VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX), a multinational epigenetics company, has announced the publication of a peer-reviewed paper 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 study found significantly higher Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in septic shock patients compared to those with sepsis alone, and a dose-response relationship with acute kidney injury severity. These findings support the biomarker’s potential use in risk stratification and early intervention for sepsis, a condition that affects millions worldwide and has high mortality rates.
The study’s publication is accompanied by an independent editorial in the same journal that examines H3.1 nucleosomes as a potential marker of NET-mediated organ injury. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like structures released by immune cells to trap pathogens, but excessive NETosis can lead to tissue damage and organ failure, particularly in sepsis. The Nu.Q NETs test quantifies circulating nucleosomes, offering a non-invasive way to monitor this process. According to Volition, the findings add to previously published evidence supporting the clinical utility of Nu.Q NETs and may facilitate 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 company estimates a total addressable market of $2.8 billion for the technology, which could be used across acute and chronic conditions associated with NETosis. The test is designed to help clinicians anticipate disease progression, guide treatment decisions, and monitor patients over time.
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for improving outcomes. Current prognostic tools rely on clinical scores and lactate levels, but biomarkers like Nu.Q NETs H3.1 could provide more accurate risk stratification. The study’s results indicate that higher H3.1 levels correlate with more severe disease and poorer outcomes, making it a promising candidate for clinical use.
The publication in a leading critical care journal and the accompanying editorial underscore the scientific validity of these findings. The company believes that integrating Nu.Q NETs into routine care could lead to more personalized treatment approaches, potentially reducing mortality and long-term complications in sepsis survivors. As Volition continues to advance its pipeline, the company is actively pursuing partnerships and licensing opportunities to bring this technology to market.
For more information about Volition and its innovative diagnostic solutions, visit the company’s website at https://volition.com/. To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/RErhc.
