VolitionRx Expands Intellectual Property to Enhance Ebola Treatment Monitoring with Nu.Q® NETs Technology

VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX), a global leader in epigenetics, has recently made a significant advancement in its mission to address critical health challenges with the announcement of a new patent application. This patent aims to protect the innovative use of its proprietary Nu.Q® NETs technology specifically for triaging and monitoring patients suspected of Ebola virus infection. This development underscores the broad applicability of Volition's technology, which is vital in enhancing patient care in epidemic contexts.

The Nu.Q® NETs Test: A Revolutionary Approach

At the forefront of this initiative is the Nu.Q® NETs test, which evaluates circulating nucleosomes and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) to predict severe inflammation, indicative of potential septic shock and mortality. Unlike existing Ebola diagnostics that merely detect the virus, the Nu.Q® NETs test measures the host immune response, providing valuable insights into the patient's condition well before severe clinical deterioration.

Dr. Jake Micallef, Chief Scientific Officer at VolitionRx, emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, "The Nu.Q® technology not only facilitates early detection of Ebola but also contributes to better treatment outcomes by enabling healthcare professionals to act promptly. Our patented assay is already CE-Marked, and with the development of the finger-prick lateral flow test (LFT), we can offer a rapid, bedside solution extremely beneficial in resource-limited settings where traditional laboratory facilities may be inadequate."

Addressing a Critical Healthcare Gap

Ebola remains a serious health threat, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its fatality rate can reach 50%. The sporadic outbreaks pose ongoing challenges due to the nonspecific initial symptoms and the difficulty of early detection in remote areas. The Nu.Q® NETs test aims to fill this gap by enabling field medics to monitor immune responses effectively, thereby facilitating timely treatment and reducing the likelihood of further transmission.

The unique focus of Volition's technology on the body’s immune response instead of the virus itself sets it apart from conventional diagnostic methods. Elevated levels of NETs have been previously associated with organ failure in conditions like sepsis and COVID-19, and now researchers are hopeful that this approach could similarly transform Ebola treatment protocols.

A Call for Global Partnerships

In light of this promising development, VolitionRx has initiated a call for strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including global health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and NGOs. The objective is to collaborate on field trials, scale up manufacturing of their LFT prototypes, and facilitate deployment in areas most affected by Ebola outbreaks. Mr. Remi Rabeuf, VP of Corporate Alliances and Strategic Partnerships, further elaborated on this initiative saying, "Our goal is to translate our lab-based technology into practical tools that can be used by frontline workers in challenging environments. We are looking for partners who share our vision of making impactful healthcare accessible to those in need."

Looking Forward

VolitionRx remains dedicated to developing easy-to-use, cost-effective blood tests that promise earlier disease detection and better monitoring of various conditions, including cancers and infectious diseases associated with the immune response. The company’s innovative research and development efforts, conducted in Belgium with additional support from its U.S. and London offices, reflect its commitment to improving global health.

For any partnership inquiries, licensing opportunities, or media questions, interested parties can contact VolitionRx’s alliance team directly.

This groundbreaking advance not only holds promise for a more effective response in Ebola treatment and monitoring but also sets a precedent for how innovative diagnostics can revolutionize patient care in public health emergencies. With ongoing efforts and a robust strategy in place, VolitionRx is positioned at the forefront of a significant evolution in medical diagnostics in the context of epidemic preparedness.