VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX) has announced the publication of a peer-reviewed paper detailing its proprietary Capture-Seq liquid biopsy technology, which the company says is the first to isolate and analyze more than 99% pure circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA). This breakthrough addresses a longstanding challenge in liquid biopsy: separating cancer-derived DNA from the overwhelming background of healthy cell-free DNA, enabling the creation of highly enriched tumor DNA datasets for cancer detection and monitoring. The company estimates the technology addresses annual market opportunities of approximately $23 billion for multi-cancer early detection and more than $13 billion for minimal residual disease applications.
The published research describes a two-step process that combines physical sample enrichment with bioinformatic filtering to produce greater than 99% pure ctDNA sequencing datasets. According to company scientists, early validation studies demonstrated strong cancer detection results, including no false positives in initial cohorts and high detection rates for early-stage cancers. Additional blinded studies have produced encouraging findings, further supporting the technology's potential. VolitionRx is now advancing larger validation studies, collaborating with oncology key opinion leaders, and expanding patent protection as it explores commercialization opportunities.
The significance of this technology lies in its ability to overcome a major hurdle in liquid biopsy, which traditionally struggles to detect rare tumor-derived DNA amidst abundant normal DNA. By achieving unprecedented purity, Capture-Seq enables more accurate and sensitive detection of cancer-related mutations, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of treatment response. This could lead to improved patient outcomes and more personalized treatment strategies.
VolitionRx's commitment to advancing the science of epigenetics is central to its mission of saving lives and improving outcomes for people and animals with life-altering diseases. The company is developing simple, cost-effective blood tests for early detection and monitoring of various diseases, including certain cancers and conditions associated with NETosis, such as sepsis. Its research and development activities are based in Belgium, with additional operations in the U.S. and the U.K.
The announcement comes as the liquid biopsy market is rapidly expanding, driven by the need for non-invasive cancer screening and monitoring tools. With the potential to address a combined market opportunity of over $36 billion, Capture-Seq could position VolitionRx as a key player in this space. The company is currently conducting technical evaluations with potential licensing partners, indicating a strategic approach to commercialization. As the technology advances through larger validation studies, its real-world impact on cancer care will become clearer.
For more information, visit the company's website at https://volition.com/. To view the full press release, see https://ibn.fm/nuJEs.
