Somewhat simplified, we normally perceive biomarkers as substances within the physique that may be detected, for instance, by blood or urine checks, and that point out a organic state, akin to cancers or diabetes. Biomarkers can be utilized to make a prognosis, predict illness dangers and to monitor an ongoing remedy.
Nowadays, folks additionally speak about digital biomarkers. To get an thought of what it’s all about, consider the smartphone functions that may document motion patterns, coronary heart price and extra. The new digital biomarkers are measurable physiological or behavioural information which can be collected in the same manner and the place the measuring tools is normally moveable or positioned within the physique. This information could be adopted in actual time to monitor the affected person’s health standing and restoration, with out the necessity for the affected person to make repeated hospital visits. However, the query of how these digital information could be understood as biomarkers doesn’t appear fully clear.
Some concurrently printed articles within the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry talk about the potential for utilizing digital biomarkers to test the protection and efficacy of new drugs in mental health. For this to work, these new methods of gathering information and monitoring modifications in actual time should after all additionally work safely and successfully. They should furthermore fulfill moral and authorized calls for on information safety and oversight. The articles talk about these and different challenges. In one article, for instance, the query of how we should always perceive “bio” once we go from conventional biomarkers to digital ones is mentioned. Another paper presents outcomes from an try to use a digital biomarker to predict cognitive operate.
In the editorial introducing the articles, Deborah Mascalzoni, amongst others, emphasizes that the usage of digital biomarkers nonetheless lacks a passable regulated context and that points of information safety and dangers of discrimination when information of this sort are collected should be addressed. You can discover the editorial right here: Digital biomarkers in testing the protection and efficacy of new drugs in mental health: A collaborative effort of sufferers, clinicians, researchers, and regulators. There additionally, you will discover a hyperlink to all articles.
Johanna Maria Catharina Blom, Cristina Benatti, Deborah Mascalzoni, Fabio Tascedda and Luca Pani. Editorial: Digital biomarkers in testing the protection and efficacy of new drugs in mental health: A collaborative effort of sufferers, clinicians, researchers, and regulators. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1107037
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