Rhythm Biosciences activates 38 collection sites to scale ColoSTAT blood test across eastern Australia
Rhythm Biosciences (ASX: RHY) has activated 38 blood collection sites across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria through its partnership with 4Cyte Pathology, marking a pivotal step in the Rhythm Biosciences ColoSTAT Commercial Rollout. The network expansion follows the company’s first commercial sale and validates the end-to-end testing workflow for its ColoSTAT blood-based colorectal cancer test.
The activated sites span three major metropolitan centres: Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. This represents the first phase of Rhythm’s broader commercial network rollout strategy, transitioning from pilot validation to operational commercial infrastructure.
For early-stage diagnostics companies, moving beyond proof-of-concept to functioning commercial infrastructure represents a critical de-risking milestone. Rhythm can now process patient samples at scale through established pathology channels rather than building proprietary collection networks.
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How the 4Cyte partnership accelerates market access
Partnering with an established pathology network allows Rhythm to leverage 4Cyte’s existing national infrastructure rather than constructing proprietary collection facilities. 4Cyte brings established clinician relationships and business development teams that work directly with referring physicians and medical practices.
The rollout operates through two distinct referral pathways: direct physician prescribing and the ColoSTAT Access Program. Additional collection sites are currently being activated across the 4Cyte network, with expansion tracked via 4Cyte’s online platform.
This approach allows Rhythm Biosciences (ASX: RHY) to achieve geographic scale without the capital expenditure and time required to build standalone infrastructure. By tapping into 4Cyte’s existing operational framework, the company can focus resources on volume growth and clinical engagement.
CEO Commentary
“The activation of our collection centre network with 4Cyte across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria marks a pivotal step in ColoSTAT’s commercial journey. Having a validated, scalable pathway—from blood collection through to result reporting—means we can now focus our energy on building test volumes, both through direct engagement with primary care physicians and our ColoSTAT Access Program,” said Dr David Atkins, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
What is a blood-based colorectal cancer test and why does it matter?
ColoSTAT is a blood-based diagnostic test that measures five specific protein biomarkers indicating the likelihood of colorectal cancer. The test is intended for individuals presenting with symptoms associated with colorectal cancer (CRC).
Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Early detection significantly improves curability, yet traditional screening methods face patient compliance challenges.
The ColoSTAT test is based on research from Australia’s CSIRO and carries international patent protection. Key attributes of the test include:
- Five protein biomarkers measured from a single blood sample
- Target population: Individuals with symptoms associated with colorectal cancer
- Research origin: CSIRO-developed technology with international patent coverage
Blood-based testing offers a less invasive alternative that may improve patient compliance compared to colonoscopy or faecal immunochemical tests. This positions ColoSTAT to potentially expand the addressable market for early detection by reducing barriers to screening.
Commercial rollout strategy and next steps
The Rhythm Biosciences ColoSTAT Commercial Rollout employs a dual-pronged commercialisation approach. Direct physician engagement allows clinicians within designated 4Cyte clinics to provide referrals for ColoSTAT testing, while the ColoSTAT Access Program creates an alternative pathway for patient access.
Clinicians are being onboarded progressively as additional collection sites come online. The 38 sites activated represent the first phase of a broader network expansion, with further activations planned over coming weeks.
Rhythm has committed to providing regular updates on collection network growth and test volumes, giving investors ongoing visibility into commercial traction.
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| Collection sites activated | 38 |
| States covered | 3 (QLD, NSW, VIC) |
| Major cities | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane |
| Additional sites | In activation |
The immediate scale-up capability through this validated pathway allows Rhythm to focus resources on volume growth rather than infrastructure development. This contrasts with diagnostics companies that must build proprietary networks before achieving commercial scale.
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Investment implications for Rhythm Biosciences
The activation of 38 collection sites across eastern Australia represents a meaningful de-risking event for Rhythm Biosciences (ASX: RHY). The company has transitioned from validation phase to volume-building phase, with commercial execution now the primary metric to monitor.
The end-to-end commercial and logistical pathway is now validated, shifting investor focus to test volumes and network expansion as leading indicators of commercial success. With infrastructure proven functional, the company can direct capital toward clinical awareness and physician engagement rather than operational buildout.
Network expansion through 4Cyte’s existing infrastructure provides a pathway to broader geographic coverage without proportional capital intensity. As additional sites activate and test volumes build, investors should monitor physician adoption rates and repeat referral patterns as indicators of clinical acceptance.
Ready to Learn More About Rhythm Biosciences’ ColoSTAT Rollout?
Rhythm Biosciences has now activated 38 collection sites across three eastern states, transitioning from validation to commercial scale with established pathology infrastructure. This network expansion positions the company to focus resources on volume growth rather than operational buildout.
To explore the full commercial strategy behind Rhythm’s ColoSTAT blood test and track upcoming collection site activations, visit the Rhythm Biosciences investor centre. Access detailed company updates, clinical milestones and expansion metrics as the commercial rollout progresses.