Biomarkers:

Biomarkers (biological markers) are measurable characteristics of the body, like blood pressure, used to gauge how the body is doing over time, via diagnostic tests and imaging (x-rays or CAT scans). Biomarkers measure drug effects in clinical trials, but drug development has a high failure rate. After preclinical animal testing and other protocols, drugs have less than 1/10 chance of succeeding — which keeps drug costs high. To improve success rate and development efficiency, researchers look for a new generation of biomarkers to determine drug