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Exact Sciences is a molecular diagnostic company that specializes in the detection of early-stage cancer. Its DNA-based colorectal cancer screening test, Cologuard, has found cancer at stages when it’s more treatable. The OncoExTra test has helped physicians understand changes to a patient’s genomic profile. The company’s Oncoguard Liver, Oncotype DX, and Riskguard tests have been just as impactful for those navigating the complexities of cancer.
In addition to these cutting-edge tests, the company has done a lot to eradicate cancer.
Cancer Research
Since its founding, Exact Sciences has successfully sponsored events to raise money to pilot cancer research that eventually draws federal funding. The company sponsored a trivia night to benefit the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center and raised $100,000.
Nathan Harrill, vice president and deputy general counsel, floated the idea of Exact Sciences sponsoring the event. “I won’t be surprised if the trivia night is the most memorable thing I do this year,” he said in a press release. “This is the first time I’ve joined a board and partnered with others to advance the fight against cancer and drive impact. This will not be the last.”
That wasn’t the only time the company partnered with the Carbone Cancer Center to help fight cancer with fundraising. Another event saw attendees gather at Madison’s Kohl Center in Wisconsin to hear from coaches from the Badgers and Packers. It generated nearly $900,000 for the center’s research and patient care initiatives.
“Nate is a terrific counselor with an extraordinary range, and he navigates business strategy, litigation, and transactions with impeccable judgment,” say King & Spalding LLP’s Mark Jenson, managing partner, and Mark Polston, cochair of the Life Sciences and Healthcare Industry Group. “Our firm has been honored to collaborate with a world-class team at Exact Sciences for many years, and we look forward to seeing their cutting-edge products continue to improve patients’ lives.”
Expanding Access to Cancer Screening
Through the company’s Focus program, it has awarded thousands of dollars to federally qualified health centers, allowing them to expand access to colorectal cancer screening and create more affordable pathways to follow-up diagnostic care. In May 2023, the company announced that it awarded $1.1 million to eighteen community organizations, health foundations, public health organizations, and advocacy groups.
According to Paul Limburg, chief medical officer at Exact Sciences, the program aligns with the company’s commitment to improving uptake of colorectal cancer screening. “Awareness and access are critical to increasing screenings, and Exact Sciences is honored to support these organizations that are driving screening uptake and addressing inequities within their communities,” he said in the press release.
What’s Next for Cologuard?
Leaders from Exact Sciences will soon present data on next-generation Cologuard, which was developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic and features novel biomarkers and improved laboratory processes.
The study, which included more than twenty-thousand adults forty years of age and older, is one of the largest colorectal cancer screening trials ever conducted and reflects the racial and ethnic makeup of the US.
“The Exact Sciences team works relentlessly to improve upon the strengths of Cologuard, and we are excited to present results from the pivotal BLUE-C study at the upcoming ACG [American College of Gastroenterology] meeting,” Limburg said in a press release. “The evidence we’ll be sharing speaks to our commitment to patients and high-quality research. Continued innovation is critical when there are 60 million Americans who are not up to date with colorectal cancer screening.”
At the event Exact Sciences will also host four information sessions at the company’s booth led by Paul Limburg and they will be focused on the evidence presented at the annual meeting.
Partnership with the National Minority Quality Forum
In partnership with the National Minority Quality Forum, Exact Sciences hosted the Flint Community Cancer Screening and Health Fair in Michigan, where about 42 percent of people living in and near the city have identified cancer as their top health concern. Attendees were offered free cancer screening, COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, and a slew of other health services.
The event was held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, an opportunity to help people prevent and learn about cancer. “As a Flint native, I’m passionate about this cause and community,” said Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, in a press release. “Together with local organizations and healthcare systems, we’re building support for Flint’s cancer prevention and detection efforts, and look forward to helping decrease the community’s cancer burden.”
