Rhythm Biosciences Begins First NHS Evaluation of ColoSTAT Bowel Cancer Test
Rhythm Biosciences commences first NHS evaluation of ColoSTAT blood test
Rhythm Biosciences (ASX: RHY) has commenced the Rhythm Biosciences NHS ColoSTAT Evaluation, marking the first time its blood-based bowel cancer test has entered independent assessment within NHS England’s screening system. The evaluation, now underway at the Southern Hub laboratory in Guildford, represents access to one of the world’s largest organised cancer screening populations, with NHS England inviting approximately 2.5 million people annually for bowel cancer screening.
The company confirmed the evaluation formally commenced following successful transfer of custom ColoSTAT reagents and system components to the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. A project initiation meeting was held on 24th February 2026.
Access to the NHS pathway represents one of the largest organised screening populations globally. Commercial validation in this market could unlock significant revenue opportunity and serve as a reference for other international markets seeking proven diagnostic technologies.
When big ASX news breaks, our subscribers know first
How the NHS evaluation will unfold
The Southern Hub laboratory will conduct a two-stage evaluation process beginning with independent analytical performance assessment of ColoSTAT, followed by clinical evaluation in specifically recruited patients. The full ColoSTAT system, comprising instruments, reagents and software, is now operational at the Hub facility.
The Southern Hub at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is one of a small number of specialist NHS laboratories designated to independently evaluate new screening technologies before they can enter the national pathway.
The evaluation stages are:
- Independent analytical performance evaluation
- Clinical evaluation in recruited patients
- Assessment for national pathway suitability
A positive outcome from this designated evaluation laboratory is a prerequisite for potential access to the national screening pathway. This represents the formal gatekeeping process for new diagnostic technologies seeking NHS adoption.
What is ColoSTAT and why blood-based screening matters
ColoSTAT is a blood-based test that measures five specific protein biomarkers to detect colorectal cancer. The test is intended for individuals with symptoms associated with colorectal cancer and is based on research from Australia’s CSIRO.
Colorectal cancer, also referred to as bowel cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally. If diagnosed early, colorectal cancer can be curable. The ColoSTAT test is patent protected internationally and has the potential to play a key role in reducing mortality rates and healthcare costs associated with colorectal cancer.
Blood tests offer lower barriers to patient compliance compared to traditional screening methods. A validated, simpler test could capture market share from existing approaches if proven effective in clinical evaluation.
The NHS commercial opportunity
NHS England operates one of the world’s largest organised cancer screening programmes. The NHS evaluation is expected to inform potential adoption pathways for ColoSTAT within the NHS England bowel cancer screening framework. A successful outcome may support future commercial opportunities in the UK and broader international markets.
Dr David Atkins, CEO & Managing Director
“The NHS represents one of the most significant commercial opportunities available to us globally, and we are moving quickly to demonstrate ColoSTAT’s suitability for its bowel cancer screening framework.”
UK market entry would provide commercial validation that could accelerate negotiations in other major healthcare systems. The NHS evaluation represents a key step toward clinical and commercial adoption in the UK market.
The next major ASX story will hit our subscribers first
Key milestones and next steps
The collaboration with the Southern Hub was initially announced on 10th December 2025, with evaluation commencing in February 2026. The rapid progression from agreement to active evaluation demonstrates execution capability in pursuing the UK opportunity.
| Date | Milestone | Status |
|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | NHS collaboration agreement announced | Complete |
| February 2026 | Reagents and equipment transferred to Hub | Complete |
| 24 February 2026 | Project initiation meeting held | Complete |
| TBC | Analytical evaluation results | Pending |
| TBC | Clinical evaluation results | Pending |
This milestone represents the first independent evaluation of ColoSTAT within the NHS system. The NHS Southern Hub laboratory has confirmed the required laboratory commitment and resources to support the independent analytical and clinical evaluation within the National Health Service in England environment.
Rhythm Biosciences (ASX: RHY) has stated it will provide further updates as the evaluation progresses. This evaluation sits within the company’s broader international commercialisation strategy for ColoSTAT, positioning the technology for potential adoption across multiple healthcare systems globally.
The rapid execution from agreement to initiation meeting demonstrates the company’s focus on advancing the Rhythm Biosciences NHS ColoSTAT Evaluation efficiently. The timeline progression shows effective coordination between Rhythm and the NHS Southern Hub laboratory team in establishing the evaluation framework.
Want the Next Healthcare Breakthrough in Your Inbox?
Join 20,000+ investors getting FREE breaking ASX healthcare news delivered within minutes of release, complete with in-depth analysis. Click the “Free Alerts” button at StockWire X to start receiving alerts the moment market-moving announcements break.