Zydus Lifesciences Share Rises 3% To Hit One-year High After Apollo Hospitals Pact for Cancer Detection Test

Mumbai, July 3: Zydus Lifesciences share price rose over 3% to hit a one-year high of Rs 1,136.00 on Friday after the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals Enterprise to expand access to its blood-based multi-cancer detection test, Shield, across India.  

The announcement boosted investor sentiment as the partnership strengthens Zydus’ presence in the fast-growing diagnostics segment. As of writing the stock was up 3.2% at Rs 1,134.50. 

Partnership to expand cancer screening 

Under the collaboration, Zydus Lifesciences and Apollo Hospitals will introduce Shield, a blood-based Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test, across Apollo’s extensive healthcare network. 

The companies said the partnership aims to improve access to early cancer screening through a minimally invasive blood test capable of detecting signals associated with multiple cancer types before symptoms emerge.

The stock is up 3% over a week and over 5% over a month. Source: NSE

Shield is a methylation-based blood test designed to detect 10 of the most common cancers, including bladder, breast, colorectal, gastric, liver, lung, oesophageal, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers in individuals aged 45 years and above who are at average risk. The test requires only a blood sample, providing a less invasive alternative to conventional screening methods. 

Builds on Guardant Health alliance 

The agreement builds on Zydus Lifesciences’ exclusive partnership with US-based precision oncology company Guardant Health to commercialise the Shield test in India. 

The company had earlier secured exclusive rights to market the technology in the country, where a majority of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting treatment options and survival rates. 

By leveraging Apollo Hospitals’ nationwide network, Zydus aims to significantly expand the availability of advanced cancer screening services across India. 

Focus on early detection 

The collaboration is expected to support wider adoption of blood-based cancer screening, which is increasingly being viewed as a complementary tool to conventional diagnostic methods. 

According to the company, the test screens for 10 of the most common cancers through a single blood draw, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes. 

Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer-related mortality, particularly for cancers that currently lack established population-wide screening programmes. 

Strengthening diagnostics portfolio 

The latest partnership underscores Zydus Lifesciences’ strategy to diversify beyond pharmaceuticals and expand its footprint in precision diagnostics and preventive healthcare. 

The collaboration with Apollo Hospitals provides access to one of India’s largest hospital networks, which is expected to accelerate the commercial rollout of the Shield test and improve patient access to advanced cancer detection technologies. 

The announcement was well received by investors, with the stock touching a fresh one-year high of Rs 1,136.00 in trade as the market welcomed the company’s push into high-value diagnostics and precision oncology. 

Source

• https://www.nseindia.com/get-quote/equity/ZYDUSLIFE/Zydus-Lifesciences-Limited