Overview
Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes or responses to interventions. Their value depends on the intended purpose and population.
SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY / 06
Connecting molecular measurements to meaningful clinical questions.
Editorial review: November 2026Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes or responses to interventions. Their value depends on the intended purpose and population.
Proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, imaging data and digital signals can serve as candidate biomarkers.
Candidates are explored in experimental settings; analytical validity and biological variability require further evaluation.
Human studies distinguish analytical validity, clinical validity and context of use. FDA's qualification program evaluates biomarkers for specific drug-development uses.
Collection conditions, assay harmonization, sensitivity and specificity, population differences and overinterpretation are major limitations.
This page is for scientific education, not personal medical advice, an approved-treatment claim or a product recommendation. Each source must be read within its own scope.