Thursday, 26 December 2013

Introduction to the Biomarkers Technology

       Today's High Tech world is not so much familiar with the technology of biomarkers on the general grounds. So, the first question which arises is, what is biomarker. Therefore, I'll begin my report with the basic explanation of biomarkers concept.
        In layman's language,a biomarker (short for biological marker) is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to witness how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. It is also called as molecular marker and signature molecule.
         In medical language, biomarkers are biological measures of a biological state. By medical           definition, a biomarker is "a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention.". A biomarker may be used as a traceable substance which is introduced into an organism as a means to examine organ function or other aspects of health.
         Biomarkers basically consists of definite cells, genes, molecules, gene products, enzymes, or hormones. Biomarkers basically stands for a measured characteristic that can be used as an indicator of some biological state or condition. The term sometimes also refers to a substance whose presence indicates the existence of living organisms.
         Biomarkers may be used alone or in combination to check the health of an individual. Today, a wide range of biomarkers are used . Every biological system (viz. the cardiovascular system, metabolic system or the immune system) has its own specific biomarkers. Many among these biomarkers are comparatively easy to measure and form part of routine medical examinations.
         In order to make the checking of a specific disease appropriate, an ideal biomarker should have the following features:

      1) Easy & safe to measure
      2) Affordable (w.r.t cost)
      3) Modifiable with treatment
      4) Consistent across gender and ethnic groups

Global Market of Biomarkers Advanced Technology - 2018

      The global market of biomarkers advanced technology showcases high growth potential in the upcoming future. This market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2013 to 2018, to reach $40.8 billion by 2018.
      The global market has been segmented into biomarker discovery technologies, biomarker services, applications, and disease indications. On a Global level, the market is facing a transformation and is expected to grow at a high growth rate in the coming years.Reasons behind this progressing  growth in the market are  advancements in discovery technologies, government initiatives and grants for biomarker research activities, and rising demand for personalized medicine. 
     Over the past few years, the number of contracts and partnership agreements are increasing among market players for the development of novel biomarkers in the biomarkers industry.