Zydus Lifesciences has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals to expand access to the Shield multi-cancer detection (MCD) test in India.
Developed by Guardant Health, the test is a methylation-based blood test intended to detect ten common types of cancer from a single blood sample.
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The agreement is part of Zydus’s exclusive arrangement with Guardant Health to introduce the Shield test in the Indian market.
Shield MCD is designed for individuals aged 45 and above who are at average risk for cancer.
The blood-based test screens for multiple cancers, including bladder, breast, oesophageal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers.
These types account for a significant proportion of mortality among cancer patients in India, according to Zydus.
The test has received breakthrough device designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which acknowledges its potential to improve cancer screening over currently available options.
Zydus Lifesciences managing director Dr Sharvil Patel 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.”
Guardant Health AMEA CEO Simranjit Singh said: “We are pleased to bring the Shield MCD test to India through Apollo Cancer Centres and our longstanding commercial partner Zydus Lifesciences.”
In June 2024, Zydus Lifesciences’ venture capital unit Zynext Ventures announced a strategic investment in Promaxo, which develops low-field magnetic resonance imaging systems.
