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. This finding could significantly impact the management of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects millions worldwide.
The study, published in the journal Critical Care Medicine, found significantly higher Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in septic shock patients compared to those with sepsis alone. Furthermore, the biomarker exhibited a dose-response relationship with acute kidney injury severity, indicating its potential to help clinicians anticipate disease progression and guide treatment decisions. The journal also published an independent editorial examining H3.1 nucleosomes as a potential marker of NET-mediated organ injury, adding further credibility to the research.
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in hospitals, and early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for improving outcomes. The Nu.Q NETs test, which detects nucleosomes released during NETosis, a process involved in the body's immune response, could provide a simple blood test to help clinicians stratify patients by risk. This would enable more targeted interventions, potentially reducing mortality and improving the quality of life for survivors.
Volition believes that introducing Nu.Q NETs into hospitals as a treatable, trackable trait could lead to new ways of treating sepsis. 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."
The company estimates the total addressable market for this technology at $2.8 billion, reflecting its potential across acute and chronic conditions beyond sepsis, including certain cancers. The latest findings add to previously published evidence supporting the clinical utility of Nu.Q NETs, and Volition said they support ongoing commercial and licensing discussions.
This development is important because sepsis is a medical emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment. The ability to predict outcomes and organ dysfunction using a simple blood test could revolutionize sepsis management, allowing for earlier intervention and personalized treatment strategies. Moreover, the potential for the test to be used in other diseases associated with NETosis could expand its impact, offering a versatile tool for monitoring patients over time.
For more information on this announcement, visit the full press release at https://ibn.fm/RErhc. Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and an office in London. The company is dedicated to advancing the science of epigenetics and developing simple, cost-effective blood tests to help detect and monitor a range of diseases.
