What is a Biomarker

A characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention.

Importance of Biomarkers for BioPharmas today (pdf)

Pulished: March 13, 2008 in Knowledge@Wharton
The Biomarkers Definitions Working Group of the National Institutes of Health USA.

Industry Trends

• Rapid rise in specific cancers – breast, lung, and prostate cancer cases in U.S. have doubled over past 20 years
• Currently, diagnostic findings influence 60–70% of healthcare decision-making (source: Lewin Grp)
• More health services delivered out of hospital — need for technology that is portable and compact
• Increased popularity of wellness centers throughout the world — interest and demand for preventative medicine

Market for Diagnostic Equipment

• Worldwide market for diagnostics was estimated to be $28.6 billion in 2005. U.S. accounted for $11.2 billion.
• Diagnostic testing in hospitals accounts for 60% of revenue from diagnostics; reference labs account for 32%
• Low compliance with diagnostic-based quality measures was linked to up to 34,000 avoidable deaths and $900 million in avoidable healthcare costs in the U.S., according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance