Breaking New Ground With Digital Biomarkers

Molecular biomarkers have been instrumental in transforming innovation and clinical practice in several therapy areas by enabling precision medicine, most notably in oncology. With the relentless rise of digital health, we are witnessing the emergence of digital biomarkers – novel, objective and quantifiable, patient-generated measures of physiology, behaviour, cognitive function and mood that are captured via connected digital devices. For example, we are seeing innovative applications of voice digital biomarkers in detecting anxiety or depression, even in COVID-19 infection screening, while digital biomarkers related to movement, balance and dexterity are increasingly used in monitoring and assessing manifestations of neurological disorders. 

Just as with their traditional, molecular counterparts, digital biomarkers have equally transformative potential. They can be a source of near real-time, previously inaccessible evidence and novel patient insight, to accelerate clinical research or inform better diagnoses and personalized treatment decisions. By driving changes in patient behavior, digital biomarkers can generate superior health outcomes and they also enable new engagement models – continuous, anytime, anyplace – between patients and healthcare professionals, but also with pharmaceutical companies, regulators, payers and technology players, in a truly patient-centric healthcare ecosystem.

In this white paper, we will discuss the latest trends in digital biomarkers, their emerging applications and explore opportunities this creates for pharmaceutical companies. We will address key questions, such as:

• What determines the development path for digital biomarkers?
• What barriers need to be overcome for their widespread adoption?
• What new capabilities are required to seize the digital biomarker opportunity?
• And what role do technology partnerships play?