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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Biomarkers and drugs in Africa

markers, their application may mitigate the drawbacks of 6. Conclusion
existing tests and improve patient outcomes through robust
analytical and validation techniques. Advancing research The African disease landscape and drug development are
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involves integrating favorable biomarkers—both molecular both critically important, requiring specific biomarkers
and image-based—and leveraging artificial intelligence for effective detection. It would be beneficial to prioritize
to optimize their combinations. Directly comparing increased awareness, campaigns, and research opportunities
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these biomarkers in clinical settings would enhance our aimed at discovering, utilizing, and implementing more
understanding of their effectiveness. By leveraging the vast biomarkers to address prevalent diseases in Africa and
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data generated through ongoing screening efforts, advanced enhance drug development. Such efforts would not only
mathematical and computational models powered by ML improve healthcare but also help preserve the African
can extract valuable insights. However, this requires a heritage.
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systematic collection of patient samples within screening Acknowledgments
contexts. Moreover, challenges such as demonstrating
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cost-effectiveness and navigating regulatory approval None.
processes must be addressed. Despite initial logistical
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and financial hurdles, these efforts will ultimately yield Funding
significant efficiency gains. Although such an endeavor None.
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may seem daunting initially, the long-term outcomes
could prove highly beneficial. This review provides a Conflict of interest
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compelling perspective on the use of biomarkers in drug
and disease development in Africa, an area with limited The authors declare they have no competing interests.
resources. The significance of this topic in such regions Author contributions
cannot be underestimated, particularly given the need to
shift focus toward the utilization of biomarkers in drug and Conceptualization: Komal Zulfiqar, Malik Olatunde
disease development. To tackle these challenges, our study Oduoye
has made this issue a central focus. Thus, the potential of Formal analysis: Malik Olatunde Oduoye
biomarkers in drug and disease development in Africa Investigation: Komal Zulfiqar
should be investigated through original research studies. In Methodology: Komal Zulfiqar, Malik Olatunde Oduoye
the next 5 years, we anticipate substantial advancements in Writing–original draft: All the authors
disease treatment through the creation of groundbreaking Writing–review & editing: Malik Olatunde Oduoye
medications, facilitated by the utilization of biomarkers.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
5. Limitations
Not applicable.
This review has some limitations. First, there is a lack of
literature on the use of biomarkers in drug and disease Consent for publication
development in Africa, resulting in a scarcity of recent
references to include. In addition, we have only mentioned Not applicable.
specific biomarkers used in Africa due to the absence of Availability of data
original studies on the subject.
Not applicable.
While examining the significance of biomarkers in
disease and drug development in Africa, it is important References
to recognize certain limitations. First, the availability of
reliable data is restricted due to inadequate representation 1. Aryutova K, Stoyanov DS, Kandilarova S, Todeva-Radneva A,
in global research, potentially resulting in gaps in Kostianev SS. Clinical use of neurophysiological biomarkers
the analysis. Furthermore, the differing healthcare and self-assessment scales to predict and monitor treatment
infrastructures across African nations can impact the response for psychotic and affective disorders. Curr Pharm
Des. 2021;27(39):4039-4048.
relevance and generalizability of findings related to
biomarkers. In addition, there is a dependence on studies doi: 10.2174/1381612827666210406151447
employing varied methodologies, which could lead to 2. Ahmad A, Imran M, Ahsan H. Biomarkers as biomedical
inconsistent conclusions. Finally, the rapid advancement of bioindicators: Approaches and techniques for the detection,
the field means that this review may not comprehensively analysis, and validation of novel biomarkers of diseases.
capture all recent developments. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(6):1630.

Volume 7 Issue 4 (2024) 9 doi: 10.36922/itps.3656