4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) shares stole the spotlight on Wednesday, surging 34% to a record high and capping off one of the most extraordinary runs on the ASX.
Over the past year, defence stocks have grabbed the headlines with Droneshield Ltd up 330% and Electro Optic Systems Ltd (ASX: EOS) up 540% but the returns from 4DMedical, up a staggering 1,630%, are hard to ignore.
What is driving such an astronomical share price increase?
A major endorsement from Mayo Clinic
The catalyst for the latest move is the deployment of 4DMedical's CT:VQ technology at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, widely regarded as one of the best hospitals in the world.
This is a high credibility signal. When an institution like Mayo adopts a new technology, it carries weight across the broader healthcare system.
Mayo will use the technology for ventilation and perfusion analysis, initially integrating it into clinical workflows and evaluating its use across a range of applications.
Building serious momentum
What also stands out is the speed of adoption.
In just seven months since receiving FDA clearance in September 2025, 4DMedical has secured deployments at six leading US academic medical centres, including Stanford, Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Chicago.
That level of traction in such a short timeframe is unusual and suggests strong early demand.
The company's value proposition is clear. Its technology eliminates the need for radioisotopes and contrast agents, integrates into existing CT workflows, and delivers high resolution functional imaging.
It also aligns with reimbursement pathways, which is critical for real world adoption.
What investors should watch
There is no doubt that 4DMedical is one of the hottest stocks on the ASX right now. The rally reflects growing confidence that the company is moving beyond a promising technology story into early commercial execution.
With a market cap exceeding $3Billion, expectations are sky high and the next phase is strong execution. Investors will want to see these deployments translate into meaningful revenue and over time, free cash flow.
The post Forget DroneShield and EOS, this ASX healthcare stock is up 15x in a year! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and Electro Optic Systems and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026