Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals to expand access to the Shield™ Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) blood test in India. Zydus will offer the test under its exclusive agreement with Guardant Health Inc., a leading precision oncology company.
Blood Test Screens for 10 Common Cancers
The Shield MCD test is a methylation-based blood test designed to detect multiple cancers, including bladder, colorectal, breast, prostate, oesophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. It is intended for individuals aged 45 years and above who are at average risk of developing cancer.
With a single blood draw, the test screens for 10 of the most common cancers, many of which have high mortality rates in India. It has also received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Breakthrough Device Designation, recognising its potential to improve cancer screening.
Focus on Early Detection
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said the collaboration reflects Apollo’s commitment to proactive healthcare and early cancer detection. He noted that expanding access to reliable and patient-friendly screening can improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes, ultimately saving more lives.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, said the company is strengthening the role of precision diagnostics in cancer care. He added that the partnership with Apollo Hospitals and Guardant Health will complement existing screening programmes while promoting greater awareness about timely cancer screening.
As per the press release, Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA, said the Shield MCD test marks an important advancement in detecting cancer-associated signals through a single blood sample. He added that the collaboration aims to improve access to innovative screening technologies and support earlier clinical evaluation across India.
Cancer Burden Remains High
Cancer accounts for nearly 9% of deaths from non-communicable diseases in India. In 2022, more than 1.41 million people were diagnosed with cancer, while over 900,000 lost their lives to the disease. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, whereas oral cancer is the most common cancer among men.
However, cancer screening rates remain low across the country. While southern and western states report relatively higher screening coverage, northern, central and northeastern regions continue to lag, highlighting the need for wider access to early detection technologies.