The focus lies in the research of new biomarkers for the early detection of age and lifestyle-related diseases of high socioeconomic relevance, such as dementia, cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Preventative and therapeutic measures require a diagnosis based first and foremost on the analysis of a biomarker or biomarker panel in the context of an individualized therapeutic approach. Biomarkers are objectively measurable biological parameters that correlate with the development of certain medical conditions. A biomarker can be molecular, structural, or functional in nature; it must be technically measurable and exhibit a clear link to the relevant biological condition. This requirement profile has only been comprehensively fulfilled by a few markers to date. Blood glucose levels serve as a good example of a biomarker for diabetes mellitus. In most diseases, including those of high socioeconomic relevance (e.g., dementia, cancer, heart attack, and stroke) and those of a complex chronic inflammatory nature (e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatism, Crohn’s disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), reliable and easily detectable biomarkers are not yet available.
