How Overcoming the Challenge of Biomarker Validation Can Pay Off for Drug and Diagnostic Developers

Validating a biomarker is a resource-intensive undertaking. Is it worth it? We say, Yes. A biomarker that wins "known validated" status is best positioned for rewards: regulatory approval, optimal reimbursement, incorporation into personalized medicine approaches alongside companion therapeutics, partnership and promotion opportunities, and wider awareness and uptake. Companies that recently began fi elding biomarkerbased tests are reporting success in terms of a revenue upswing. And they have laid the groundwork for validation of tomorrow's biomarker-based tools.

Get the Answers You Need to Shape Your Strategy

• In December 2007, Panacea's LC Detect for early lung cancer diagnosis was named one of Time Magazine's Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2007. What other biomarker-based tests are changing medical practice, and how?
• Validation is a key step in maximizing the clinical and commercial success of a biomarker. What is the validation process? What companies have successfully navigated it? What resources exist to facilitate the process?
• Validated biomarkers are the basis for several marketed companion diagnostics. Which products have received approval? How are these products faring? What tests are in development?
• For companies developing biomarker-based tests, a key strategy that taps the personalized medicine paradigm is to partner with drug developers. Which biomarker companies lead the pack? Which pharmaceutical companies have become involved in personalized medicine and drug/diagnostic codevelopment?

Scope

• About validated biomarkers: defi nitions, classifi cations, the value and process of validation.
• Types of biomarker-based tests: home-brew, de novo, in vitro diagnostic multivariate assay, therapeutic area focus (oncology is a leading area), technology focus (nucleic-acid testing, or NAT, is emerging as the key approach). Tables detail FDA-approved validated biomarkers and those in trials to achieve validation.
• Case studies: Genomic Health's Oncotype DX and Agendia's Mammaprint.
• Biomarker development environment: recent approvals, reimbursement challenges, supporting consortia.
• Where is the pay-off?: company profiles, revenue trends, industry outlook.

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