Rhythm Biosciences Doubles ColoSTAT Network to 78 Sites in Under Two Weeks
Rhythm Biosciences (ASX: RHY) has expanded its commercial ColoSTAT testing network to 78 activated collection centres, more than doubling the 38 sites operational as of 18 March 2026. The Rhythm Biosciences ColoSTAT Commercial Expansion now extends beyond major urban centres into regional towns across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and the ACT, broadening access for symptomatic patients requiring colorectal cancer triage.
Rhythm Biosciences doubles ColoSTAT collection network as commercial rollout accelerates
The over 100% increase in activated collection centres in under two weeks reflects tangible execution on the commercialisation strategy announced in March 2026. Distribution partner 4Cyte Pathology has activated 40 additional sites since mid-March, establishing infrastructure across both metropolitan and regional areas. This geographic expansion increases the addressable patient population by providing convenient access points for blood collection, a critical requirement for test adoption among symptomatic individuals.
The ColoSTAT Access Program, which provides a structured pathway for early commercial adoption while generating real-world clinical evidence, has reached 10 participating clinician sites across three states. The program supports test utilisation among general practitioners and specialist surgeons, with further enrolments currently in progress.
For investors, the rapid network expansion demonstrates that 4Cyte Pathology is executing ahead of expectations, materially reducing commercialisation risk. The density of collection centres matters because symptomatic patients require accessible locations for blood draws, directly influencing test uptake rates as clinician awareness grows.
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How the ColoSTAT commercial network operates
Activated collection centres are co-located with clinics where physicians receive education on the clinical utility of ColoSTAT. Clinicians at these sites have ready access to the 4Cyte clinical test ordering platform, reducing friction in the referral process. A dedicated filter on the 4Cyte website (www.colostat.com/locations) allows both clinicians and patients to identify enabled sites for referral and collection.
This model creates a closed-loop system where education, referral, and sample collection occur within an integrated network. The physical infrastructure of collection centres represents the foundation for test volume growth, as each activated site expands the geographic footprint where ColoSTAT can be ordered and administered.
The process follows three key steps:
- Physician referral: Clinicians identify symptomatic patients and order the ColoSTAT test through the 4Cyte platform
- Blood collection: Patients attend an activated collection centre for a simple blood draw
- Test processing and results: Samples are processed and results returned to the referring clinician
Network density is critical because colorectal cancer symptoms require timely assessment. Convenient access reduces barriers to test completion, particularly in regional areas where specialist services may be limited.
ColoSTAT Access Program gains clinical credibility with Professor Finlay Macrae AO
Professor Finlay Macrae AO, Chair of Rhythm’s Clinical Advisory Board, has joined the ColoSTAT Access Program as a participating clinician. His enrolment adds clinical leadership and scientific rigour to the real-world evidence collection effort, moving beyond advisory participation to active clinical use.
The Access Program has reached 10 participating clinician sites across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, with further enrolments in progress. Participation spans both general practitioners and specialist surgeons, reflecting engagement across different points in the patient pathway. The program provides a structured mechanism for early commercial adoption while generating clinical evidence to support ongoing commercialisation as an aid for triage and diagnosis of symptomatic patients.
Professor Macrae’s participation is expected to support clinical confidence among referring physicians. Senior clinician endorsement through active use (rather than advisory roles alone) strengthens the commercial credibility of ColoSTAT within the medical community, potentially accelerating adoption.
Dr David Atkins, CEO & Managing Director
“We have ambitious targets for ColoSTAT, and I’m pleased to see the support from 4Cyte exceeding all expectations. The Program is an important market entry and real-world evidence collection platform and we’re starting to get real momentum with the participation. Additionally, the Company is beginning to observe initial test ordering from symptomatic patients and in some sites re-ordering across activated 4Cyte sites.”
What ColoSTAT targets and why early detection matters
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally. When diagnosed early, colorectal cancer can be curable, with survival outcomes materially improving based on stage at detection. ColoSTAT is a simple blood test that measures five specific protein biomarkers to indicate the likelihood of colorectal cancer.
The test is intended for symptomatic patients, not population screening. It functions as an aid for triage and diagnosis, helping clinicians assess which patients with colorectal cancer symptoms require further investigation such as colonoscopy. This positions ColoSTAT in the clinical pathway between initial symptom presentation and definitive diagnostic procedures.
The addressable market comprises symptomatic patients requiring triage before colonoscopy referral. This population is distinct from asymptomatic screening cohorts, representing individuals who have presented with bowel symptoms and require clinical assessment. By providing objective biomarker data through a simple blood draw, ColoSTAT aims to support clinical decision-making in this patient group.
Network expansion timeline and key metrics
The commercial rollout has progressed through several distinct phases since the first commercial sale in March 2026. The table below summarises key milestones and current status across collection centre activation and Access Program participation.
| Milestone | Date | Metric | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| First commercial sale | March 2026 | N/A | Completed |
| Initial collection centre activation | 18 March 2026 | 38 sites | Completed |
| Expanded collection centre network | 30 March 2026 | 78 sites | Completed |
| ColoSTAT Access Program clinician sites | 30 March 2026 | 10 sites | Ongoing enrolment |
The over 100% increase in collection centres within 12 days indicates accelerated deployment by 4Cyte Pathology. The expansion into regional towns extends beyond the initial focus on major urban centres, increasing the potential patient catchment area. Ongoing Access Program enrolments suggest growing clinical interest in participating in early-stage test utilisation and evidence generation.
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Next steps for investors to watch
The company has indicated it will provide further updates on test utilisation data through regular reporting as information becomes available. Initial test ordering from symptomatic patients has commenced, with management noting that re-ordering has been observed at some activated sites. Re-ordering signals repeat usage by clinicians, a positive indicator for potential recurring revenue as clinical adoption grows.
Near-term catalysts for investors to monitor include:
- Test utilisation data updates: Quantitative metrics on test volumes, re-order rates, and geographic distribution
- Further Access Program enrolments: Additional clinician sites joining the program across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland
- Additional collection centre activations: Continued expansion of the 4Cyte network into new regions and towns
The observation of re-ordering activity at some sites suggests early adopters are incorporating ColoSTAT into routine clinical practice. This behavioural pattern, if sustained across a broader network, would support the commercial thesis that ColoSTAT can become a standard tool in the assessment of symptomatic patients. Further enrolments in the Access Program remain in progress, with the company expected to provide updates as the clinician cohort expands.
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