VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX), a multinational epigenetics company, announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in Critical Care Medicine showing 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 findings highlight the biomarker's potential to improve patient outcomes through earlier risk stratification and targeted interventions.
The study, which examined Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in sepsis patients, found significantly higher levels in those with septic shock compared to those with sepsis alone. Additionally, a dose-response relationship was observed between Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels and the severity of acute kidney injury, suggesting that the biomarker could help clinicians anticipate disease progression and guide treatment decisions. The journal also published an independent editorial exploring H3.1 nucleosomes as a potential marker of NET-mediated organ injury, further validating the scientific relevance of this research.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction. Early identification of patients at high risk of deterioration is critical for improving survival rates. The Nu.Q NETs test, which quantifies nucleosomes released during NETosis—a process where neutrophils extrude DNA webs to trap pathogens—offers a novel approach to monitoring disease severity and guiding therapeutic strategies.
VolitionRx believes these findings support ongoing commercial and licensing discussions for Nu.Q NETs, its nucleosome quantification technology designed to detect diseases associated with NETosis. The company estimates a total addressable market of $2.8 billion for this technology, citing its potential utility across a range of acute and chronic conditions. The latest results add to a growing body of evidence supporting the clinical utility of Nu.Q NETs in sepsis management.
Dr. Andrew Retter, Medical Consultant at VolitionRx, emphasized the transformative potential of the test: "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." This statement underscores the hope that early and accurate risk stratification could enable more personalized and timely interventions, ultimately reducing mortality and long-term complications.
The publication in a leading critical care journal, accompanied by an editorial, marks a significant milestone for VolitionRx. It not only validates the scientific basis of the Nu.Q NETs assay but also positions the company to advance its commercial strategy. As sepsis remains a major global health challenge, with millions of cases annually, tools like Nu.Q NETs could play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with prolonged intensive care stays.
