Abbott launches blood-based colorectal cancer screening test in the US

Abbott ($ABT) has launched SimpleScreen CRC in the United States, adding an FDA-approved blood test to its colorectal cancer screening portfolio. Freenome develops and manufactures the test, while Abbott holds exclusive commercialization rights. It is intended for average-risk adults aged 45 or older and complements Abbott’s stool-based Cologuard Plus offering rather than replacing preferred screening approaches.

The launch expands Abbott’s routes to patients who decline or do not complete stool-based or visual screening. In a prespecified analysis, sensitivity was 81.1% for colorectal cancer overall but only 13.7% for advanced precancerous lesions, an important limitation. Positive results require follow-up colonoscopy. Eligible Medicare Part B patients face no out-of-pocket charge, according to the company, although Medicare Advantage patients may incur costs. No launch-revenue forecast was disclosed.

Sources:

• Company release via PR Newswire