Zydus Lifesciences and Guardant Health have entered into an exclusive agreement to make the Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test available in India. As part of the agreement, Zydus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals to offer the test in the country.
According to the companies, the Shield MCD test is a methylation-based blood test for the detection of multiple cancer types, including bladder, colorectal, breast, prostate, oesophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancer in individuals aged 45 years or older who are at average risk for cancer. The test screens for 10 cancer types through a blood sample.
The companies stated that the test has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recognising its potential to provide cancer screening beyond existing options. They also clarified that the designation does not imply FDA approval, clearance or endorsement of the device’s safety or effectiveness.
Commenting on the development, Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “At Apollo, we have long believed that the most effective healthcare is proactive healthcare. The future of medicine lies not only in treating disease, but in preventing it and detecting it at its earliest, most treatable stages. Cancer continues to be one of the greatest health challenges facing societies worldwide, and expanding access to timely, reliable screening, is critical to reducing its impact. Our collaboration with Zydus Lifesciences marks an important milestone in advancing accessible, patient-friendly cancer screening solutions for the people of India. By bringing together innovation, scientific excellence, and a shared commitment to better health outcomes, we can empower individuals to take charge of their health, enable earlier diagnosis, and significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Together, we are taking another meaningful step toward a future where more lives are saved through early detection and timely intervention.”
Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said, “As India’s leading oncology company, we are reimagining the role of diagnostics in cancer care. We are pleased to partner with Apollo Hospitals and Guardant Health to introduce Shield™️ MCD in India, expanding access to an innovative screening technology that complements existing screening pathways. Through focused awareness initiatives, we continue to encourage timely screening and proactive healthcare with our range of companion diagnostics. By expanding access to precision diagnostics, we stand committed to unlocking new possibilities in patient care.”
Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA, added, “We are pleased to bring the Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test to India through Apollo Cancer Centres and our longstanding commercial partner Zydus Lifesciences. Earlier detection has the potential to transform cancer outcomes, and Shield MCD represents an important advancement in helping identify cancer-associated signals through a single blood draw. Together, we are expanding access to innovative screening technologies that can support earlier clinical evaluation and help shape the future of cancer care in India.”
According to the information shared by the companies, cancer accounts for nearly nine per cent of deaths related to non-communicable diseases in India. In 2022, more than 1.41 million people were diagnosed with cancer and more than 900,000 deaths were recorded. Breast cancer accounted for the highest number of cancer-related deaths among women, while oral cancer was the most common cancer among men. The companies also stated that cancer screening rates in India remain low, with variations across states. Southern and western regions report higher screening coverage than northern, central and north-eastern regions.