VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX), a multinational epigenetics company, has announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in the journal 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 could have significant implications for the management of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects millions worldwide.
The study, which was published in the official journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, found significantly higher Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in patients with septic shock compared to those with sepsis alone. Moreover, the biomarker showed a dose-response relationship with the severity of acute kidney injury, suggesting that higher levels correlate with more severe organ dysfunction. This supports the potential use of the biomarker for risk stratification, allowing clinicians to identify patients at higher risk of adverse outcomes and intervene earlier.
In an accompanying editorial, the journal highlighted the importance of H3.1 nucleosomes as a potential marker of NET-mediated organ injury. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like structures released by neutrophils during inflammation, and while they play a role in trapping pathogens, excessive NETosis can contribute to organ damage. Measuring Nu.Q NETs levels could provide a window into this process, aiding in prognosis and treatment decisions.
VolitionRx believes that the Nu.Q NETs test could help clinicians anticipate disease progression, guide treatment decisions, and monitor patients over time across a range of acute and chronic conditions associated with NETosis. The company estimates a total addressable market of $2.8 billion for this technology, which is part of its broader nucleosome quantification platform.
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.” This statement underscores the potential transformative impact of the biomarker in clinical practice.
The latest findings add to a growing body of evidence supporting the clinical utility of Nu.Q NETs. The company says that these results are supporting ongoing commercial and licensing discussions for the technology. Sepsis is a major global health burden, with high mortality rates and long-term complications for survivors. Early identification of patients at risk of deterioration could enable more aggressive interventions, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
The study's publication in a leading critical care journal lends credibility to the biomarker's potential, and the independent editorial further validates its relevance. As VolitionRx continues to advance its pipeline, the Nu.Q NETs biomarker could become a valuable tool in the fight against sepsis and other NETosis-related diseases.
For more information, visit the company's website at https://volition.com/.
