Zydus Lifesciences and Apollo Hospitals Partner to Expand Access of Shield Multi-Cancer Detection Test in India

Zydus Lifesciences and Apollo Hospitals Partner to Expand Access of Shield Multi-Cancer Detection Test in India​

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals to expand access to the Shield™ Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test across India. The collaboration involves Zydus and Guardant Health, Inc., making the advanced cancer screening tool available through Apollo Hospitals.

The Shield MCD test is designed as a methylation based blood test intended for the detection of multiple cancer types, including bladder, colorectal, breast, prostate, oesophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, and pancreas cancer. The test screens for these 10 common cancers in individuals aged 45 or older who are at typical average risk for cancer.

This advanced screening technology has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recognizing its potential to provide more effective screening options compared to existing methods.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, stated that the partnership marks a significant step in advancing accessible cancer screening solutions for India. He emphasized that preventing and detecting disease at its earliest stage is critical, adding that the collaboration empowers individuals toward proactive healthcare and earlier diagnosis.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., noted that the company is committed to reimagining diagnostics in cancer care. He expressed pleasure in partnering with Apollo Hospitals and Guardant Health to introduce Shield™ MCD in India, which complements current screening pathways and encourages timely proactive healthcare.

Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Guardant Health AMEA, stated that bringing the Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test to India through Apollo Cancer Centres and Zydus Lifesciences is an important step. He added that earlier detection has the potential to transform cancer outcomes.

The technology represents a major advancement in identifying cancer associated signals through a single blood draw.

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Context of Cancer Screening in India

Cancer accounts for nearly nine per cent of total deaths related to non-communicable diseases in India. In 2022, there were over 1.41 million individuals diagnosed with cancer, leading to over 900,000 fatalities. Breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer related mortality among women, while oral cancer is the top cancer among men.

However, screening rates remain low across India, exhibiting wide disparity among states. The following table summarizes regional differences in reported cancer screening coverage:


The FDA Breakthrough Device designation references eight cancer types—bladder, colorectal, oesophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer—in individuals aged 45 or older who are at typical average risk for cancer as defined by the agency.

ZYDUSLIFE Stock Price Movement​

As trading continues at 12:53 PM, shares of Zydus Lifesciences Limited gain 3.02%, pushing the stock to ₹1133 as it rockets toward a new 52-week high. The equity has seen robust interest in the session, with over 1.03 million shares traded while the stock tests its peak at ₹1134 amid an intraday range starting from ₹1104.1.