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Case Study

Exact Sciences and Phillips-Medisize, a Molex Company, Collaborate to Fight Colorectal Cancer

Groundbreaking product, transparent teamwork and world-class manufacturing accelerate patient screenings for early cancer detection.

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INNOVATIVE SCIENCE MEETS ADVANCED MANUFACTURING 

Scientists from Exact Sciences worked closely with Mayo Clinic to identify signs and signals that are prevalent in colorectal cancer. They then translated their findings into Cologuard — a multi-target stool DNA test using the principles of biology, chemistry and molecular biology to detect the presence of colon cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon. The ability to use multiple biomarkers is a clear Cologuard differentiator, along with the simplicity and convenience of at-home testing. 

 Early on, Exact Sciences sought an experienced manufacturer embodying similar principles and philosophies on product quality, patient-centered design and supply chain optimization to partner in the delivery of their diagnostic solution. Exact Sciences met their match in Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, bringing decades of manufacturing innovation for healthcare and life sciences companies, coupled with  ISO-13485-compliant facilities. 

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“Phillips-Medisize is adept at building relationships with other suppliers and vendors. This really helped us get the production line up and running fast while making sure all of us were in lockstep.”
Kim Eckmayer
Associate Director, Sourcing & Procurement
Exact Sciences

Challenges

  • Unflinching focus on quality needed to deliver novel diagnostic test for colorectal cancer 

  • Patient-centered design necessitated strong expertise in human factors  

  • Manufacturing and supply chain agility required for rapid scaling on demand

Solutions

  • Phillips-Medisize offered one-stop-shop for end-to-end design and manufacturing  

  • Product modifications increased usability, ergonomics and manufacturability

  • Trusted relationship optimized sourcing, procurement and supply chain management 

COLLABORATING FOR SUCCESS

Thanks to the highly successful collaboration between Exact Sciences and Phillips-Medisize, Cologuard is poised to help transform how Americans think about colorectal cancer screening. According to a recent study by researchers at Mayo Clinic, most individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer said they would prefer a stool-based screening over a colonoscopy procedure. To date, Cologuard has been used to screen more than six million Americans. 

To prepare for sustained growth while mitigating risk, Phillips-Medisize diversified its manufacturing footprint by adding a manufacturing site in Little Rock, Ark., which previously served as a Molex facility. Converting this site from traditional manufacturing into medical manufacturing required modifications and updates to meet stringent regulatory requirements. 

For Exact Sciences and Phillips-Medisize, their strong bonds are rooted in trust, innovation, open communication and commitment. Click here to learn more about the unique partnership between Exact Sciences and Phillips-Medisize. 

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