Company Description
Exact Sciences Corp (NASDAQ: EXAS) is described as a leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests. The company focuses on helping patients and health care providers make timely, informed decisions before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. Exact Sciences is associated with the Health Care and Social Assistance sector and is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.
According to company disclosures, Exact Sciences has built a growing portfolio of cancer-focused diagnostics. Its well‑established brands include the Cologuard and Cologuard Plus stool-based tests for colorectal cancer screening, and the Oncotype DX test, which is used in breast cancer and other settings to inform treatment decisions and estimate recurrence risk. The company also offers tests such as Oncoguard Liver for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance and OncoExTra for comprehensive genomic profiling in advanced solid tumors.
Exact Sciences reports that it participates in the precision oncology market through genomic and molecular tests that provide insights into prognosis, therapy selection, and recurrence risk. Examples include the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test, which the company describes as a standard of care in breast cancer treatment guidelines, and the OncoExTra test, which applies whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing to support therapy selection for advanced, metastatic, refractory, relapsed, or recurrent cancers.
The company also highlights a pipeline and portfolio of blood-based assays. These include the Cancerguard multi‑cancer early detection test, designed to detect multiple cancers from a single blood draw, and the Oncodetect molecular residual disease (MRD) test. Oncodetect is described as a tumor‑informed circulating tumor DNA assay that can detect residual cancer and help predict recurrence by identifying tumor‑specific genomic alterations in blood. Exact Sciences states that these MRD capabilities are being evaluated in large clinical studies, including in high‑risk breast cancer and triple‑negative breast cancer.
In colorectal cancer screening, Exact Sciences emphasizes that the Cologuard test is a noninvasive stool‑based DNA test that detects specific DNA markers and blood associated with cancer and precancer in stool. Company materials state that Cologuard has been included in major U.S. colorectal cancer screening guidelines and has been used millions of times for screening average‑risk adults. Cologuard Plus is described as an FDA‑approved next‑generation multitarget stool DNA test that incorporates novel biomarkers and improved laboratory processes, and is intended to increase performance and reduce false positives compared with the original test.
Beyond screening and post‑diagnosis testing, Exact Sciences reports activity in hereditary and germline genetics through PreventionGenetics, a CLIA‑ and ISO‑accredited laboratory acquired by Exact Sciences. PreventionGenetics is described as providing clinical genetic testing for nearly all clinically relevant genes, including whole genome and whole exome sequencing tests (PGnome and PGxome), serving people around the world.
Exact Sciences also indicates that it collaborates with academic and clinical partners on large prospective trials and registries. Examples cited in company communications include the ALTUS study for the Oncoguard Liver test, prospective trials and registries in breast cancer for the Oncodetect MRD assay, and multi‑cancer early detection studies such as DETECT‑A and ASCEND 2 that support the Cancerguard test. These studies are presented at major scientific meetings and, in some cases, submitted for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
From a corporate perspective, Exact Sciences’ common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol EXAS. The company has disclosed that it entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Abbott Laboratories and a wholly owned Abbott subsidiary, under which the subsidiary will merge with and into Exact Sciences. Under the terms described in the merger agreement, each share of Exact Sciences common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger is expected to be converted into the right to receive a specified cash amount, subject to customary conditions, approvals, and potential termination rights.
Exact Sciences states that it continues to invest in a pipeline of advanced cancer diagnostics, including blood‑based colorectal cancer screening tests licensed from Freenome, multicancer early detection assays, and MRD and surveillance tests. Across its screening and precision oncology offerings, the company positions itself as supporting care decisions before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis through laboratory‑developed tests and other diagnostics that are backed by clinical and real‑world evidence.
Business focus and segments
Company communications describe two primary revenue‑related groupings: Screening and Precision Oncology. Screening includes laboratory service revenue from Cologuard tests and PreventionGenetics. Precision Oncology includes laboratory service revenue from global Oncotype DX and therapy selection tests, as well as other precision oncology offerings such as OncoExTra and Oncodetect. Exact Sciences also highlights multi‑cancer early detection as an emerging area within its platform.
Role in cancer care
Throughout its public statements, Exact Sciences characterizes its role as supporting earlier detection of cancer, informing treatment decisions, and monitoring for recurrence. Stool‑based and blood‑based screening tests are described as options for average‑risk or high‑risk populations, while genomic assays such as Oncotype DX and OncoExTra are positioned as tools to guide adjuvant therapy choices and targeted treatment selection. MRD and surveillance tests such as Oncodetect and Oncoguard Liver are presented as ways to assess residual disease and recurrence risk after treatment.
Corporate developments
In SEC filings, Exact Sciences reports that its board of directors approved the merger agreement with Abbott Laboratories and resolved to recommend its adoption to stockholders. The filing describes customary closing conditions, including stockholder approval, regulatory clearances, and the absence of certain legal restraints. Until closing or termination of the merger agreement, Exact Sciences is subject to covenants regarding the conduct of its business and limitations on soliciting alternative acquisition proposals.