ABSTRACT
Imaging biomarkers are measurable characteristics obtained
through imaging technologies that indicate a specific biological
process is occurring in the body. Compared with biochemical,
molecular, and histological biomarkers, imaging biomarkers have
the advantage of being non-invasive as well as spatially and
temporally resolved. They provide a unique form of information
to compliment traditional techniques and measurements, including
a drug’s pharmacokinetics and distribution profile and interaction
with its target. Imaging biomarkers have the capability to provide
a direct pathophysiological correlation between disease mechanism
and therapy. The read-outs obtained using imaging biomarkers
are therefore potentially the closest analogs to clinical outcomes.
They help speed the process of drug development as the functional
imaging shows effectiveness earlier than any anatomic changes.
Additionally, the role of imaging in patient diagnostics and manage-
ment is well established. It is quite fitting that imaging biomarkers
play an increasing role in both drug development and patient care in
multiple disease areas.
