Maintaining commercial success for our existing test portfolio requires generating ongoing evidence, such as clinical performance, clinical use documentation, to support appropriate clinician adoption, reimbursement success and guideline inclusion. The clinical validity and utility of our test portfolio is supported by peer-reviewed publications and ongoing clinical studies.
Maintaining commercial success for our existing test portfolio requires generating ongoing evidence, such as clinical performance and clinical use documentation, to support appropriate clinician adoption, reimbursement success and guideline inclusion. The clinical validity and utility of our test portfolio is supported by peer-reviewed publications and ongoing clinical studies.
A manufacturer can submit a request for de novo classification if the manufacturer is unable to identify a predicate device and the new device or new use of the device presents a moderate or low risk. Under the de novo classification pathway, FDA may reclassify the device from Class III to class II or Class I, as appropriate.
A manufacturer can submit a request for de novo classification if the manufacturer is unable to identify a predicate device and the new device or new use of the device presents a moderate or low risk. Under the de novo classification pathway, the FDA may reclassify the device from Class III to Class II or Class I, as appropriate.
In addition to competitive base pay, we offer the following benefits, among others, to our full-time employees: • a defined contribution 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions; • an annual bonus opportunity; • equity compensation, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and an employee stock purchase plan; • medical, dental and vision plans; • paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave policies; • paid holidays and paid time off; and • an employee assistance program.
In addition to competitive base pay, we offer the following benefits, among others, to our full-time employees: • a defined contribution 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions; • an annual bonus opportunity; • equity compensation, including stock options and/or restricted stock units and an employee stock purchase plan; • medical, dental and vision plans; • paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave policies; • paid holidays and paid time off; and • an employee assistance program.
Depending on the billing arrangement and applicable law, we must bill various third-party payors, such as insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, and patients, all of which have different billing requirements. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as internal compliance policies and procedures adds further complexity to the billing process.
Depending on the billing arrangement and applicable law, we must bill various third-party payors, such as insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid, all of which have different billing requirements. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as internal compliance policies and procedures adds further complexity to the billing process.
Termination can occur due to material breach, misuse of licensed rights, insolvency events, or at our discretion upon notice and payment of any outstanding amounts. Intellectual Property Our core technology for our products is related to methods and devices for analysis of genetic expression.
Termination can occur due to material breach, misuse of licensed rights, insolvency events, or at our discretion upon notice and payment of any outstanding amounts. Intellectual Property Our core technology for our products is related to methods and devices for analysis of genetic and proteinomic expression.
With the evolution of genetic testing, we have seen individual third-party payors’ medical coverage policies around the CPT codes we bill and their associated payment rates change over time, resulting in changes to our reimbursement.
With the evolution of genetic testing, we have seen individual third-party payors’ medical coverage policies around the CPT and PLA codes we bill and their associated payment rates change over time, resulting in changes to our reimbursement.
This foundational strategy remains the guidepost for the direction of our company and the basis of long-term value creation. Our Testing Solutions Our tests are designed to deliver personalized information to help better inform care decisions.
This foundational strategy remains the guidepost for the direction of our company and the basis of long-term value creation. Our Testing Solutions Our tests are designed to deliver personalized information to help better inform clinical care decisions.
We anticipate there will continue to be proposals by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and commercial third-party payors to reduce costs while expanding individual healthcare benefits.
We further anticipate there will continue to be proposals by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and commercial third-party payors to reduce costs while expanding individual healthcare benefits.
The owned and licensed families contain issued patents and pending applications that relate to devices, systems, and methods for macromolecular analysis, and reflect our active and ongoing research programs. 14 Table of Contents Individual patents extend for varying periods depending on the date of filing of the patent application or the date of patent issuance and the legal term of patents in the countries in which they are obtained.
The owned and licensed families contain issued patents and pending applications that relate to devices, systems, and methods for macromolecular analysis, and reflect our active and ongoing research programs. 13 Table of Contents Individual patents extend for varying periods depending on the date of filing of the patent application or the date of patent issuance and the legal term of patents in the countries in which they are obtained.
Based upon this review, DecisionDx-SCC test began receiving coverage in April 2022. On June 9, 2022, Novitas posted a draft oncology biomarker LCD that proposes to rely upon evidentiary reviews sourced from three databases for all oncology biomarker tests: ClinGen, OncoKB and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (“NCCN”).
Based upon this review, DecisionDx-SCC test began receiving coverage in April 2022. On June 9, 2022, Novitas posted a draft oncology biomarker LCD that proposed to rely upon evidentiary reviews sourced from three databases for all oncology biomarker tests: ClinGen, OncoKB and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (“NCCN”).
Although many 510(k) submissions are cleared without clinical data, the FDA may require further information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence, which may significantly prolong the review process. If the FDA agrees that the device is substantially equivalent, it will "clear” the device for marketing.
Although many 510(k) submissions are cleared without clinical data, the FDA may require further information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence, which may significantly prolong the review process. If the FDA agrees that the device is substantially equivalent, it will “clear” the device for marketing.
Trademarks and Trade Secrets As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our U.S. trademark portfolio contained 22 trademark registrations. We rely upon trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovation and potential in-licensing opportunities to develop and maintain our competitive position.
Trademarks and Trade Secrets As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our U.S. trademark portfolio contained 24 trademark registrations. We rely upon trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovation and potential in-licensing opportunities to develop and maintain our competitive position.
The commencement or completion of any clinical trial may be delayed, halted, or be inadequate to support approval of a PMA application, for any number of reasons. The 510(k) Clearance Process Under the 510(k) clearance process, the manufacturer must submit to the FDA a premarket notification, demonstrating that the device is “substantially equivalent” to a "predicate” device.
The commencement or completion of any clinical trial may be delayed, halted, or be inadequate to support approval of a PMA application, for any number of reasons. The 510(k) Clearance Process Under the 510(k) clearance process, the manufacturer must submit to the FDA a premarket notification, demonstrating that the device is “substantially equivalent” to a “predicate” device.
In a typical year, we estimate approximately 130,000 patients are diagnosed with invasive CM in the United States, representing an estimated U.S. TAM of approximately $540 million. This estimated annual incidence number is based upon a calculation using data from the U.S.
In a typical year, we estimate approximately 130,000 patients are diagnosed with invasive CM in the U.S., representing an estimated U.S. TAM of approximately $540 million. This estimated annual incidence number is based upon a calculation using data from the U.S.
Item 1. Business. As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, “Castle Biosciences,” the “Company,” “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to Castle Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware Corporation.
Item 1. Business. As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, “Castle Biosciences,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Castle Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware Corporation.
If these suppliers can no longer provide us with the materials we need to perform our test services, they do not meet our quality specifications, or we cannot obtain acceptable substitute materials, our business would likely be negatively affected. 13 Table of Contents License Agreement with The Washington University In November 2009, we entered into a license agreement (“the “License Agreement”) with The Washington University in St.
If these suppliers can no longer provide us with the materials we need to perform our test services, they do not meet our quality specifications, or we cannot obtain acceptable substitute materials, our business would likely be negatively affected. 12 Table of Contents License Agreement with The Washington University In November 2009, we entered into a license agreement (the “License Agreement”) with The Washington University in St.
Unless an exemption applies under the FDA's targeted enforcement discretion policies for certain categories of LDTs, each new or significantly modified medical device we seek to commercially distribute in the United States will require either a premarket notification to the FDA requesting authorization for commercial distribution under Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act, also referred to as a 510(k) clearance, de novo classification under Section 513(f)(2) of the FD&C Act, or approval of a PMA application under Section 515(c).
Unless an exemption applies under the FDA’s targeted enforcement discretion policies for certain categories of LDTs, each new or significantly modified medical device we seek to commercially distribute in the U.S. will require either a premarket notification to the FDA requesting authorization for commercial distribution under Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act, also referred to as a 510(k) clearance, de novo classification under Section 513(f)(2) of the FD&C Act, or approval of a PMA application under Section 515(c).
MyPath Melanoma MyPath® Melanoma is our proprietary, diagnostic GEP test offering for use in patients with difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic lesions. Of the two million suspicious pigmented lesions biopsied annually in the United States, we estimate approximately 300,000 of those present a difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic lesion, representing an estimated U.S. TAM of approximately $600 million.
MyPath Melanoma MyPath® Melanoma is our proprietary, diagnostic GEP test for use in patients with difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic lesions. Of the two million suspicious pigmented lesions biopsied annually in the U.S., we estimate approximately 300,000 of those present a difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic lesion, representing an estimated U.S. TAM of approximately $600 million.
ADLT status is not an indication of future coverage. Medicare Reimbursement Rates DecisionDx-Melanoma On May 17, 2019, CMS determined that DecisionDx-Melanoma meets the criteria for “new ADLT” status. Our rate is set annually based upon the median private payor rate for the first half of the second preceding calendar year.
ADLT status is not an indication of future coverage. 10 Table of Contents Medicare Reimbursement Rates DecisionDx-Melanoma On May 17, 2019, CMS determined that DecisionDx-Melanoma meets the criteria for “new ADLT” status. Our rate is set annually based upon the median private payor rate for the first half of the second preceding calendar year.
If the manufacturer seeks reclassification to Class II, the reclassification request must include proposed special controls that provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device. The PMA Approval Process Following receipt of a PMA application, the FDA conducts an administrative review to determine whether the application is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review.
If the manufacturer seeks reclassification to Class II, the reclassification request must include proposed special controls that provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device. 17 Table of Contents The PMA Approval Process Following receipt of a PMA application, the FDA conducts an administrative review to determine whether the application is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review.
We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, endorsement of or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. 26 Table of Contents
We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, endorsement of or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. 25 Table of Contents
Additionally, we maintain licenses in New York, California, Maryland, 15 Table of Contents Pennsylvania and Rhode Island which require specific licensure for out-of-state laboratories that accept specimens from those states. Because we may receive specimens from residents of the state of New York, we sought and have received approval from NYSDOH.
Additionally, we maintain licenses in New York, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island which require specific licensure for out-of-state laboratories that accept specimens from those states. Because we may receive specimens from residents of the state of New York, we sought and have received approval from NYSDOH.
Among other things, pursuant to the FD&C Act and its implementing regulations, the FDA regulates the research, testing, manufacturing, safety, labeling, storage, recordkeeping, pre-market review and marketing authorization, product, marketing and promotion, and sales and distribution of medical devices in the United States to ensure that medical devices distributed domestically are reasonably safe and effective for their intended uses.
Among other things, pursuant to the FD&C Act and its implementing regulations, the FDA regulates the research, testing, manufacturing, safety, labeling, storage, recordkeeping, pre-market review and marketing authorization, product, marketing and promotion, and sales and distribution of medical devices in the U.S. to ensure that medical devices distributed domestically are reasonably safe and effective for their intended uses.
They also set forth certain rights that an individual has with respect to 22 Table of Contents his or her PHI maintained by a covered entity, including the right to access or amend certain records containing PHI, or to request restrictions on the use or disclosure of PHI.
They also set forth certain rights that an individual has with respect to his or her PHI maintained by a covered entity, including the right to access or amend certain records containing PHI, or to request restrictions on the use or disclosure of PHI.
This involves the ability to design and efficiently conduct the right clinical studies at the right time; • Research and development investments to document the quality, quantity, consistency and strength of the clinical validity data, the impact our products have on clinical use, and demonstration of net health outcome improvement that reduce health system costs; • Maintaining a strong reputation with the treating clinician by providing consistent, transparent, and clinically relevant information that will improve the appropriate management of their patients; • Ease of use in accessing our products, reimbursement support for our patients and laboratory reports that clearly communicate the clinically relevant data points; • Demonstrated ability to work with, and secure coverage and reimbursement from, governmental and commercial payors; and • Ability to efficiently commercialize both our current and our pipeline products.
This involves the ability to design and efficiently conduct the right clinical studies at the right time; • R&D investments to document the quality, quantity, consistency and strength of the clinical validity data, the impact our products have on clinical use, and demonstration of net health outcome improvement that reduce health system costs; 11 Table of Contents • Maintaining a strong reputation with the treating clinician by providing consistent, transparent and clinically relevant information that will improve the appropriate management of their patients; • Ease of use in accessing our products, reimbursement support for our patients and laboratory reports that clearly communicate the clinically relevant data points; • Demonstrated ability to work with, and secure coverage and reimbursement from, governmental and commercial payors; and • Ability to efficiently commercialize both our current and our pipeline products.
Because these miscellaneous codes do not describe a specific service, the third-party payor claim may need to be examined to determine the service that was provided, whether the service was appropriate and medically necessary and whether payment should be rendered.
Because these miscellaneous codes do not describe a specific service, the claim may need to be examined by a third-party payor to determine what service was provided, whether the service was appropriate and medically necessary and whether payment should be rendered.
The PMA application must provide valid scientific evidence that demonstrates to the FDA’s satisfaction a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device for its intended use. The Investigational Device Process In the United States, all clinical investigations of devices to determine safety and effectiveness must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s investigational device exemption (“IDE”) regulations.
The PMA application must provide valid scientific evidence that demonstrates to the FDA’s satisfaction a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device for its intended use. The Investigational Device Process In the U.S., all clinical investigations of devices to determine safety and effectiveness must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s investigational device exemption (“IDE”) regulations.
The comment period for the draft LCD ended on September 6, 2022. On June 2, 2023, Novitas posted a finalized oncology biomarker LCD pursuant to which the DecisionDx-SCC test would no longer be covered by Medicare effective July 17, 2023.
The comment period for the draft LCD ended on September 6, 2022. 9 Table of Contents On June 2, 2023, Novitas posted a finalized oncology biomarker LCD pursuant to which the DecisionDx-SCC test would no longer be covered by Medicare effective July 17, 2023.
When marketing our testing products outside of the United States, we may be subject to foreign regulatory requirements governing human clinical testing, prohibitions on the import of tissue necessary for us to perform our testing products or restrictions on the export of tissue imposed by countries outside of the United States or the import of tissue into the United States, and marketing approval.
When marketing our testing products outside of the U.S., we may be subject to foreign regulatory requirements governing human clinical testing, prohibitions on the import of tissue necessary for us to perform our testing products or restrictions on the export of tissue imposed by countries outside of the U.S. or the import of tissue into the U.S., and marketing approval.
Since our inception, we have delivered more than 315,000 clinical patient test reports across our product portfolio.
Since our inception, we have delivered more than 419,000 clinical patient test reports across our product portfolio.
This global patent portfolio has filing dates ranging from 2007 to 2024, and therefore are projected to expire between 2027 and 2044, subject to any patent term extension or patent term adjustment that might be available in a particular jurisdiction.
This global patent portfolio has filing dates ranging from 2007 to 2025, and therefore are projected to expire between 2027 and 2045, subject to any patent term extension or patent term adjustment that might be available in a particular jurisdiction.
If it is not, the agency will refuse to file the PMA. If 18 Table of Contents it is, the FDA will accept the application for filing and begin the review. The FDA has 180 days to review a filed PMA application, however, in practice the application review process often exceeds this deadline.
If it is not, the agency will refuse to file the PMA. If it is, the FDA will accept the application for filing and begin the review. The FDA has 180 days to review a filed PMA application, however, in practice the application review process often exceeds this deadline.
While some clinical and pathology criteria have changed over time, this approach has been the standard of care in the United States for many years, and physicians may be unwilling to accept the validity of the published data and adopt our test until this has become incorporated into clinical guideline recommendations from gastrointestinal clinical societies, or other national guidelines.
While some clinical and pathology criteria have evolved over time, this approach has been the standard of care in the U.S. for many years, and physicians may be unwilling to accept the validity of the published data and adopt our test until this has become incorporated into clinical guideline recommendations from gastrointestinal clinical societies, or other national guidelines.
We prioritize and encourage internal growth and professional development of our employees. To encourage employee development, we offer a professional development reimbursement program to eligible employees who attend job-related professional development activities. Corporate and Other Information We were incorporated in Delaware in September 2007. Our principal executive offices are located at 505 S.
We prioritize and encourage internal growth and professional development of our employees. To encourage employee development, we offer a professional development reimbursement program to eligible employees who attend job-related professional development activities. Corporate and Other Information We were incorporated in Delaware in September 2007. Our principal executive offices are currently located at 1500 W.
In addition, we currently face, or may face, competition from companies such as Previse, Interpace Diagnostics, Lucid Diagnostics and other companies. Other companies actively engaged in GERD screening to diagnose BE may also look to develop prognostic tests for patients diagnosed with BE, and these could compete with TissueCypher in the future. In the future, we may face additional competitors.
In addition, we may face competition from companies such as Interpace Diagnostics and other companies. Other companies actively engaged in GERD screening to diagnose BE, such as Lucid Diagnostics and other companies, may also look to develop prognostic tests for patients diagnosed with BE, and these could compete with TissueCypher in the future.
Despite maintaining it has clear regulatory authority over LDTs, the FDA generally has not regulated them and has traditionally exercised enforcement discretion, choosing not to enforce applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Therefore, most of these tests have neither undergone premarket review nor received FDA clearance, authorization or approval for marketing.
Despite maintaining it has clear regulatory authority over LDTs, the FDA generally has not regulated them and has traditionally exercised enforcement discretion, choosing not to enforce applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Therefore, most of these tests have neither undergone premarket review nor received FDA clearance, authorization or approval for marketing. We will continue to monitor the FDA’s position.
We survey all new hires 90 days after the start of their employment to solicit feedback on employee engagement. We provide performance reviews at least once per year, with pay raises commensurate with market and performance indicators. Our regrettable turnover remains low at 1.7% for the year ended December 31, 2024.
We survey all new hires 90 days after the start of their employment to solicit feedback on employee engagement. We provide performance reviews at least once per year, with pay raises commensurate with market and performance indicators. Our regrettable turnover remains low at 2.9% for the year ended December 31, 2025.
IDgenetix is designed to provide important genetic information to clinicians to help guide personalized treatment plans for their patients, with the potential to help patients achieve a faster therapeutic response and improve their chances of remission by identifying appropriate medications more efficiently than the standard of care trial-and-error approach.
IDgenetix was designed to provide important genetic information to clinicians to help guide personalized treatment plans for their patients, with the potential to help patients achieve a faster therapeutic response and improve their chances of remission by identifying appropriate medications more efficiently than the standard of care trial-and-error approach. The IDgenetix test was discontinued in May 2025.
While some clinical and pathology criteria have changed over time, this approach has been the standard of 12 Table of Contents care in the United States for many years, and clinicians may be unwilling to accept the validity of the published data and adopt our test until it has become incorporated into national guidelines.
While some clinical and pathology criteria have changed over time, this approach has been the standard of care in the U.S. for many years, and clinicians may be unwilling to accept the validity of the published data and adopt our test until it has become incorporated into national guidelines.
Overview Castle Biosciences is a molecular diagnostics company offering innovative test solutions to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatologic cancers, Barrett’s esophagus, uveal melanoma, and in the treatment of mental health conditions. Since our inception in 2008, it has been our vision to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors.
Overview Castle Biosciences is a molecular diagnostics company offering innovative test solutions to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatologic cancers, Barrett’s esophagus (“BE”), atopic dermatitis (“AD”), uveal melanoma (“UM”). Since our inception in 2008, it has been our vision to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors.
Required records and reports are subject to inspection by the FDA. The results of clinical testing may be unfavorable, or, even if the intended safety and efficacy success criteria are achieved, may not be considered sufficient for the FDA to grant marketing approval or clearance of a product.
The results of clinical testing may be unfavorable, or, even if the intended safety and efficacy success criteria are achieved, may not be considered sufficient for the FDA to grant marketing approval or clearance of a product.
DecisionDx-Melanoma DecisionDx-Melanoma is our proprietary risk stratification gene expression profile (“GEP”) test that predicts (i) the likelihood of positive sentinel lymph node and (ii) the risk of metastasis, or recurrence, for patients diagnosed with invasive cutaneous melanoma (“CM”), a deadly skin cancer.
DecisionDx-Melanoma DecisionDx-Melanoma is our proprietary risk stratification gene expression profile (“GEP”) test designed to predict the likelihood of a positive sentinel lymph node and the risk of metastasis or recurrence for patients diagnosed with invasive cutaneous melanoma (“CM”), a deadly skin cancer.
CMS establishes new procedures and continuously evaluates and implements changes to the reimbursement process for billing the Medicare program. To receive reimbursement from third-party payors, we bill our tests using a variety of CPT codes, as defined by the AMA CPT Editorial Panel.
CMS establishes new procedures and continuously evaluates and implements changes to the reimbursement process for billing the Medicare program. To receive reimbursement from third-party payors, we bill our tests using a variety of CPT codes and PLA codes, as defined by the American Medical Association (“AMA”).
To renew our CLIA certificate, we are subject to survey and inspection every two years to assess compliance with program standards. Because our Phoenix, Arizona laboratory is a CAP-accredited laboratory, CMS may defer the survey and inspection to those conducted by CAP. We may also be subject to additional unannounced inspections.
To renew our CLIA certificate, we are subject to survey and inspection every two years to assess compliance with program standards. Because all of our laboratories are CAP-accredited, CMS may defer the survey and inspection to those conducted by CAP. We may also be subject to additional unannounced inspections.
It is unclear how any forthcoming healthcare reform measures of the Trump administration will impact the ACA and our business.
It is unclear how these and other healthcare reform measures of the Trump administration will impact the ACA and our business.
For more information, please see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Intellectual Property.” Patents and Patent Applications We have developed a global patent portfolio that as of December 31, 2024, is comprised as follows: Number of Applications and Patents Commercial Focus United States International Total Owned Patent Families Methods for predicting risk of metastasis in CM 3 18 21 Methods of diagnosing and treating patients with pigmented skin lesions 1 — 1 Methods of diagnosing and treating patients with SCC 4 22 26 Determining prognosis and treatment based on clinical-pathologic factors and continuous multigene-expression profile scores 1 — 1 Diagnosing and treating AD and/or psoriasis — 1 1 Method and kit for isolating and sequencing nucleic acid from skin samples 1 — 1 Genes and gene signatures for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma 6 29 35 Method for automated tissue analysis 2 3 5 Systems and compositions for diagnosing BE and methods of using same 3 13 16 Methods of predicting progression of BE 2 22 24 Expression profiling using microarrays 1 — 1 Licensed Portfolio from WUSTL Method for predicting risk of metastasis 2 — 2 Compositions and methods for detecting cancer metastasis 2 2 4 Total 28 110 138 Included in the table above are 18 issued U.S. patents and 78 issued international patents.
For more information, please see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Intellectual Property.” Patents and Patent Applications We have developed a global patent portfolio that as of December 31, 2025, is comprised as follows: Number of Applications and Patents Commercial Focus United States International Total Owned Patent Families Methods for predicting risk of metastasis in CM 5 18 23 Methods of diagnosing and treating patients with pigmented skin lesions 1 — 1 Methods of diagnosing and treating patients with SCC 6 21 27 Diagnosing and treating AD and/or psoriasis 3 1 4 Method and kit for isolating and sequencing nucleic acid from skin samples — 1 1 Diagnosing and treating UM 1 — 1 Genes and gene signatures for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma 6 29 35 Method for automated tissue analysis 2 3 5 Systems and compositions for diagnosing BE and methods of using same 4 13 17 Methods of predicting progression of BE 4 31 35 Expression profiling using microarrays 1 — 1 Licensed Portfolio from WUSTL Method for predicting risk of metastasis 2 — 2 Compositions and methods for detecting cancer metastasis 2 2 4 Total 37 119 156 Included in the table above are 22 issued U.S. patents and 87 issued international patents.
Friendswood Drive, Suite 401, Friendswood, Texas 77456 and our telephone number is (866) 788-9007. Our 25 Table of Contents corporate website address is www.CastleBiosciences.com. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not considered part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the SEC.
Parkwood Ave, Suite 400, Friendswood, Texas 77546 and our telephone number is (866) 788-9007. Our corporate website address is www.CastleBiosciences.com. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not considered part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the SEC.
We consider our relationship with our employees to be good. Employee Engagement We value the unique perspective our employees bring to the organization and encourage open channels of communication. In June 2024, we conducted our fourth annual employee engagement survey to understand what was working well at Castle and what opportunities we had for improvement.
Employee Engagement We value the unique perspective our employees bring to the organization and encourage open channels of communication. In June 2025, we conducted our annual employee engagement survey to understand what was working well at Castle Biosciences and what opportunities we had for improvement.
The law includes a limited number of exceptions, some of which closely align with corresponding AKS exceptions and safe harbors, and others that materially differ.
The law includes a limited number of exceptions, some of which closely align with corresponding AKS exceptions and safe harbors, and others that materially differ. The full scope and interpretation of EKRA remain unclear.
We strive to find members of our team who embody the values of our company. As of December 31, 2024, we had 761 full-time employees. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we added 151 employees to our team, a 25% increase from 2023.
We strive to find members of our team who embody the values of our company. As of December 31, 2025, we had 883 full-time employees. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we added 122 employees to our team, a 16% increase from 2024.
ADLT status determines the process by which the rate is set and is not an indication of Medicare coverage. Effective July 1, 2023 and through March 31, 2024, CMS set the initial period rate equal to the list price of $8,500 per test.
DecisionDx-SCC On June 30, 2023, CMS determined DecisionDx-SCC meets the criteria for “new ADLT” status. ADLT status determines the process by which the rate is set and is not an indication of Medicare coverage. Effective July 1, 2023 and through March 31, 2024, CMS set the initial period rate equal to the list price of $8,500 per test.
In April 2014, Congress passed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (“PAMA”), which included substantial changes to the way in which clinical laboratory services will be paid under Medicare. Under PAMA, certain laboratories were required to report to CMS private payor payment rates and volumes for their 23 Table of Contents tests.
In April 2014, Congress passed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (“PAMA”), which included substantial changes to the way in which clinical diagnostic laboratory tests (“CDLTs”) are paid under Medicare. Under PAMA, certain laboratories are required to report to CMS private payor payment rates and volumes for their tests.
For example, in recent years, Congress has worked on legislation to create a novel regulatory framework governing a new category of FDA-regulated products, referred to as in vitro clinical tests (“IVCTs”), which would govern LDTs and would be separate and distinct from existing medical device regulatory framework.
For example, in recent years, Congress has worked on legislation to create a novel regulatory framework governing a new category of FDA-regulated products, referred to as in vitro clinical tests (“IVCTs”), which would govern LDTs and would be separate and distinct from existing medical device regulatory framework. 15 Table of Contents In July 2025, the FDA granted Breakthrough Device designation to our DecisionDx-Melanoma test.
The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “ACA”) also imposed annual reporting requirements on manufacturers of certain devices, drugs and biologics for certain payments and transfers of value by them and in some cases their distributors to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), other healthcare professionals (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and teaching hospitals, as well as information regarding ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
Like the AKS, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation. 20 Table of Contents The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “ACA”) also imposed annual reporting requirements on manufacturers of certain devices, drugs and biologics for certain payments and transfers of value by them and in some cases their distributors to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), other healthcare professionals (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and teaching hospitals, as well as information regarding ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
These tests are referred to as LDTs. On May 6, 2024, the FDA published a final rule on the regulation of LDTs which amends the FDA's regulations to make it explicit that LDTs are IVDs and regulated as devices under the FD&C Act.
These tests are referred to as LDTs. On May 6, 2024, the FDA published a final rule on the regulation of Laboratory Developed Tests (“LDTs”) which amended the FDA’s regulations to make explicit that LDT’s are devices under the FD&C Act.
If a laboratory is out of compliance with New York statutory or regulatory standards, NYSDOH may suspend, limit, revoke or annul the laboratory’s New York license, censure the holder of the license, or assess civil money penalties. All of our laboratories are inspected and our proprietary tests are approved via NYSDOH.
If a laboratory is out of compliance with New York statutory or regulatory standards, NYSDOH may suspend, limit, revoke or annul the laboratory’s New York license, censure the holder of the license, or assess civil money penalties.
On May 19, 2022, Palmetto finalized an LCD that converted the DecisionDx-Melanoma test-specific LCD to a “foundational” LCD with Noridian issuing the same on June 16, 2022. The final LCDs did not result in any changes in coverage.
Noridian adopted the same coverage policy as Palmetto and also issued an expanded final LCD for DecisionDx-Melanoma, effective December 6, 2020. On May 19, 2022, Palmetto finalized an LCD that converted the DecisionDx-Melanoma test-specific LCD to a “foundational” LCD with Noridian issuing the same on June 16, 2022. The final LCDs did not result in any changes in coverage.
Submission of an IDE will not necessarily result in the ability to commence clinical trials, and although the FDA’s approval of an IDE allows clinical testing to go forward for a specified number 17 Table of Contents of subjects, it does not bind the FDA to accept the results of the trial as sufficient to prove the product’s safety and efficacy, even if the trial meets its intended success criteria.
Submission of an IDE will not necessarily result in the ability to commence clinical trials, and although the FDA’s approval of an IDE allows clinical testing to go forward for a specified number of subjects, it does not bind the FDA to accept the results of the trial as sufficient to prove the product’s safety and efficacy, even if the trial meets its intended success criteria. 16 Table of Contents The IDE regulations that govern investigational device labeling, prohibit promotion and specify an array of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring responsibilities of study sponsors and study investigators.
We continuously assess market response in determining further commercial expansions and commercial team structure. Medical Affairs We also deploy an experienced medical affairs group to assist education of treating clinicians and key opinion leaders, to identify and engage sites for our sponsored clinical studies and to evaluate collaborative study opportunities.
Medical Affairs We also deploy an experienced medical affairs group to assist in the education of treating clinicians and key opinion leaders, to assist in identifying and engaging sites for our sponsored clinical studies and to evaluate collaborative study opportunities. We will continue to assess the market needs in determining medical affairs team structure.
Privacy and Security Laws Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Under HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”) HHS has issued regulations to protect the privacy and provide for the security of protected health information (“PHI”) used or disclosed by certain entities including healthcare providers, such as us.
In many countries outside of the U.S., coverage, pricing and reimbursement approvals are also required. 21 Table of Contents Privacy and Security Laws Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Under HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”) HHS has issued regulations to protect the privacy and provide for the security of protected health information (“PHI”) used or disclosed by certain entities including healthcare providers, such as us.
With this expanded LCD and the accompanying billing and coding articles, we estimate that a significant majority of the DecisionDx-Melanoma tests performed for Medicare patients will meet the coverage criteria. Noridian adopted the same coverage policy as Palmetto and also issued an expanded final LCD for DecisionDx-Melanoma, effective December 6, 2020.
Medicare DecisionDx-Melanoma Palmetto issued a final expanded test-specific LCD for DecisionDx-Melanoma, effective November 22, 2020. With this expanded LCD and the accompanying billing and coding articles, we estimate that a significant majority of the DecisionDx-Melanoma tests performed for Medicare patients will meet the coverage criteria.
The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (“EKRA”) prohibits knowingly and willfully soliciting or receiving any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, in return for referring a patient or patronage to a laboratory; or paying or offering any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce a referral of an individual to a laboratory or in exchange for an individual using the services of that laboratory.
Rather, the government may evaluate such arrangements on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all facts and circumstances. 19 Table of Contents The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (“EKRA”) prohibits knowingly and willfully soliciting or receiving any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, in return for referring a patient or patronage to a laboratory; or paying or offering any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce a referral of an individual to a laboratory or in exchange for an individual using the services of that laboratory.
All of our laboratories are required to be certified by NYSDOH, have a lab director with a specific certificate of qualification and are subject to biennial New York inspections to ensure the lab is compliant with New York licensing standards.
In addition to the NYSDOH lab approval both the Phoenix and Pittsburgh laboratories are both required to have a lab director with a specific certificate of qualification and are subject to biennial New York inspections to ensure the lab is compliant with New York licensing standards.
The numbers of test reports delivered by us and our net revenues during the past five years are presented in the table below: Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 DecisionDx-Melanoma 36,008 33,330 27,803 20,328 16,232 DecisionDx‑SCC (1) 16,348 11,442 5,967 3,510 485 Diagnostic GEP offering (2) 3,909 3,962 3,561 2,662 73 Dermatologic Total 56,265 48,734 37,331 26,500 16,790 DecisionDx-UM 1,699 1,674 1,711 1,618 1,395 TissueCypher (3) 20,956 9,100 2,128 27 — IDgenetix (4) 17,151 10,921 3,249 — — Grand Total 96,071 70,429 44,419 28,145 18,185 Net Revenues (in thousands) $ 332,069 $ 219,788 $ 137,039 $ 94,085 $ 62,649 (1) On August 31, 2020, we commercially launched our cutaneous SCC proprietary GEP test for use in patients with one or more risk factors.
The numbers of test reports delivered by us and our net revenues during the past five years are presented in the table below: Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 DecisionDx-Melanoma 39,083 36,008 33,330 27,803 20,328 DecisionDx‑SCC 17,294 16,348 11,442 5,967 3,510 Diagnostic GEP offering (1) 4,288 3,909 3,962 3,561 2,662 Dermatologic Total (2) 60,665 56,265 48,734 37,331 26,500 TissueCypher (3) 39,014 20,956 9,100 2,128 27 DecisionDx-UM 1,769 1,699 1,674 1,711 1,618 IDgenetix (4) 3,605 17,151 10,921 3,249 — Grand Total 105,053 96,071 70,429 44,419 28,145 Net Revenues (in thousands) $ 344,229 $ 332,069 $ 219,788 $ 137,039 $ 94,085 (1) We began offering MyPath Melanoma following our acquisition of the Myriad MyPath Laboratory on May 28, 2021.
Achieving in-network contracts with third-party payors can shorten the time required to receive payments. Implementing our strategy includes our managed care, reimbursement and medical affairs teams educating third-party payors regarding our strong clinical utility and outcomes data, which we believe validates the value of our products and will persuade more third-party payors to provide value-based reimbursement.
Implementing our strategy includes our managed care, reimbursement and medical affairs teams educating third-party payors regarding our strong clinical utility and outcomes data, which we believe validates the value of our products and will increase implementation of value-based reimbursement with more third-party payors.
This process can require a letter of medical necessity and other types of medical documentation from the ordering physician and it can result in a delay in processing the claim, a lower reimbursement amount, or denial of the claim.
This process may require additional medical record documentation from the ordering physician and could result in a delay in processing the claim, a lower reimbursement amount, or denial of the claim.
For those genetic tests we conduct that do not have a dedicated CPT code, tests may be billed under a miscellaneous code for an unlisted molecular pathology procedure.
For those genetic tests we conduct that do not have a dedicated CPT or PLA code, tests may be billed under a non-specific miscellaneous CPT code.
CMS uses this data to calculate a weighted median payment rate for each test, which will be used to establish revised Medicare CLFS reimbursement rates for the test. Laboratories that fail to report the required payment information may be subject to substantial civil penalties. We bill Medicare for our products, and therefore we are subject to reporting requirements under PAMA.
CMS uses this data to calculate a weighted median payment rate for each test, which is used to establish revised Medicare CLFS reimbursement rates for the test. Laboratories that fail to report the required payment information may be subject to substantial civil penalties. PAMA also established a category for ADLTs and specific payment methodologies for qualifying tests.
Our rate is set annually based upon the median private payor rate for the first half of the second preceding calendar year. For example, the rate for 2024 was set using median private payor rate data from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022.
MyPath Melanoma On September 6, 2019, MyPath Melanoma was approved as a “new ADLT”. Our rate is set annually based upon the median private payor rate for the first half of the second preceding calendar year. For example, the rate for 2025 was set using median private payor rate data from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023.
We may use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation Fair Disclosure promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These disclosures will be included on our website under the “Company—Investors” section.
We may use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation Fair Disclosure promulgated by the SEC. These disclosures will be included on our website under the “Company—Investors” section. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains references to our trademarks and to trademarks belonging to other entities.
There are approximately four million patients in the U.S. currently diagnosed with BE and approximately 415,000 patients annually undergo an endoscopic biopsy with a subsequent diagnosis of ND, IND or LGD BE, representing an estimated U.S. TAM of approximately $1 billion. As of December 31, 2024, our TissueCypher test is supported by 16 peer-reviewed clinical validation and utility studies.
There are approximately 4 million patients in the U.S. currently diagnosed with BE and approximately 415,000 patients annually undergo an endoscopic biopsy with a subsequent diagnosis of ND, IND or LGD BE, representing an estimated U.S. TAM of approximately $1 billion.
Effective April 1, 2024, we continued receiving reimbursement at a rate of $8,500 per test, set by CMS using median private payor rate data for the period July 1, 2023 and November 30, 2023, and this rate will remain effective through December 31, 2025. 11 Table of Contents TissueCypher TissueCypher is processed in our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania laboratory under the Medicare jurisdiction managed by Novitas.
Effective April 1, 2024, we continued receiving reimbursement at a rate of $8,500 per test, set by CMS using median private payor rate data for the period July 1, 2023 and November 30, 2023, and this rate remained effective through December 31, 2025 and remains $8,500 per test for 2026.
New PMA applications or PMA supplements may also be required for modifications to any approved diagnostic tests, including modifications to our manufacturing processes, device labeling and device design, based on the findings of post-approval studies.
New PMA applications or PMA supplements may also be required for modifications to any approved diagnostic tests, including modifications to our manufacturing processes, device labeling and device design, based on the findings of post-approval studies. 18 Table of Contents Federal and State Physician Self-Referral Prohibitions We are subject to the federal physician self-referral prohibitions, commonly known as the Stark Law, and to comparable state laws.
We estimate that a significant majority of the DecisionDx-UM tests performed for Medicare patients will meet the coverage criteria. 9 Table of Contents MyPath Melanoma and DiffDx-Melanoma MyPath Melanoma was covered under a test-specific LCD policy through Noridian that became effective in June 2019.
We estimate that a significant majority of the MyPath Melanoma and DiffDx-Melanoma tests performed for Medicare patients will meet the coverage criteria. DecisionDx-UM Palmetto issued a final test-specific LCD for DecisionDx-UM, which became effective in July 2017, and Noridian issued a similar LCD that became effective in September 2017.
Together these restrictions generally prohibit us from billing a patient or any governmental or private payor for certain designated health services, including clinical laboratory services, when the physician ordering the service, or any member of such physician’s immediate family, has a financial interest, such as an ownership or investment interest in or compensation arrangement with us, unless the arrangement meets an exception to the prohibition. 19 Table of Contents Sanctions for a Stark Law violation include the following: • denial of payment for the services provided in violation of the prohibition; • refunds of amounts collected by an entity in violation of the Stark Law; • a civil penalty for each bill or claim for a service arising out of the prohibited referral; • the imposition of up to three times the amounts for each item or service wrongfully claimed; • possible exclusion from federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid; and • a civil penalty for each arrangement or scheme that the parties know (or should know) has the principal purpose of circumventing the Stark Law’s prohibition.
Sanctions for a Stark Law violation include the following: • denial of payment for the services provided in violation of the prohibition; • refunds of amounts collected by an entity in violation of the Stark Law; • a civil penalty for each bill or claim for a service arising out of the prohibited referral; • the imposition of up to three times the amounts for each item or service wrongfully claimed; • possible exclusion from federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid; and • a civil penalty for each arrangement or scheme that the parties know (or should know) has the principal purpose of circumventing the Stark Law’s prohibition.
For example, the rate for 2024 was set using median private payor rate data from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022. Our rate for 2022, 2023 and 2024 was $7,193 per test. Our 2025 rate is $7,193 per test.
For example, the rate for 2025 was set using median private payor rate data from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023. Our rate for 2023 through 2025 was $7,193 per test and remains $7,193 per test for 2026. TissueCypher On March 24, 2022, CMS determined TissueCypher met the criteria for “new ADLT” status.
In addition, in certain instances, a patent term can be extended to recapture a period due to delay by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) in issuing the patent as well as a portion of the term effectively lost as a result of the FDA regulatory review period.
Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) in issuing the patent as well as a portion of the term effectively lost as a result of the FDA regulatory review period.
Criterion B: The test is cleared or approved by the FDA. Laboratories requesting ADLT status under this criterion are required to submit documentation of premarket approval (“PMA”) or premarket notification from the FDA. 10 Table of Contents All five of our commercially available proprietary MAAA tests have been reviewed by the CMS and have been granted ADLT status.
Criterion B: The test is cleared or approved by the FDA. Laboratories requesting ADLT status under this criterion are required to submit documentation of premarket approval (“PMA”) or premarket notification from the FDA.
Commercial Third-Party Payors We are actively engaged in efforts to achieve broad coverage and reimbursement for our products, followed by contracting with commercial payors. Achieving positive coverage reduces the need for appeals and reduces failures to collect from the patient’s commercial insurance payor. Even with positive coverage decisions, we still experience delays in time to payment.
Achieving positive coverage reduces the need for appeals and reduces failures to collect from the patient’s commercial insurance payor. Even with positive coverage decisions, we still experience delays in time to payment. Achieving in-network contracts with third-party payors can shorten the time required to receive payments.
As of December 31, 2024, our MyPath Melanoma test is supported by 20 peer-reviewed publications, one of which was published in 2024. DecisionDx-UM DecisionDx®-UM is our proprietary, risk stratification GEP test that predicts the risk of metastasis for patients with uveal melanoma (“UM”), also referred to as ocular melanoma.
As of December 31, 2025, our MyPath Melanoma test is supported by 20 peer-reviewed publications. DecisionDx-UM DecisionDx®-UM is our proprietary, risk stratification GEP test that predicts the risk of metastasis for patients with UM, also referred to as ocular melanoma. We estimate approximately 2,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed annually with UM, representing an estimated U.S.