VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX), a multinational epigenetics company, announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in Critical Care Medicine demonstrating 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 underscore the biomarker's potential for risk stratification and early intervention, which could significantly impact patient outcomes.
The study, which examined patients with sepsis and septic shock, found significantly higher Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in septic shock patients compared to those with sepsis alone. Additionally, the research revealed a dose-response relationship between biomarker levels and the severity of acute kidney injury, further supporting its prognostic value. An independent editorial accompanying the publication also highlighted the potential of H3.1 nucleosomes as a marker of NET-mediated organ injury, adding to the growing body of evidence supporting the biomarker's clinical utility.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and high mortality rates. Current diagnostic and prognostic tools are limited, and there is an urgent need for biomarkers that can identify high-risk patients early and guide treatment decisions. The Nu.Q NETs test, which detects nucleosomes released during NETosis (a process involving neutrophil extracellular traps), could fill this gap. According to Volition, the test could help clinicians anticipate disease progression, tailor therapeutic strategies, and monitor patients over time across both acute and chronic conditions.
The company also highlighted the commercial potential of Nu.Q NETs, citing a total addressable market of $2.8 billion. These latest findings add to previously published evidence supporting the technology's clinical utility and are expected to bolster ongoing commercial and licensing discussions. Dr. Andrew Retter, Medical Consultant at Volition, commented, "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."
The study's publication in a leading critical care journal and the accompanying editorial underscore the significance of this research. The ability to predict mortality and renal complications in sepsis patients could enable more personalized and aggressive interventions, potentially reducing mortality and long-term morbidity. As Volition continues to advance its Nu.Q platform, the company remains dedicated to developing simple, cost-effective blood tests that can detect and monitor a range of diseases, including sepsis and certain cancers. The company's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with additional offices in the U.S. and London.
For more information, visit Volition's website at https://volition.com/. To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/RErhc.
