Biomarkers should be introduced at the start of the drug discovery pipeline at target selection stage. It is important to understand the mechanism of action with the target and all the markers involved. This can be established using different multianalyte assays and techniques to identify some key markers that can be monitored once the compound reaches the clinic, using a robust assay that has been developed during the biomarker identification. Source: Gayle Marshall,  Lead Scientist for Biomarkers at MDC.