Biomarkers to TherapeuticsIn April of 1999, the NIH convened a comprehensive multidisciplinary conference on the use of biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for biomedical research http://www4.od.nih.gov/biomarkers/index.htm. This conference underscores the expanding interest in biomarkers, and the need for innovative collaborations to facilitate their use. Maximizing the utility of biomarkers in diagnosis and assessment of treatment safety and efficacy requires an extensive infrastructure, such as the one that exists at UNC. This infrastructure is comprised of: 1) an environment in which basic science can proceed to translational research; 2) technological resources in our core facilities; and 3) clinical researchers, biostatisticians, and epidemiologists who design studies to validate the use of biomarkers. The following examples illustrate the depth and breadth of biomarker research at UNC aimed at improving women's health. We believe that the future development of therapeutics will rely heavily on information derived from the use of appropriate biomarkers.
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