VolitionRx Submits Manuscript for Innovative Cancer Test in Cats

VolitionRx Announces Submission of Critical Manuscript for Feline Cancer Detection

VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX), a globally recognized epigenetics company, recently revealed its submission of a manuscript for peer review. This publication discusses the efficacy of its Nu.Q® Vet Feline prototype assay, marking a significant advancement in veterinary oncology. The manuscript reports remarkably high rates of accuracy in detecting lymphoma, the prevalent form of cancer among felines, revealing a specificity of 97% and the ability to identify 86% of feline lymphomas.

This innovative development introduces what is anticipated to be the world's first simple, affordable blood-based liquid biopsy test for feline cancer. The need for such a diagnostic tool is crucial, as the early detection of cancer in feline patients has traditionally posed a significant challenge due to the lack of accessible tumor biomarkers.

Game-Changing Detection Method

Dr. Annalisa Canale, the first author of the manuscript, elaborated on this groundbreaking research by emphasizing the historical difficulty of diagnosing cancer in cats early. She highlighted how this study builds on previous findings related to canine lymphoma and the notable utility of circulating nucleosomes as biomarkers for differentiating between healthy cats and those with intermediate-large cell lymphoma. Importantly, the research demonstrated that nucleosome levels were markedly elevated in cats diagnosed with this form of lymphoma compared to their healthy counterparts, pointing out the promising potential of H3.1-nucleosomes as a useful screening biomarker.

Gael Forterre, Volition's Chief Commercial Officer, expressed excitement about the commercial opportunities this test unlocks, particularly the potential to generate a $5 million milestone payment upon the study's publication in a peer-reviewed journal. As VolitionRx continues to progress with the rollout of its canine cancer test, Forterre emphasizes the company's commitment to make cancer screenings a routine part of regular veterinary care for pets.

The company anticipates not only to enhance the current offerings in veterinary diagnostics with the Nu.Q® Vet Feline Test but also to expand its market reach. With over 73.8 million pet cats in the United States and an estimation that 1 in 5 cats will develop cancer in their lifetime, this test is set to fill a vital void in feline healthcare.

Targeting a Growing Market

The North American veterinary oncology market is expected to experience significant growth, projected to reach approximately $1.77 billion by 2025. The feline oncology segment is poised to grow at an even faster rate than the canine segment, spurred by increasing pet owner awareness and the demand for feline-specific treatments. Over 25% of cats in the U.S. are classified as seniors (aged 8 and above), laying the groundwork for ongoing screening opportunities for around 18 million pets annually.

Forterre emphasized that the launch of the Nu.Q® Vet Feline Test aligns perfectly with Volition's broader mission to support the health and well-being of companion animals through advanced diagnostics. With the inclusion of feline tests, VolitionRx may potentially double its addressable market, marking a significant leap forward in the veterinary diagnostic sector.

In conclusion, the publication of this manuscript represents an exciting milestone for VolitionRx and could reshape the landscape of feline oncology. As the company continues to push boundaries in disease detection, it remains committed to providing essential tools for timely and effective treatment of pets suffering from cancer and other serious medical conditions.

VolitionRx plans to make the Nu.Q® Vet Feline Test available through its distribution channels, including reference laboratories and point-of-care platforms, paving the way for a new era in veterinary medicine.