Medical device giant Abbott Laboratories is reportedly moving closer to acquiring cancer diagnostics company Exact Sciences, according to Bloomberg News. Sources familiar with the discussions say the deal could be announced within days. However, deliberations are still ongoing, and the agreement could face delays or fall through.
Market Reacts to Acquisition Talks
As reported by Reuters, following the news, Exact Sciences’ shares—valued at more than $13 billion—surged nearly 25%, reflecting strong investor optimism. In contrast, Abbott’s shares fell by about 3% during afternoon trading. Both companies have yet to respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Negotiations Continue Between the Two Companies
Bloomberg reports that Abbott is currently reviewing the terms of a potential transaction. While discussions appear advanced, final approval has not yet been reached.
Cologuard: Exact Sciences’ Leading Diagnostic Test
Exact Sciences is best known for Cologuard, its flagship non-invasive test for colorectal cancer screening. Unlike colonoscopy—which requires bowel preparation, sedation, and a clinical visit—Cologuard allows individuals to collect a stool sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for analysis.
Rising Need for Accessible Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the WHO. Therefore, convenient at-home tests such as Cologuard continue to play a significant role in expanding access to early detection.