The overall aim of VIROMARKERS is to define virus related biomarkers to improve management of chronic diseases, including biomarkers of response to antiviral treatment of persistent viral infections and virome features as indicators of disease progression in immunosuppressed people. 

Validation or demonstration of the technologies required to measure the candidate biomarkers is an integral part of the project objectives. Indeed, certified lab systems are currently available only for a few of these items (e.g. HDV RNA) while others may obtain certification in the current year (e.g. total HIV DNA). Wherever necessary, the project includes all the preliminary lab activities to set up or refine investigational methods to measure the biomarker(s) considered.

Also, assay setup within VIROMARKERS generates the experimental data necessary to move prototype methods through the regulatory steps necessary to reach clinical application.

Indeed, the involvement of diagnostic companies into the project perfectly fits this need through sharing prior knowledge and expertise, supplying state-of-the-art reagents and equipment and filing for assay certification.