Training@Staburo: Finding cut-off values for biomarker variables

Training@Staburo: Finding cut-off values for biomarker variables

The incorporation of biomarkers into drug development becomes more and more important, as they provide essential information to find the right therapy at the right time for the right patient (“precision medicine”).

This talk provided an overview on the roles of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, with a particular focus on (semi-) quantitative markers based on Immunohistochemistry  (IHC). For their use in clinical practice, these biomarkers are often categorised via a cut-off value, as it conveniently divides patients into subgroups.

Different statistical models were discussed that identify subgroups of patients, who are most likely to benefit from a targeted therapy. Furthermore, it was illustrated that an analysis on the original scale of the biomarker is useful and necessary, as it provides insights on an individual patient level.

3. Biotech Press Lounge at the IZB

3. Biotech Press Lounge at the IZB

On 13 October 2016, managing directors and press officers of biotech, pharmaceutical and venture capital companies, as well as journalists, were meeting at the Faculty Club G2B of the IZB in Martinsried near Munich. There were three compact presentations held before a networking lunch:

  • “Therapy advantage in cardiology through biotech” Dr. Stefan Kropff (Executive Medical Director, Amgen GmbH)
  • “How to turn dust into stone with the help of bacteria”
    Martin Spitznagel (Managing Director, Dust Biosolutions)
  • “New genomic methods for blood analysis:
    Liquid Biopsies” Dr. Rainer Schubbert (Head of Operations Applied Genomics,
    Eurofins Genomics)

For Staburo it was very exciting to see what is developed currently at the IZB in Munich, but also to learn about the successful history of several companies. As a specialised service provider for biostatistics solutions, it was also very interesting to meet current and potential clients in a relaxed atmosphere – we will definitely take part in more IZB events in the future!

The next Biotech Press Lounges will be on 16 February 2017, 11 May 2017 and 12 October 2017. Reservations can be made at marketing@izb-online.de.