82-Year-Old Enrolls in University with Grandson, Seeks 'Generational Solidarity'

82-year-old Marion Gommerman is enrolled at the University of Toronto alongside fellow students. She initially participated in a class with other residents of her assisted-living facility and is now taking a course on health and Canada's aging populations. The immersive university course hosted within the facility encourages seniors and students to learn from each other, building friendships and connections after the pandemic.

Guardant Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GH) has announced a strategic partnership with LabFlorida/SunDx Labs to enhance access to Guardant Shield™, the first FDA-approved blood test for primary screening of colorectal cancer (CRC). The agreement aims to provide residents of senior living communities across 20 states with convenient and accessible screening options.

Guardant Shield™ is a non-invasive blood test that detects alterations associated with CRC in the blood. It is intended for individuals at average risk for the disease, aged 45 or older. The test can be completed during any healthcare visit and offers a more comfortable alternative to traditional screening methods like colonoscopy and stool tests.

The partnership will see LabFlorida/SunDx Labs serve as the exclusive distributor of Guardant Shield™ to senior living communities in Florida. LabFlorida provides premier concierge-style lab testing tailored to assisted and independent living and homebound patients.

The agreement is significant as it addresses the critical need for CRC screening in senior living communities. According to a recent NIH pilot study, up to 71% of assisted living residents were not up to date with CRC screening . CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with a 91% five-year survival rate if caught in early stages Guardant Health Expands Access to Shield CRC Blood Test to Senior Living Communities with LabFlorida Partnership^[1].

Guardant Health co-CEO AmirAli Talasaz commented, "Shield has the potential to be revolutionary for senior living communities. Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects older adults, yet seniors, who are the most vulnerable population, are overwhelmingly under-screened. By making screening easy with a simple blood draw, Shield can redefine preventative healthcare for residents and has the power to increase screening rates and improve patient outcomes."

Ralph Nenna, VP of Business Development at LabFlorida/SunDx Labs, added, "We are proud to partner with Guardant Health to bring the Shield test to the senior living communities we serve. The Shield test represents a game changer in early detection and preventive care – making CRC screening more accessible and comfortable for seniors."

The initiative aligns with Guardant Health's mission to transform patient care and accelerate new cancer therapies through advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data, and AI analytics.