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Molecular biomarkers: a US FDA effort
Huixiao Hong1, Federico Goodsaid, Leming Shi
1Center for Toxicoinformatics, Division of Systems Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, USA. huixiao.hong@fda.hhs.gov
Molecular biomarkers are increasingly used in FDA-approved drugs for diagnosis and treatment. This review covers their current status, challenges, and future directions in drug development and regulatory review.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers and Drug Development
- Regulatory Science
- Pharmacogenomics
Background:
- Molecular biomarkers are crucial for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response assessment.
- The US FDA has seen a significant rise in drug labels including molecular biomarker information over the past decade.
- Pharmaceutical companies are actively developing molecular biomarker programs through various collaborations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current landscape of molecular biomarkers in FDA-approved drug products.
- To discuss the challenges and future perspectives in identifying and qualifying molecular biomarkers.
- To highlight relevant FDA programs and research initiatives supporting regulatory review.
Main Methods:
- Review of FDA-approved drug labels for molecular biomarker content.
- Analysis of trends in molecular biomarker utilization in drug development.
- Examination of regulatory pathways and initiatives related to biomarker qualification.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in FDA-approved drugs incorporating molecular biomarkers.
- Widespread adoption of molecular biomarker programs by the pharmaceutical industry.
- Anticipation of further identification and validation of biomarkers for drug approval.
Conclusions:
- Molecular biomarkers are integral to modern drug development and regulatory science.
- Addressing challenges in biomarker identification and qualification is key for future advancements.
- Ongoing FDA programs are vital for supporting the integration of biomarkers in drug approval processes.
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