Maryland Funds AI Cancer Test for Over 1,400 Firefighters

GAITHERSBURG, MD – March 27, 2026 – The state of Maryland is significantly expanding its investment in the health of its first responders, awarding over $520,000 in grants for advanced cancer screenings for more than 1,400 firefighters. The funding, announced today, will allow 18 groups of Maryland fire departments to procure and administer the OneTest™ multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test, an innovative technology developed by Gaithersburg-based 20/20 BioLabs, Inc.

This major allocation comes from the state’s Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Grant Program, which is administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). The initiative represents a 225% increase in the number of OneTest screenings funded through the same program last year, signaling a growing commitment to leveraging cutting-edge diagnostics for a population uniquely vulnerable to cancer.

A Vital Shield for High-Risk Heroes

For firefighters, the risk of cancer is not an abstract threat but a clear and present occupational hazard. Decades of research have confirmed the link between firefighting and an increased incidence of various cancers. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from the disease compared to the general population. Cancer is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.

These elevated risks are a direct result of exposure to a toxic cocktail of carcinogens—including asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde—found in the smoke, soot, and debris of fire scenes. Maryland has been proactive in addressing this crisis, passing legislation like the James "Jimmy" Malone Act, which mandates insurance coverage for preventive cancer screenings for professional firefighters. The new grant program goes a step further, providing access to innovative technologies that are not yet part of routine medical care.

The impact of these screenings is already being felt on the ground. The Salisbury Fire Department, a repeat recipient of the grant, has seen the benefits firsthand.

“The Salisbury Fire Department has been very satisfied with the OneTest cancer screening products,” said Deputy Chief Truitt. “Over the past three years, these tests have enabled us to carry out almost 300 screenings. With a simple blood draw conducted by our Mobile Integrated Health team and paramedics, our members receive timely results that allow them to pursue any necessary follow-up care. The process has been straightforward and efficient, and we are extremely pleased with both the product and the service provided.”

The Science of Early Detection

The technology at the heart of the Maryland initiative is part of a revolutionary new field in diagnostics known as multi-cancer early detection. Unlike traditional screenings that look for one specific cancer at a time, MCED tests like OneTest use a single blood sample to screen for signals of multiple cancers simultaneously.

20/20 BioLabs' OneTest distinguishes itself in a competitive market by using a patented approach that combines the analysis of well-established protein tumor markers with the power of machine learning AI. While many prominent competitors, such as Grail's Galleri test, focus on detecting fragments of cancerous DNA (ctDNA) in the blood, 20/20 BioLabs argues that protein signals can be a more reliable indicator for the earliest stages of cancer, when DNA shedding may be minimal or absent.

Recent scientific findings lend weight to this approach. A study presented at the National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network in 2025 showed that 20/20 BioLabs' technology could detect early-stage cancers like pancreatic and ovarian with up to 50% sensitivity. Further validation came from a multicenter study published in Nature's Precision Oncology, which confirmed that an AI-enhanced protein-based test could consistently detect cancer signals, even in Stage I disease. The company also highlights its affordability, with a price point under $200, as a key advantage for enabling widespread screening.

From State Grants to National Policy

The Maryland grant program is a microcosm of a much larger shift occurring at the national level. The adoption of MCED tests by public sector entities is accelerating, propelled by a landmark change in federal policy. In February 2026, the “Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act” was signed into law, creating a direct pathway for Medicare to cover these innovative tests.

This legislation authorizes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to begin covering FDA-approved MCED tests as early as 2029. This move is expected to be transformative, moving these advanced diagnostics from a niche, out-of-pocket expense to a widely accessible tool in the fight against cancer. For companies like 20/20 BioLabs, the law creates a clear runway to a massive market and validates their long-term commercial strategy.

The real-world data gathered from screening over 1,400 Maryland firefighters will be invaluable for 20/20 BioLabs. This evidence can be used to further refine their AI algorithms and will form a crucial part of the data package required for future submissions to both the FDA for approval and CMS for reimbursement.

Navigating a Competitive Market

For 20/20 BioLabs (Nasdaq: AIDX), the Maryland grant is a significant strategic victory. The company operates in the burgeoning but fiercely competitive MCED market, which is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2024 to nearly $6 billion by 2034. While the company has reported substantial revenue growth, primarily driven by OneTest, it remains unprofitable, a common reality for many emerging biotech firms investing heavily in research and development.

Recent financial maneuvers, including a contingent financing agreement for up to $40 million, are aimed at shoring up its balance sheet as it pushes for broader commercialization. The company’s strategy focuses on key markets like occupational health, veterans, and direct-to-consumer channels, where the affordability and accessibility of its test are strong selling points.

In this context, state-funded programs like Maryland's are more than just a revenue stream; they are a critical form of validation. They demonstrate market acceptance, build a foundation of clinical use, and provide the real-world evidence needed to navigate the rigorous path to FDA approval and national reimbursement. As these advanced screening tools become more integrated into public health initiatives, they offer the potential to fundamentally change cancer outcomes, especially for those who risk their lives for the safety of others.