Freenome said the FDA has approved its SimpleScreen blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, marking the company’s first commercial authorization. The test is for adults 45 and older at average risk and uses a blood draw to detect signals linked to colorectal cancer from cell-free DNA. Under a commercialization deal, Abbott will have exclusive rights to market SimpleScreen in the US beginning this fall. Freenome, which IPO’d last week, said the approval also supports Medicare coverage criteria and anticipates inclusion in American Cancer Society guidance. The readout matters for the colorectal screening market because SimpleScreen is designed to complement Abbott’s Cologuard offering, expanding options for patients who may not complete stool-based screening.