VolitionRx Unveils Innovative Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test for Cats with Breakthrough Clinical Results
On January 8, 2026, VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX), a global leader in epigenetics, revealed promising clinical data from its recent study focused on the Nu.Q® Vet Feline assay. This groundbreaking test is designed to detect lymphoma in cats, representing a significant advancement in veterinary oncology.
Cats are known to be susceptible to several types of cancer, with lymphoma being the most prevalent among them. Traditional methods for diagnosing cancer in felines often require invasive procedures such as biopsies or costly imaging, making early detection challenging. The Nu.Q® Vet Feline assay promises to change this by providing a simple, affordable blood-based liquid biopsy test that leverages advanced epigenetic technology, which could dramatically enhance early diagnosis rates in the feline population.
Frédéric Wuilque, Vice President of Global Products at Volition, expressed the company's long-standing commitment to improving cancer screening for pets. He stated, "Historically, cancer in cats has been notoriously difficult to diagnose early, often requiring veterinary procedures that many pet owners may find daunting. With our Nu.Q® Vet Feline Test, we aim to facilitate routine cancer screening as part of every pet's annual health checkup."
The clinical study demonstrated an impressive 100% specificity rate with no false positives, indicating that the Nu.Q® assay can detect over 80% of feline lymphoma cases. This remarkable performance highlights the potential of the assay to fill a significant gap in veterinary care, especially as the demand for effective cancer detection tools for pets continues to rise.
With approximately 73.8 million pet cats in the United States, and estimates suggesting that 1 in 5 cats will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the introduction of this test aligns perfectly with a growing market need. Additionally, since over 25% of U.S. cats are categorized as seniors, this test could provide frequent screening opportunities for millions of pet owners across the country.
The North American veterinary oncology market is projected to reach $1.77 billion by 2025, with the segment for feline treatments growing at a pace surpassing that of canine treatments. As pet owners become increasingly aware of cancer's impact on their pets, there is a strong demand for solutions that can mitigate these risks.
Gael Forterre, the Chief Commercial Officer of Volition, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the commercial potential of the Nu.Q® Vet Feline Test. "The publication of our findings in a peer-reviewed journal is expected to unlock a $5 million contractual milestone payment. Our Nu.Q® Vet Canine test is already making waves in over 20 countries, and we believe the feline version could substantially increase our addressable market in companion animal care," he stated.
As VolitionRx prepares to roll out the Nu.Q® Vet Feline Test through their distribution networks, including laboratories and point-of-care platforms, they are setting the stage for a new era in veterinary medicine where early detection can improve the life expectancy and quality of life for cats diagnosed with cancer.
The path toward commercial launch is progressing, with further product development on the horizon. The company's innovative approach to veterinary diagnostics positions it as a frontrunner in the field, focusing on accessible and effective solutions to meet the urgent needs of pet owners and veterinarians alike. Volition’s commitment lies not only in developing diagnostics but also in promoting better outcomes for pets suffering from life-altering diseases through timely detection and monitoring.
As the scientific community awaits further insights and validations of the Nu.Q® approach, this breakthrough in feline cancer detection could certainly redefine standards of veterinary care and support the invaluable bond between pets and their owners.