Zydus Lifesciences has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals to expand access to the Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) blood test across India, marking a significant step toward strengthening early cancer detection in the country.

The announcement follows Zydus Lifesciences' collaboration with Guardant Health to introduce the Shield MCD test in the Indian market.

Designed for individuals aged 45 years and above who are at average risk of developing cancer, the blood-based screening test is intended to detect signals associated with 10 of the most common cancers using a single blood sample.

Under the agreement, Apollo Hospitals will offer the methylation-based blood test, which screens for cancer-related signals linked to bladder, colorectal, breast, prostate, esophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. The test has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although the designation does not constitute regulatory approval or clearance.

According to company data, cancer accounted for nearly 9% of deaths associated with non-communicable diseases in India. More than 1.41 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022, while over 900,000 deaths were attributed to the disease.

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The company also highlighted that cancer screening rates remain low across the country, with considerable regional disparities in access and coverage.

Commenting on the partnership, Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said the collaboration aims to improve early cancer diagnosis and enable better treatment outcomes through wider access to advanced screening technologies.

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Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, said the company is focused on increasing awareness about cancer screening while expanding access to innovative diagnostic solutions.

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Simranjit Singh, CEO of Guardant Health AMEA, added that earlier detection has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and that the partnership would help make the screening technology more widely available in India.