The European ME/CFS Biomarker Landscape project: an initiative of the European network EUROMENE

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a common and severe disease with a considerable social and economic impact. So far, the  etiology is not known, and neither a diagnostic marker nor licensed treatments  are available yet. The EUROMENE network of European researchers and clinicians  aims to promote cooperation and advance research on ME/CFS. To improve diagnosis  and facilitate the analysis of clinical trials surrogate markers are urgently  needed. As a first step for developing such biomarkers for clinical use a  database of active biomarker research in Europe was established called the ME/CFS  EUROMENE Biomarker Landscape project and the results are presented in this  review. Further we suggest strategies to improve biomarker development and  encourage researchers to take these into consideration for designing and  reporting biomarker studies.