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# Biomarkers Glossary Developed by FDA, NIH
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/biomarkers-glossary-developed-by-fda-nih/
- Published: 2016-01-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T02:32:01.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5134609

> FDA and NIH have developed a glossary that clarifies important definitions and describes some of the hierarchical relationships, connections, and dependencies among the terms “biomarkers” and “clinical assessments.” The two agencies developed the BEST (Biomarkers, EndpointS, and other Tools) Resource [glossary](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326791/?ref=fdaweb.com) that “aims to capture distinctions between biomarkers and clinical assessments and to describe their distinct roles in biomedical research, clinical practice, and medical product development,” they say.  
>  
> “Effective, unambiguous communication is essential for efficient translation of promising scientific discoveries into approved medical products,” the agencies say. “Unclear definitions and inconsistent use of key terms can hinder the evaluation and interpretation of scientific evidence and may pose significant obstacles to medical product development programs. Lack of clarity and consistency is also problematic in other scientific areas where FDA oversees product safety (e.g., foods and tobacco) to promote public health interests.”