Manulife and Guardant Health join forces to tackle cancer burden across Asia

Manulife has partnered with precision oncology company Guardant Health to become the first insurer in Asia to offer Guardant Health’s Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test to customers in Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Through this collaboration, Manulife customers will gain exclusive access to the Shield MCD test across these three launch markets in 2026, marking the first time this innovative test has been introduced in Asia.

The partnership reflects both companies’ shared commitment to expanding access to cutting-edge, proven health solutions that address critical, unmet medical needs.

This comes as cancer remains one of the leading causes of death across Asia. The Shield MCD test, which requires only a simple blood draw, screens for ten of the most common cancers—many of which carry high mortality rates in the region. The test was granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025.

This initiative aligns with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform dedicated to research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment. The Institute aims to advance efforts that help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.

The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two companies in Singapore, where eligible customers already have access to the Guardant360 liquid biopsy test for advanced solid tumors. It represents a shared vision to introduce advanced health solutions and expand access to preventive care across more markets in Asia. The Shield MCD test will be available to eligible Manulife customers starting April 2026.

“By being the first insurer in Asia to offer the Shield MCD test, we’re empowering our customers with a credible and valued service that encourages proactive health management”, said Steve Finch, president and CEO of Manulife Asia. “This exclusive partnership demonstrates our commitment to offering innovative and differentiated solutions to improve the health outcomes of our customers.”

As part of this new partnership, Manulife is committed to providing underserved communities with access to the Shield MCD test. “This commitment underscores our dedication to prioritising health and wellbeing so people can unlock life’s potential and live fuller, more prosperous lives at any age,” said Harshal Shah, chief marketing officer of Manulife Asia. “Empowering health, wealth, and longevity is central to Manulife’s ambition to be the number one choice for customers. Through our partnership with Guardant Health, we look forward to advancing this mission for our customers and the communities we serve.”

“We are excited to partner with Manulife to introduce the Shield MCD test to Asia for the first time,” said Simranjit Singh, CEO of Guardant Health AMEA. “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. We look forward to the impact that this collaboration with Manulife will make in bringing this latest innovation in cancer screening to the Asian market.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Manulife for more information. 

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