Internet Site Established for Biomarker Researchers and Clinicians

A site on the Internet has been established for researchers and clinicians working in the field of disease biomarkers. The intent is to accelerate delivery of technologies, medicines, and therapies for successful prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

The site is the brainchild of the Biomarkers Consortium (Bethesda, MA, USA). The consortium, formed by the [U.S.] National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Foundation for NIH, the [U.S.] Food and Drug Administration, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, was designed to primarily interest biomedical, clinical, and technology-oriented health researchers and others in the health field. The consortium is currently funded by 28 companies, non-profit organizations, trade associations, and advocacy groups that participate in the consortium's contributing membership program.

The Biomarkers Consortium currently comprises three steering committees composed of experts in neuroscience, metabolic disorders, and cancer. A fourth steering committee in inflammation and immunity is being assembled. The consortium's website provides easy access for submitting project concepts to the steering committees. When approved by the committees, concepts are developed into formal project proposals and, when approved by the consortium's executive committee, the Foundation for NIH seeks the funds to implement them. To date, over US$6 million has been raised to support the consortium's lung cancer and lymphoma biomarker projects.

"In time, we will expand the website's coverage to include a members-only section, and provide comprehensive information about biomarkers, such as cutting edge research from the scientific and regulatory community,” said Dr. C. Anthony Altar, director of the Biomarkers Consortium. "Information and research findings from consortium projects will be made publicly available as quickly as possible to promote the use of biomarkers in improving public health.”


Related Links:
Biomarkers Consortium