What Exact Sciences does

Exact Sciences Corporation is a Madison, Wisconsin-based cancer screening and diagnostics company founded in 1995 and acquired by Abbott Laboratories in March 2026 for approximately $23 billion, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company built a vertically integrated portfolio spanning hereditary risk assessment (Riskguard), non-invasive screening (Cologuard and Cologuard Plus stool DNA tests, Cancerguard multi-cancer early detection), surveillance (Oncoguard Liver), molecular residual disease monitoring (Oncodetect), and precision oncology therapy guidance (Oncotype DX Breast/Colon Recurrence Scores, OncoExTra whole-exome/transcriptome profiling). Its core technology combines proprietary methods including QuARTS quantitative allele-specific amplification, DNA methylation plus protein biomarker multi-modal detection for MCED, ctDNA-based tumor-informed MRD, and whole-exome/whole-transcriptome sequencing, all processed in CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratories.

The business model is fee-for-service laboratory diagnostic testing: physicians and health systems order tests through ExactNexus-integrated workflows, samples (stool, blood, tissue) are processed centrally, and Exact Sciences bills Medicare, commercial insurers, or patients directly at prices such as $689 self-pay for Cancerguard. Revenue scaled from approximately $1.77 billion in 2021 to $3.25 billion in 2025, driven by Cologuard volume (4M+ people tested in 2023), Oncotype DX penetration (2M+ breast cancer tests to date), and newer product adoption.

Go-to-market combines B2B healthcare-provider sales with consumer-facing awareness campaigns (celebrity ambassadors, the Cologuard Classic PGA tournament, multicultural outreach), and the company announced a Walgreens retail pharmacy partnership in March 2026 to extend distribution. Major R&D and clinical-evidence partnerships include Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Baylor Scott & White, and Flatiron Health, and the company holds an exclusive MRD technology license from the Broad Institute. Post-acquisition, international reach is expected to leverage Abbott's 160+ country distribution network, with planned Cancerguard launch in Japan in July 2026.

Name

Exact Sciences

Legal name

Exact Sciences Corporation

Website

https://exactsciences.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Exact Sciences is a Madison, Wisconsin-based cancer diagnostics company (acquired by Abbott in March 2026) offering FDA-approved screening tests including Cologuard and Cancerguard, plus Oncotype DX treatment guidance and MRD monitoring, serving patients, providers, and health systems globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cancer Diagnostics and Screening

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215), In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro primary industry

Oncology Diagnostics (tumor profiling, MRD, liquid biopsy) (HLAAALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers (ctDNA/ctRNA/CTCs/exosomes) (HLAAAMAH), Liquid Biopsy & Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Precision Testing (HLAAANAG), Clinical Biomarker Testing Services (central labs, trial enrollment/monitoring assays) (HLAAAMAC)

Keywords

• Cancer screening diagnostics
• Molecular diagnostic testing
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Multi-cancer early detection
• Genomic profiling tests

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Diagnostic Testing Services: Exact Sciences generates revenue primarily through laboratory testing services. Healthcare providers order tests (Cologuard, Oncotype DX, etc.) and patients provide samples (stool, blood, tissue). Tests are processed in company CLIA/CAP-accredited laboratories and billed to Medicare, commercial insurers, or patients directly.
2. Cancer Screening Tests: Cologuard ($500-$700 range self-pay) and other screening tests sold directly to patients or billed through insurance. Medicare covers Cologuard and Cologuard Plus. Insurance billing and patient assistance programs available.
3. 2025 Revenue: Exact Sciences generated approximately $3.25 billion in 2025 revenue before its acquisition by Abbott Laboratories in March 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Exact Sciences develops, markets, and processes molecular diagnostic and screening tests for cancer across the continuum of care, including stool DNA colorectal cancer screening (Cologuard and Cologuard Plus), multi-cancer early detection blood testing (Cancerguard), molecular residual disease monitoring (Oncodetect), tissue-based genomic profiling for therapy selection (OncoExTra, Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score, Oncotype DX Breast DCIS Score, Oncotype DX Colon Recurrence Score), liver cancer surveillance (Oncoguard Liver), and hereditary cancer risk testing (Riskguard). Healthcare providers order tests through the ExactNexus platform, samples (stool, blood, tissue) are processed at the company's CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories, and results are billed to Medicare, commercial insurers, or patients directly.

Product overview

Exact Sciences offers a comprehensive portfolio of cancer screening and diagnostic tests spanning the entire cancer care continuum from risk assessment to treatment guidance. The core portfolio includes stool-based colorectal cancer screening tests (Cologuard and Cologuard Plus), multi-cancer early detection blood test (Cancerguard), liver cancer surveillance (Oncoguard Liver), molecular residual disease monitoring (Oncodetect), and precision oncology tissue tests (OncoExTra, Oncotype DX series for breast and colon cancer). The company also provides hereditary cancer risk testing (Riskguard). These products are supported by the ExactNexus technology platform for workflow integration and delivered through CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cancerguard: Multi-cancer early detection blood test that detects methylation DNA and proteins from over 50 cancer types
• Cologuard
• Cologuard Plus
• Oncodetect
• OncoExTra
• Oncoguard Liver
• Oncotype DX
• Riskguard
• ExactNexus

Products and services

• Cologuard Plus Next-generation stool-based colorectal cancer screening test approved for average-risk patients 45+, demonstrating 95% sensitivity for CRC detection at 94% specificity, with at-home collection requiring no prep or sedation.
• Cologuard Stool DNA-based colorectal cancer screening test for average-risk individuals 45+, analyzing 10 DNA markers and hemoglobin in stool samples for early CRC detection.
• Cancerguard Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test that combines DNA methylation and protein biomarkers to detect 50+ cancer types, designed for adults 50-84 with no cancer diagnosis in the last 3 years.
• Oncodetect Tumor-informed molecular residual disease test detecting circulating tumor DNA in blood during or after cancer treatment, tracking up to 200 patient-specific tumor variants to predict recurrence risk.
• OncoExTra Comprehensive tissue genomic profiling test using whole-exome and whole-transcriptome sequencing across nearly 20,000 genes to identify biomarkers for therapy selection in advanced solid tumors.
• Oncoguard Liver Blood test for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma detection in patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B, using DNA and protein markers for surveillance.
• Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score 21-gene expression test performed on tumor tissue estimating distant recurrence risk and predicting chemotherapy benefit in HR+, HER2- early-stage breast cancer patients.
• Oncotype DX Breast DCIS Score Tumor tissue test for early-stage DCIS breast cancer quantifying local recurrence risk and predicting radiation therapy benefit.
• Oncotype DX Colon Recurrence Score 12-gene test quantifying recurrence risk in stage II and III colon cancer patients to guide treatment decisions post-surgery.
• Riskguard Hereditary cancer test checking 59 genes across 11 cancer types for genetic changes indicating increased cancer risk, using blood, saliva, or cheek swab samples.
• ExactNexus Technology platform creating a unified clinical experience connecting health systems, providers, payers, and patients for streamlined test ordering and results delivery.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cologuard Plus detects 95% of colorectal cancers at 94% specificity; 74% of high-grade dysplasia
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and regional.

• WalgreensstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2026Nationwide initiative with Walgreens and Workflow Services to offer FDA-approved Cologuard colorectal cancer screening tests through pharmacies, integrating pharmacist-led services into store workflows.
• Mayo CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration with Mayo Clinic scientists and clinicians in Rochester, Minnesota. Kevin Conroy and Dr. Graham Lidgard met with Dr. David Ahlquist to invent Cologuard. Broad R&D collaboration focused on identifying biomarkers for 15 deadliest cancers. Currently headed by Dr. John B. Kisiel. Also partners on ALTUS clinical study for HCC surveillance.
• Johns Hopkins UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired through Thrive Earlier Detection acquisition. Johns Hopkins researchers including Bert Vogelstein (pioneer in cancer genomics), Dr. Nickolas Papadopoulos, and Kenneth W. Kinzler pioneered the multi-cancer screening technology. Vogelstein was first to elucidate molecular basis of common human cancer.
• Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardcoreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive license agreement for next-generation technology in molecular residual disease (MRD) research. Enables advanced MRD testing capabilities.
• Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and WelfareregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare began reimbursement for Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test, giving women in Japan broad access. Also launched CRANE Study in Japan for Cancerguard clinical evaluation.
• Baylor Scott & WhitestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-year initiative to generate real-world evidence by using Exact Sciences MCED testing in clinical settings with support to patients, ordering providers, and clinical staff.
• Flatiron HealthstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to advance clinical evidence generation for molecular residual disease testing. Collaboration on EXActDNA-004 study using MRD test for cancer recurrence prediction.
• FreenomestrategicOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExclusive U.S. rights agreement for Freenome's blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests, expanding leadership in non-invasive screening and advancing access for unscreened patients.
• Resolution BiosciencecoreTechnology or IntegrationAcquired for liquid therapy selection platform (ctDx FIRST liquid biopsy platform) that complements OncoExTra test for precision oncology offerings.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GRAIL: GRAIL's Galleri test is the most direct MCED competitor to Cancerguard, screening for multiple cancer signal via a single blood draw. Sells in the same multi-cancer early detection category with overlapping physician and patient audiences.
• Guardant Health: Guardant Health is the most direct competitor, offering the FDA-approved Guardant Shield blood-based colorectal cancer screening test as well as Guardant Reveal MRD and Guardant360 liquid biopsy profiling. Competes head-to-head with Cologuard, Oncodetect, and OncoExTra.
• Natera: Natera's Signatera tumor-informed MRD test directly competes with Oncodetect in recurrence monitoring for colorectal, breast, and other solid tumors. Also offers Empowerdx hereditary cancer testing competing with Riskguard.
• Foundation Medicine (Roche): Foundation Medicine's FoundationOne CDx and FoundationOne Liquid CDx compete directly with OncoExTra in comprehensive genomic profiling for therapy selection. Roche ownership gives similar global scale advantage as Abbott provides Exact Sciences.
• Veracyte: Veracyte operates in oncology molecular diagnostics including the Decipher Prostate genomic classifier and Afirma thyroid testing, with a similar focus on proprietary genomic tests serving urologic and oncologic indications. Overlaps with Exact Sciences' tissue-based profiling franchise.

Emerging players

• Tempus AI: Tempus AI combines molecular profiling, liquid biopsy, and AI-driven analytics in oncology, overlapping with Exact Sciences' tissue profiling, MRD, and AI-driven variant curation capabilities. Comparable data-enabled oncology diagnostics platform.
• Caris Life Sciences: Caris Life Sciences provides comprehensive molecular profiling (MI Profile) and AI-driven multi-omic testing for therapy selection, competing with OncoExTra for advanced solid tumor patients from academic and community oncology practices.
• Freenome: Freenome is developing blood-based multi-omics colorectal cancer screening tests and holds an exclusive U.S. rights agreement with Exact Sciences itself. Sits in the same blood-based CRC screening category where Guardant Shield also operates.

Broad incumbents

• NeoGenomics: NeoGenomics is a clinical reference laboratory providing oncology testing services across solid tumor profiling, hematologic cancers, and MRD. Competes in the broader cancer diagnostics services category while operating as a broader specialty lab rather than a direct-to-consumer screening brand.
• Quest Diagnostics: Quest Diagnostics is a major reference laboratory offering broad cancer screening and diagnostic services including hereditary cancer testing. Although Exact Sciences operates in a more specialized niche, Quest is the incumbent diagnostic infrastructure competitor with a much broader portfolio and deeper payer relationships.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/exactsciences
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@exactsciences
• Facebookfacebook.com/385857408151799
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/exact-sciences
• Instagraminstagram.com/exactsciences
• TikToktiktok.com/@exactsciences

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds6 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A13 records

Investments55 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Exact Sciences