Grail is a health technology company focused on early cancer detection. Its mission is to transform cancer mortality through the development of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests. To achieve this, Grail integrates next-generation sequencing (NGS), large-scale clinical studies, and advances in computer and data science.

The company’s approach is based on detecting cancer signals by analyzing methylation patterns in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), enabling the identification of multiple deadly cancers before symptoms appear. Grail’s flagship product, the Galleri® test, targets adults at elevated cancer risk and is designed for use alongside standard cancer screenings. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom.

History

Grail originated from a 2015 finding during non-invasive prenatal testing, when researchers unexpectedly identified cancer-derived DNA signals in maternal blood. In 2016, Grail was established as an independent entity to investigate this discovery. Between 2018 and 2019, the company shifted its focus from single-cancer detection to multi-cancer detection, helping define the MCED category. In 2020–2021, Grail expanded its clinical capabilities, partnered with the UK National Health Service (NHS), and launched the Galleri test commercially.

From 2022 to 2023, Grail announced results from the PATHFINDER study, completed enrollment of 140,000 participants in the NHS-Galleri trial, and expanded public–private partnerships. In 2024, the company became an independent, publicly traded company listed on the Nasdaq (ticker: GRAL), while continuing to scale access and deepen its clinical programs.

Technology

Grail’s technology platform sequences targeted methylation patterns in cfDNA from peripheral blood and applies machine learning classifiers to detect and localize cancer signals. The biology relies on two principles:

1. Tumors shed DNA fragments into the bloodstream.
2. Different tissues and tumor types exhibit distinct methylation signatures.

The analytical workflow proceeds sequentially through:

• DNA sequencing and methylation mapping,
• Cancer signal detection,
• Prediction of the Cancer Signal Origin (CSO)—the most likely tissue source.

The Galleri® test is a prescription blood test designed to screen for a shared cancer signal across more than 50 cancer types in asymptomatic individuals. Studies report a low false-positive rate, a high positive predictive value, and accurate CSO prediction. Galleri does not assess genetic risk prospectively; any detected signal must be confirmed with diagnostic imaging or other established clinical procedures.

Clinical Program

Grail is conducting a comprehensive clinical development program involving over 300,000 participants across multiple multicenter, prospective trials:

• CCGA established the methylation-based discovery and validation framework.
• PATHFINDER / PATHFINDER 2 evaluated workflow integration in clinical settings.
• NHS-Galleri examines performance and clinical benefit in a national screening context.
• SUMMIT, STRIVE, REFLECTION, and REACH (Galleri-Medicare) explore effectiveness, safety, retesting, and real-world impact in diverse populations.

Together, these studies aim to establish the population-scale validity and applicability of multi-cancer early detection.

Collaborations

Grail collaborates with pharmaceutical companies, insurers, health systems, and public institutions. Key partnerships include:

• AstraZeneca for early-stage cancer companion diagnostics and biomarker applications.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for evaluation programs within its healthcare ecosystem.

In 2023, the company launched a research-use targeted methylation platform to support applications such as risk classification, disease subtyping, tumor burden assessment, and longitudinal monitoring. Grail operates a CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory exceeding 170,000 ft², designed for long-term scalability. Commercial rollout of the Galleri test began in 2021 and continues to expand.

Corporate Structure

The company’s Chairman of the Board is Gregory Summe, and its CEO is Bob Ragusa, who also serves on the board. The executive team includes leaders in clinical development, software and data security, R&D, finance, international operations, biopharma partnerships, regulatory affairs, and policy.

Grail’s laboratory is authorized to perform high-complexity testing under CLIA and maintains CAP accreditation. The Galleri test’s performance characteristics are determined by the company; the test is not cleared or approved by the U.S. FDA. All results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional:

• A “No Cancer Signal Detected” result does not rule out cancer.
• A “Cancer Signal Detected” result requires confirmatory diagnostic testing.
• False-positive and false-negative results may occur.

Recognition and Expansion

Grail has received multiple recognitions:

• Time “Best Inventions” (2022)
• Fast Company “World Changing Ideas” (2022)
• Edison Awards honoree (2023)
• “Best Place to Work” listings (2025)

In 2024, Grail expanded access to Galleri, released results from two pivotal studies, and completed its transition to an independent public company. Going forward, the company aims to extend its capabilities beyond early detection—toward risk stratification, biomarker subtyping, treatment monitoring, and recurrence surveillance across the cancer care continuum. Since Galleri’s launch, hundreds of thousands of tests have been completed, REACH study enrollment has begun, and Medicare population access continues to expand.

Locations

• Headquarters: Menlo Park, California
• Other Offices: Washington, D.C.; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; United Kingdom