VolitionRx Expands Reach in Japan with New Distributor for Nu.Q® Discover Assays
VolitionRx Limited, a prominent multinational company specializing in epigenetics, has recently revealed its collaboration with Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd (MBL), a leading supplier of clinical research tools in Japan. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Volition as it seeks to enhance the distribution of its innovative Nu.Q® Discover assays across Japan, tapping into the rapidly growing market for epigenetic diagnostics and biomarkers.
In this context, Dr. Jasmine Kway, CEO of Singapore Volition, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, recognizing MBL's established credibility and focus on autoimmune diseases. "We are thrilled to partner with MBL, as they offer exceptional services in clinical research, particularly toward understanding autoimmune conditions," she noted, emphasizing their commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative diagnostic solutions.
The Nu.Q® Discover platform has been developed to furnish drug developers with advanced tools for epigenetic profiling, facilitating rapid assessments in disease model development, preclinical testing, and clinical studies. Since its inception, Nu.Q® Discover has garnered a strong clientele globally, including notable pharmaceutical and diagnostic firms, with nearly 100 clients leveraging this technology for advancing their research and drug development efforts. Several of these collaborations have reached advanced stages, utilizing Volition’s assays as pharmacodynamic biomarkers in late-stage clinical trials, thereby reinforcing the credibility and effectiveness of Nu.Q® Discover.
According to Volition, the potential market for relevant companion diagnostics is estimated at just under $1 billion. The company anticipates substantial revenue growth from this sector, projecting a robust trajectory for 2026 following significant gains in 2025. By partnering with MBL, Volition aims to expand its collaborator network and extend its nucleosome-based biomarkers' reach, ultimately enhancing access for drug developers and researchers in Japan. This agreement is expected not only to stimulate interest in its Nu.Q® assays but also potentially pave the way for future regulatory applications in the Japanese market.
Volition has made substantial strides in 2025, announcing several firsts for its Nu.Q® Discover pillar. This includes the inaugural commercial sale of the High Throughput Synthetic Sepsis method, which provides real-time measures of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) activation and inhibition in whole blood. This pioneering tool is instrumental in assisting companies engaged in developing therapeutics aimed at combating sepsis and other diseases related to NET activation. Additionally, Volition has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with a major pharmaceutical firm to utilize its Nu.Q® Discover biomarkers in a longitudinal Phase 1/2b study, marking a significant advancement in clinical investigations.
The co-marketing agreement forged with Hologic Diagenode, which boasts a vast client base and international reach, further bolsters Volition's commitment to providing tools and resources to biotech and pharma companies. By enhancing accessibility to its innovative solutions, Volition is determined to contribute to the landscape of research and development in epigenetics.
MBL, established in 1969 as Japan's first antibody manufacturer, has an extensive history in developing and manufacturing reagents for in vitro diagnostics and basic research. Their notable expertise spans the immunological field as well as genetic diagnoses. MBL is recognized for developing and supplying IVD reagents for various medical areas, particularly autoimmune diseases and oncology, facilitating personalized medicine through companion diagnostics.
As VolitionRx continues to expand its influence in Japan, the collaboration with MBL marks an important chapter in its journey towards revolutionizing disease detection and treatment methodologies. With its focus on cost-effective and easily administered blood tests, Volition aims to improve outcomes for patients suffering from life-altering diseases including many cancers and conditions associated with NETosis, such as sepsis. Early detection plays a crucial role not only in prolonging patients' lives but also in enhancing their quality of life.
Volition maintains its research and development facilities in Belgium, complemented by an innovation laboratory in the United States and additional offices in London. With these strategic expansions and partnerships, VolitionRx is well-positioned to continue its mission of transforming healthcare through innovative epigenetic technology.