Product Launch
Abbott launches SimpleScreen CRC blood-based colorectal cancer screening test in the US
Biotech
Product Launch
Key Facts
Signal Type
Product Launch
Industry
Biotech
Companies
Abbott, Freenome, Exact Sciences, American Cancer Society, CDC
Date
Abbott announced the U.S. commercial launch of SimpleScreen CRC, an FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test for adults aged 45 and older at average risk. Developed and manufactured by Freenome and exclusively sold by Abbott, the test detects CRC signals by monitoring circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood. The launch follows Abbott's acquisition of Exact Sciences earlier this year and adds a blood-based option to its CRC screening portfolio, which already includes the stool-based Cologuard Plus test.
The test targets the estimated 28 million Americans aged 45 to 75 who have never been screened for colorectal cancer, according to a 2025 CDC estimate. It is designed for patients who decline or cannot complete preferred screening methods such as colonoscopy or stool-based tests. Healthcare providers gain a new tool to offer these patients, potentially increasing screening rates among a historically underserved population.
The launch strengthens Abbott's position in the cancer diagnostics market and creates opportunities for supporting technology vendors:
Monitor adoption rates among the unscreened population and provider uptake of SimpleScreen CRC. Watch for competitive responses from other blood-based CRC test developers and observe how Abbott integrates this test with its existing Cologuard Plus offering. The launch may also signal further M&A activity in the cancer diagnostics space as Abbott continues to expand its portfolio.
Source:
Fierce BiotechGet biotech signals in your CRM
FDA approvals and rejections, clinical trial results, pharma M&A, drug recalls, and funding rounds.
