Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

This could be a huge development if it works out:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/19/us-depression-drugs-biomarkers-idUSBRE88I0RL20120919

British scientists have identified biological markers in the blood which should help doctors match patients to the best type of treatment for depression.

The aim is to end the "trial and error" prescription of antidepressants, which is often the only way depressed patients can find the most effective treatment, said researchers regarding what they described as a small but promising study.

…high levels of inflammation - which show up in biological markers in the blood - are part of the mechanism leading to depression, especially to particular forms of the condition that do not respond well to mild or low-dose antidepressants.

…After 8 weeks of treatment, the researchers found that patients who were not getting any better were ones who had significantly higher levels of three inflammation markers before treatment started.