VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX), a multinational epigenetics company, announced the publication of a peer-reviewed paper in Critical Care Medicine reporting that its Nu.Q NETs H3.1 biomarker is an independent predictor of 28-day mortality and the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with sepsis and septic shock. The study found significantly higher Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in septic shock patients compared to sepsis patients, and a dose-response relationship with acute kidney injury severity, suggesting the biomarker could be used for risk stratification and early intervention.
The journal also published an independent editorial examining H3.1 nucleosomes as a potential marker of NET-mediated organ injury. Nu.Q NETs is Volition's nucleosome quantification technology designed to detect diseases associated with NETosis, a process where neutrophils release extracellular traps that can cause organ damage. The company believes the test could help clinicians anticipate disease progression, guide treatment decisions, and monitor patients over time across acute and chronic conditions.
Volition cited a total addressable market of $2.8 billion for the technology and said the latest findings add to previously published evidence supporting its potential clinical utility. Dr. Andrew Retter, Medical Consultant at Volition, stated: "Introducing Nu.Q NETs into hospitals, as a treatable, trackable trait, could lead to new ways of treating sepsis, improve patient survival and the quality of life of survivors."
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction. It affects millions of people worldwide annually and is a leading cause of death in hospitals. The ability to predict which patients are at higher risk for mortality and kidney failure could allow clinicians to intervene earlier and more aggressively, potentially improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
The findings are particularly significant given the current challenges in managing sepsis. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for timely administration of antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and other supportive therapies. The Nu.Q NETs H3.1 biomarker could complement existing clinical scoring systems, providing a more objective measure of disease severity and prognosis.
Volition said the findings support ongoing commercial and licensing discussions for Nu.Q NETs. The company is developing simple, cost-effective blood tests for early detection and monitoring of diseases, including sepsis and certain cancers. Its research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and an office in London.
The publication in Critical Care Medicine, a leading journal in critical care, adds credibility to the biomarker's potential. The accompanying editorial further underscores the scientific interest in H3.1 nucleosomes as a marker of NET-mediated organ injury. This validation could accelerate adoption of Nu.Q NETs in clinical settings, benefiting patients and healthcare systems.
For more information, visit the company's website at https://volition.com/. To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/RErhc.
