VolitionRx tests finger-prick sepsis prototype in patients

VolitionRx has initiated patient testing for a prototype device designed to detect sepsis via a finger-prick blood sample, the company announced on Monday.

The prototype, developed by VolitionRx’s subsidiary, NuQ Diagnostics, is intended to provide a rapid and minimally invasive method for identifying sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection. Early diagnosis remains critical in managing the disease, as delays can significantly increase mortality rates.

The clinical testing phase will evaluate the device’s accuracy, sensitivity, and usability in real-world patient settings. VolitionRx has not disclosed specific trial locations, participant numbers, or timelines for results. The company stated that the prototype leverages its proprietary NuQ biomarker technology, which targets specific proteins associated with sepsis.

Sepsis is a leading cause of hospital deaths worldwide, with early intervention linked to improved survival rates. Current diagnostic methods often rely on time-consuming lab tests, underscoring the potential value of a rapid, point-of-care solution. VolitionRx’s device, if validated, could address a critical gap in emergency and critical care settings.

Shares of VolitionRx were not immediately responsive to the announcement in after-hours trading. The company, headquartered in Luxembourg, focuses on developing diagnostic tests for cancer and other diseases using its NuQ platform.

Further updates on the trial’s progress are expected in the coming quarters as data becomes available.