VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX), a multinational epigenetics company, has 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. This finding underscores the potential of the biomarker to improve risk stratification and guide early intervention in a condition that affects millions worldwide.
The study, which involved patients with sepsis and septic shock, found significantly higher Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in those with septic shock compared to those with sepsis alone. Moreover, the biomarker showed a dose-response relationship with the severity of acute kidney injury, a common and serious complication of sepsis. This association suggests that Nu.Q NETs H3.1 could serve as a reliable indicator of disease severity and organ dysfunction, enabling clinicians to anticipate patient trajectories and tailor treatments accordingly.
In an accompanying editorial, the journal examined the role of H3.1 nucleosomes as a potential marker of NET-mediated organ injury, further validating the scientific rationale behind the biomarker. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like structures released by immune cells that, while helpful in fighting infections, can also cause tissue damage and organ failure when overproduced. The Nu.Q NETs test quantifies these nucleosomes, providing a measurable indicator of NETosis activity.
VolitionRx believes that the findings support ongoing commercial and licensing discussions for its Nu.Q NETs technology, which is designed to detect diseases associated with NETosis. The company estimates a total addressable market of $2.8 billion for the technology, and the latest evidence adds to a growing body of research supporting its clinical utility. According to Dr. Andrew Retter, Medical Consultant at Volition, “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 implications of this research are significant. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ damage. It affects an estimated 49 million people globally each year, with a mortality rate ranging from 20% to 50%. Early identification of patients at high risk of deterioration is crucial for improving outcomes. The Nu.Q NETs H3.1 biomarker could help clinicians identify those patients earlier, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and intervention, potentially reducing mortality and long-term complications.
Furthermore, the test's ability to track disease progression over time could be valuable in both acute and chronic conditions associated with NETosis, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. VolitionRx is developing simple, cost-effective blood tests that could be easily integrated into clinical practice. The company’s research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with additional offices in the U.S. and London.
For more information about VolitionRx and its pipeline, visit the company's website at https://volition.com/.
