NEW YORK – VolitionRx said on Wednesday that it has signed a sponsored research agreement with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to evaluate the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer patients with sepsis.
The trial will use Volition's Nu.Q NETs test, which obtained the CE mark earlier this year for the detection and evaluation of NETosis, a form of cell death characterized by the release of NETs that trap and kill bacteria and viral particles. Excessive production of NETs can lead to tissue damage, sepsis, and death.
"There is an abundance of research into both cancer and sepsis, but relatively few investigations into sepsis in cancer," Jake Micallef, CSO of VolitionRx, said in a statement. The study will evaluate the utility of NETs measurement in managing cancer patients at risk of sepsis, he added.
Volition said several prior studies using its Nu.Q NETs test have demonstrated that high levels of NETs produced in sepsis, COVID-19, and other conditions are associated with, and predictive of, a severe reaction and organ failure.
Earlier this week, Volition said it had signed on Diagnostic Oncology CRO for development and clinical validation studies of its tests in the US.
Also, earlier this year, the company received a $1.5 million loan from Namur Invest Capital Risk and closed a $6 million public offering of its common shares.