Cizzle Bio Champions Cancer Survivors, Early Detection as Sponsor of Prevent Cancer Foundation® 40th Anniversary and Gala
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cizzle Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company advancing groundbreaking biomarker blood tests for early detection of lung and gastric cancers, proudly sponsored and attended the Prevent Cancer Foundation® 40th Anniversary and Gala on Sept. 18 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The company's participation reflects its unwavering commitment to saving lives through earlier detection and expanded access to breakthrough diagnostics.
Cizzle Bio was represented by CEO Bill Behnke, a veteran leader in healthcare innovation and strategic partnerships; Cizzle Bio Board Member Ron Greeno, M.D., a nationally recognized physician leader guiding clinical strategy and access; and Executive Vice President of Business Development Mary Jimenez, who advances clinical research supporting commercialization. Their presence underscored Cizzle Bio's dedication to advancing innovation through collaboration across science, business, and policy.
Themed, "The United States: Innovation & Inspiration," the Gala drew more than 1,000 guests to mark four decades of the Foundation's leadership in making prevention central to the fight against cancer. Since 1985, the Foundation has fueled research, advanced screening, and led education campaigns reaching millions. The 2025 event spotlighted nationwide progress in prevention and early detection while advancing the Foundation's goal of securing congressional representation from all 50 states to honor the institutions, communities, and advocates driving change.
Hosted by CNN Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Sara Sidner, a breast cancer survivor, the evening also honored Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) with the 2025 Cancer Champion award for their leadership in expanding access to prevention and early detection.
"Cizzle Bio was honored to join the Prevent Cancer Foundation® in celebrating 40 years of impact" said Bill Behnke, CEO of Cizzle Bio. "This Gala highlights how science, advocacy, and policy can come together to save lives. As we advance the CIZ1B and DEX-G2 tests toward clinical practice, we remain deeply committed to working alongside clinicians, advocates, and policymakers to ensure that early detection is accessible to all patients."
Innovation and Purpose
As a pioneer in biomarker-based cancer diagnostics, Cizzle Bio's sponsorship underscores its mission: "Detect Early. Save Lives." The company is advancing two leading-edge blood tests that redefine cancer detection—CIZ1B, a first-in-class immunoassay designed for the early detection of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and DEX-G2, a novel biomarker test with exceptional accuracy for early-stage gastric cancer, one of the world's most lethal malignancies. Together, these innovations embody Cizzle Bio's commitment to make early detection the global standard of care.
Distinguished Guests—Advocates for Patients and Progress
Cizzle Bio reaffirmed its commitment to patient advocacy by hosting leaders dedicated to prevention, awareness, and better outcomes. Together, they highlighted the strength of collaboration across science, advocacy, and global biotech—partnerships that lie at the heart of Cizzle Bio's mission.
- Rebecca Kaltman, M.D., executive director and endowed chair at the Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center at Inova Schar Cancer Institute, a leading cancer center offering comprehensive, patient-centered care across the full spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
- Elizabeth Stark, cancer genetic counselor and prevention specialist, Inova Health System, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider delivering world-class healthcare to Northern Virginia and the D.C. metropolitan area.
- Meriam Driss, executive vice president of strategy and business development, LUNGevity Foundation, the largest national lung cancer nonprofit, which accelerates research and provides vital support for patients. She was joined by Salima Driss, extending LUNGevity's presence at the Gala.
- Jessica Alcantar, events and programs manager, Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer, a national nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting patients and caregivers affected by gastric cancer.
- Allan Syms, Ph.D., executive chairman Cizzle Biotechnology Holdings, PLC, the company that developed the CIZ1B biomarker technology, now serving as Cizzle Bio's strategic partner in translating biomarker discoveries into clinical innovation.
Proceeds from the Gala support the Foundation's wide-reaching programs, including research grants and fellowships, community grants, and national public education campaigns such as, "Early Detection = Better Outcomes." These initiatives educate adults across the United States on the screenings they need and encourage them to take proactive steps toward prevention.
About Cizzle Bio, Inc.
Cizzle Bio is a Texas-based biotechnology company dedicated to revolutionizing cancer diagnostics by advancing biomarker-based blood tests, starting with early detection of lung and gastric cancers. Our goal is to empower patients, equip clinicians, and improve outcomes through innovation, compassion, and life-saving solutions. We hold exclusive licensing rights for our groundbreaking CIZ1B biomarker test in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean and a worldwide exclusive license for our DEX-G2 biomarker gastric cancer test. Cizzle Bio is commercializing both tests for U.S. clinical environments.
About the Prevent Cancer Foundation®
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is the only U.S.-based nonprofit organization solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. Through research, education, outreach and advocacy, we have helped countless people avoid a cancer diagnosis or detect their cancer early enough to be successfully treated. We are driven by a vision of a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.
Media Contact:
Yolanda Heiberger
yolanda@cizzlebio.com
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