Guardant Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: GH) has launched its Shield multi-cancer detection blood test across several Asian markets, expanding access to early cancer screening through a new insurance partnership.
The company introduced the Shield MCD laboratory-developed test in Asia for individuals aged 45 and older. The test uses a blood sample to detect multiple cancers at once. It screens for 10 common cancers, including lung, breast and colorectal cancers.
Additionally, the company partnered with Manulife Financial Corporation (TSE: MFC) to distribute the test to eligible customers. The rollout will begin in April 2026 in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. Manulife will offer the test through its health and insurance services across those markets.
Meanwhile, Guardant built the Shield platform over nearly a decade to improve early cancer detection rates. The test uses methylation patterns in blood to identify cancer signals. It also aims to detect cancers before symptoms appear, when treatment outcomes improve.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death across Asia, driving demand for early screening tools. However, many traditional screening methods require separate tests for each cancer type. Consequently, a single blood test could increase screening participation and simplify the process.
Guardant executives said the launch marks a key step in expanding global access to early detection. They indicated the company designed the test to target the most common and deadly cancers. Additionally, they expect the test to improve participation rates in regions with limited screening uptake.
Manulife executives described the partnership as a new approach to preventive healthcare. They said the offering gives customers access to advanced screening tools through existing insurance plans. Furthermore, they believe the test encourages proactive health management among policyholders.
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Guardant continues to expand validation studies
In the United States, the test has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The designation followed strong performance in a National Cancer Institute study. The study evaluated how well the test detected cancers and identified their origin.
However, the test remains a laboratory-developed product and has not received full FDA approval. Guardant continues to expand validation studies and commercial access in multiple regions. Subsequently, the Asia launch represents one of the company’s largest international expansions to date.
Additionally, several companies are advancing competing multi-cancer detection approaches using blood, breath and other non-invasive methods.
GRAIL Inc (NASDAQ: GRAL) offers the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test, one of the most established options. The Galleri test uses a single blood draw to screen for more than 50 cancer types. It analyzes tumor-derived DNA fragments and predicts the tissue of origin.
Meanwhile, Breath Diagnostics and similar startups are exploring breath-based detection systems such as OneBreath. These platforms analyze chemical compounds in exhaled air linked to cancer metabolism. However, most remain in early clinical validation and have not reached broad commercial deployment.
Owlstone Medical is developing a different non-invasive approach through its breath biopsy platform. The company is also testing mask-based breath capture systems designed to collect biomarkers during normal breathing. These technologies analyze volatile organic compounds that may signal early-stage disease.
Additionally, breath-based diagnostics aim to offer a simpler and more scalable alternative to blood testing. Patients can provide samples without needles, which may improve screening uptake. However, researchers still need to validate accuracy across large populations.
