.

The importance of biomarker technology and biomarker strategies in pharmaceutical development is still in its infancy, but the impact of biomarkers is already proving to be significant in this field. Strategies for incorporating biomarkers form the basis for translational medicine and also for the industry/regulatory focus on reducing the high attrition rate of drugs often encountered at phase II clinical research. The depth and breadth of knowledge required to successfully implement biomarkers into drug development are generating many collaborative efforts within the pharmaceutical industry, as well as encouraging the involvement of professionals who traditionally have not been part of the drug-development process.