As part of the initiative, Zydus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals to make the blood-based cancer screening test available across India.
The Shield MCD test is a methylation-based blood test designed to detect signals associated with multiple cancer types through a single blood draw. The test screens for 10 common cancers—bladder, breast, colorectal, oesophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers—in individuals aged 45 years and above who are at average risk for cancer.
According to the company, the test has received the Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), recognising its potential to provide more effective cancer screening than existing approaches.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve cancer outcomes.
"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," he said.
He added that the partnership with Zydus Lifesciences would help expand access to patient-friendly cancer screening solutions and enable earlier diagnosis, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.
Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said the collaboration aligns with the company's strategy of strengthening precision oncology diagnostics in India.
"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," Patel said.
Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA, said the collaboration will help improve access to innovative cancer screening technologies in India.
"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," he said.
The companies highlighted the growing burden of cancer in India, noting that cancer accounts for nearly 9% of deaths due to non-communicable diseases in the country. In 2022, more than 1.41 million people were diagnosed with cancer, while over 900,000 deaths were attributed to the disease.
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, while oral cancer is the most common cancer among men. Despite the high disease burden, cancer screening rates remain low across the country, with significant regional disparities. Southern and western states report relatively higher screening coverage, whereas northern, central and northeastern regions continue to lag behind.
The partnership is expected to expand access to blood-based multi-cancer screening and support earlier clinical evaluation, complementing existing cancer screening pathways in India.
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