Guardant Health Targets Asia with Exclusive Manulife Deal

Guardant Secures Exclusive Asia Launch with Manulife for 2026

Guardant Health (Nasdaq: GH) confirmed on March 16, 2026, a strategic partnership with Manulife to launch its Shield™ multi-cancer detection (MCD) blood test in Asia. The deal grants Manulife exclusive rights to offer the test to its customers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines for the entirety of 2026. This marks the first introduction of the Shield test in the region, with availability for eligible Manulife customers scheduled to begin in April 2026. The collaboration provides Guardant a powerful distribution channel through one of Asia's largest insurers, significantly accelerating its commercial expansion outside the United States.

Shield Test Targets 10 Cancers to Meet Regional Demand

The Shield test is designed to detect 10 of the most common cancers, including lung, colorectal, and liver cancer, from a single blood draw. The test addresses a critical health issue in Asia, where cancer remains a leading cause of death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized the technology's potential by granting it Breakthrough Device Designation in June 2025 for its ability to predict the presence of eight cancer types. By partnering with Manulife, Guardant aims to improve low screening rates for many cancers that are often detected at late stages.

Shield MCD has the potential to significantly lift screening rates across the region for the most prevalent cancers. This could significantly alleviate the burden of cancer across Asia by expanding access to cancer detection with just a blood draw.

— Simranjit Singh, CEO of Guardant Health AMEA.

Deal Deepens Ties From Prior Guardant360 Collaboration

This agreement expands upon an existing relationship between the two companies, which already saw Manulife offering Guardant's Guardant360 liquid biopsy test for advanced tumors in Singapore. The new partnership for the Shield screening test marks a deeper commitment to preventative care and positions both companies as innovators in the health sector. For Guardant, it represents a key milestone in its global commercialization strategy. For Manulife, it provides a unique product offering that differentiates its services and aligns with the mission of its Manulife Longevity Institute to help clients live longer, healthier lives.