OPINION Antifibrotic therapies-emerging biomarkers as treatment end points

The emergence of novel pharmacologic therapies for hepatic fibrosis holds promise for the management of this condition. Furthermore, novel, biological indices-in addition to liver biopsy-may improve our ability to assess the unique pharmacological effects generated by these agents. This article will attempt to highlight the potential for emerging biomarkers to serve as end points in clinical studies that target salient features of hepatic fibrogenesis.