Blood Test Detects and Monitors Cell Death to Predict Disease Severity

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 03 Jun 2022

Image: Blood test to aid detection and evaluation of diseases associated with NETosis (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

NETosis is a unique form of cell death that is characterized by the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), composed of decondensed chromatin, that trap and kill bacteria and viral particles. Although NETs play an important role in our immune system, excessive production can lead to tissue damage and, in severe cases, sepsis, shock, and death. Now, using routine blood tests, a simple, low cost, accessible technology can detect NETosis, predict disease severity, and monitor its progression and response to treatment.

VolitionRx Limited’s (Austin, TX, USA) Nu.Q NETs test detects NETs in minute quantities. Elevated levels of NETs are a complicating factor associated with poor patient outcomes in a range of infectious and non-infectious diseases such as sepsis and COVID-19. In severe COVID-19 excessive production of NETs in the lungs, can lead to severe lung impairment or death. The Nu.Q NETs test could enable the stratiﬁcation of patients with a high level of NETs and allow physicians to rapidly triage these patients, monitor their disease progression and response to treatment. Early diagnosis and monitoring have the potential to not only prolong the life of patients but also improve their quality of life.

The Nu.Q NETs test is based on the science of Nucleosomics, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid - an indication that disease is present. The Nu.Q NETs test has been CE marked for the detection and evaluation of NETosis, enabling its clinical use in more than 27 countries across Europe and making it the first biomarker approved to measure NETs for patient management. The test is broadly intended to be used as a diagnostic tool to aid the detection and evaluation of diseases associated with NETosis.

"NETosis has become a huge focus for medics in recent years, given elevated levels of NETs are associated with poor patient outcomes in a range of diseases, such as COVID-19, but also including sepsis and cancer," said Jake Micallef, Chief Scientific Officer at Volition. "As NETs contain nucleosomes, we believe that our Nu.Q NETs test is a groundbreaking diagnostic solution for the detection and monitoring of NETosis. With CE marking, it can now be used within European clinical settings to identify patients with a high level of NETs and allow physicians to rapidly triage these patients, then monitor their disease progression and response to treatment."

"The role of NETs in the progression of acute, chronic, and debilitating conditions cannot be understated. As the only analytically validated test for NETs, we believe that there is enormous potential for Nu.Q NETs to support clinical decision-making, enabling physicians to act quickly, and improve patient outcomes. We expect this to be a significant commercial opportunity for Volition," added Gael Forterre, Chief Commercial Officer at Volition. "Achieving CE marking is a critical regulatory milestone for us. Nu.Q NETs is now registered for use in Europe in both ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) and automated ChLIA (ChemiLuminescence ImmunoAssay) formats."

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