Molecular Detectives: Biomarkers Could Save Your Life December 7, 2010

Biomarkers can detect a disease before you feel any symptoms. Or tell you if you are pretty safe from getting a disease because your body has already developed antibodies to fight the pathogen. Or help bring a new drug faster to the market or - on another note - a murderer to trial.

Biomarkers are measurable biological entities that signal the presence or absence of a disease, a toxin, a biological condition, a genetic pattern, or a therapeutic response to a drug. They can take a wide variety of forms. The best known biomarker test isn't even for disease: a home pregnancy test works on biomarker principles. Diabetes test strips use biomarkers to determine if additional insulin is needed. Antibodies are biomarkers that indicate if someone has been exposed to certain pathogens or toxins. For the conviction of a perpetrator, forensics nowadays provides evidence by checking DNA, RNA, tissues, blood, etc. found at the crime scene for biomarkers that identify the person that left it there.

GABA Life Science Group has invited biomarker experts to discuss how biomarkers can help prevent severe health conditions, accelerate drug development and manage existing health conditions.

Speakers:
-Ed Croze, PhD, Director, Translational Studies, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
-Dave Raksin, Director - Merchant Banking, Burrill & Company
-Dr. Norbert Piel, Vice President Global R&D, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics - Molecular Diagnostics Business
-Dr. Bernward Garthoff, Biotech Cluster BIO.NRW

Moderators:
-Ulrike Ruppelt, Principal, Ticular-Strategies for Success
-Edda Kargel Mihaescu, Ph. D., P.E., Principal Engineer, Bayer HealthCare

6:00 - 7:00 pm Registration / Networking Reception
7:00 - 8:30 pm Program
8:30 - 9:00 pm Additional Networking

Complimentary appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.

Official Website: http://www.gaba-network.org