Core Viewpoint - Abbott Laboratories announced the acquisition of Exact Sciences for approximately $21 billion, marking a significant strategic shift towards cancer screening and molecular diagnostics [1][14][15] Company Background and Positioning - Abbott, established in 1888, is a leading global healthcare company with diverse operations in nutrition, medical devices, cardiovascular interventions, diabetes management, and in vitro diagnostics. The company has faced slowing growth in its core diagnostics business post-pandemic and is seeking new high-growth opportunities [1][3] - Exact Sciences, founded in 1995, specializes in non-invasive cancer screening and precision diagnostics, with a comprehensive product system covering early screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Its flagship products, Cologuard and Oncotype DX, are pivotal in cancer screening and personalized treatment decisions [3][6][8] Core Products and Technological Value - Cologuard is a non-invasive colorectal cancer screening product that allows users to collect stool samples at home, detecting potential cancer risks through DNA methylation and mutation analysis. It is the only home cancer screening solution covered by the U.S. Medicare system [6] - Oncotype DX is a gene expression test that assesses breast cancer recurrence risk and guides chemotherapy decisions, having been performed over 2 million times globally. The company also offers Cancerguard and Oncodetect for early cancer screening and minimal residual disease monitoring, utilizing high-sensitivity ctDNA detection technology [8] Market Size and Growth Potential - The global cancer diagnostics market is projected to grow from approximately $151 billion in 2024 to $367 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 8%. The multi-cancer early detection (MCED) sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% in the next five years [10] Competitive Landscape - The cancer screening and diagnostics market is rapidly evolving, characterized by diverse competition across detection types, methods, and service models. Key players include Exact Sciences, which has commercialized its core products, and emerging companies focusing on liquid biopsy technologies [9][11][12] - The competition is not only technological but also revolves around ecosystem capabilities, with companies that integrate devices, testing, and data management likely to have stronger growth potential [13] Strategic Considerations for Abbott - The acquisition of Exact Sciences represents a strategic upgrade for Abbott, allowing it to address structural market changes and enhance its position in the high-growth areas of precision diagnostics and cancer screening. Abbott aims to transition from a traditional diagnostics company to a comprehensive health management enterprise [14][15] Conclusion - The acquisition of Exact Sciences by Abbott is a milestone event in the in vitro diagnostics industry, symbolizing a deep restructuring of healthcare technology. This move indicates a shift from disease detection to proactive prevention and management, with the potential for Abbott to establish a leading position in cancer screening and precision diagnostics [15]