Zydus Lifesciences Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals to expand access to the Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test in India. This partnership leverages the exclusive agreement between Zydus and Guardant Health, Inc., a precision oncology company, to introduce the methylation-based blood test across the country. The collaboration aims to address the low screening rates in India by making advanced diagnostic solutions more widely available through Apollo's extensive healthcare network.

Partnership Overview

The MoU establishes a framework for offering the Shield MCD test within Apollo Hospitals' territory. The test screens for 10 of the most common cancer types, including bladder, colorectal, breast, prostate, oesophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, and pancreas cancer. It is designed for individuals aged 45 or older who are at typical average risk for cancer.

Expanding Cancer Detection Capabilities

The Shield MCD test requires only a single blood draw to detect cancer-associated signals. It has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its potential to provide more effective screening than existing options. Cancer accounts for nearly nine per cent of total deaths related to non-communicable diseases in India, with over 1.41 million individuals diagnosed in 2022. By integrating this technology into Apollo Cancer Centres, the partners seek to enable earlier diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasized that proactive healthcare is critical to reducing the impact of cancer. Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., highlighted the company's commitment to reimagining diagnostics in cancer care through precision screening technologies. Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Guardant Health AMEA, noted that earlier detection has the potential to transform cancer outcomes in the region.

Source: https://lodr-files.dhan.co/lodr-inputs/Company/INE010B01027/2c7aeda84f1c43bb.pdf

Zydus Lifesciences has further extended the closing date for its proposed acquisition of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) business from Sterling Biotech Limited to September 30, 2026. The extension is necessary as the target entity is still in the process of completing certain conditions precedent outlined in the Business Transfer Agreement (BTA).

Timeline Adjustments

The transaction, initially expected to conclude by December 31, 2024, has faced multiple delays. In a previous intimation dated December 24, 2025, Zydus Lifesciences and Sterling Biotech Limited mutually agreed to push the deadline to June 30, 2026. With the conditions precedent still pending, the parties have now executed a letter to extend the closing date to September 30, 2026.

Transaction Details

The acquisition focuses on the API business of Sterling Biotech Limited, a key segment in pharmaceutical manufacturing supply chains. The deal remains subject to the fulfilment of specific regulatory and procedural conditions before it can be formally concluded.