- VolitionRx submitted a clinical manuscript evaluating its Nu.Q Vet Feline assay for lymphoma detection in cats.
- The assay reportedly detected 86% of feline lymphoma cases at 97% specificity.
- Publication of the study is expected to unlock a $5 million contractual milestone payment.
- The company aims to commercialize the test through reference laboratories and point-of-care platforms.
- Volition said the feline test could potentially double its companion animal addressable market.
- The company cited strong growth potential in veterinary oncology and senior cat screening.
VolitionRx announced the submission of a peer-reviewed clinical manuscript supporting the performance of its Nu.Q Vet Feline prototype assay for detecting lymphoma in cats, a development the company says could represent a major advance in feline cancer screening.
According to the company, the assay demonstrated 86% detection sensitivity for feline lymphoma at 97% specificity. Volition said the technology is designed to become a simple blood-based liquid biopsy test for feline cancer, addressing what it described as a significant unmet need in veterinary medicine.
Manuscript Supports Feline Lymphoma Detection
The submitted manuscript evaluated circulating nucleosomes as biomarkers for differentiating healthy cats from cats with intermediate-to-large-cell lymphoma.
Dr. Annalisa Canale, first author of the manuscript and a member of Volition’s research team, said nucleosome levels were significantly elevated in cats diagnosed with lymphoma compared to healthy controls, supporting the biomarker’s potential role in feline cancer screening.
The company noted that its earlier canine lymphoma research helped inform development of the feline assay.
Commercial Milestone and Market Expansion
Volition stated that publication of the manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal is expected to trigger a $5 million contractual milestone payment.
The company also said it plans to commercialize the Nu.Q Vet Feline Test through existing distribution channels, including reference laboratories and point-of-care diagnostic platforms.
Gael Forterre, chief commercial officer at Volition, said the addition of a feline cancer screening product could significantly expand the company’s reach within companion animal diagnostics.
The company noted that its Nu.Q Vet Canine test is already available in more than 20 countries.
Growing Opportunity in Veterinary Oncology
Volition cited several factors supporting long-term market potential for feline oncology diagnostics, including the large domestic cat population, increasing longevity among pets and growing demand for routine wellness screening.
According to company-provided market data, approximately 74 million pet cats live in the United States, with more than 25% categorized as senior cats aged 8 years or older. The company also cited estimates suggesting roughly one in five cats will develop cancer during their lifetime.
Volition added that the North American veterinary oncology market is projected to continue expanding, with feline oncology expected to grow faster than the canine segment due to increasing awareness and demand for feline-specific treatments.
The company said the manuscript is expected to appear on a preprint service in the coming days.
Information sourced from VolitionRx’s press release issued May 6, 2026.
