Cizzle Bio Champions Early Cancer Detection as Sponsor of Prevent Cancer Foundation's 32nd Annual Gala

Founder and CEO Bill Behnke served on Gala Committee as Cizzle Bio joined leaders in cancer prevention, early detection and patient advocacy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cizzle Bio Inc., a biotechnology company advancing innovative biomarker blood tests for early cancer detection, was proud to sponsor and participate in the Prevent Cancer Foundation® 32nd Annual Gala, held Sept. 16 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The event brought together leaders in cancer research, advocacy, healthcare, government and philanthropy to support the Foundation's mission to advance cancer prevention and early detection.

"Cizzle Bio and the Prevent Cancer Foundation share a commitment to detecting cancer earlier and improving outcomes for patients and families," said Bill Behnke, Founder and CEO of Cizzle Bio. "We are proud to support the Gala and value our partnership with the Foundation and its work to advance research, expand access and strengthen cancer prevention and early detection."

Behnke, a dedicated patient advocate, has a personal connection to cancer. His daughter, Ella, was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 3, an experience that helped shape his longstanding commitment to patients and families. He also served on the 2026 Prevent Cancer Gala Committee and helped secure key sponsors for the event.

More than 800 guests attended the gala, which raised more than $2 million for cancer prevention and early detection initiatives. Some funds will support research for cancers that lack U.S. guideline-recommended routine screening methods, a priority closely aligned with Cizzle Bio's mission.

This year's theme, Puerto Rico: La Isla del Encanto, highlighted Puerto Rico's progress in cancer prevention and early detection, with Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón and Rep. Pablo José Hernández Rivera serving as honorary co-chairs.

CNN Anchor and senior national correspondent Sara Sidner, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, served as master of ceremonies. The Foundation presented Cancer Champion Awards to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Richard Neal in recognition of their work to expand access to cancer prevention and early-detection services. The program also featured remarks from Esteban Santos, executive vice president of operations at Amgen, the presenting sponsor, and Dave Mitrani, who honored the memory of his late wife and Prevent Cancer Foundation staff member Lorelei Mitrani.

Cizzle Bio was represented by Behnke and Dr. Allan Syms, executive chairman of Cizzle Biotechnology PLC. They were joined by cancer advocates and leaders including Michael "Wes" Bell and Jennifer Bell, grateful family members of patients who benefited from cancer research and clinical trials; Gerry McDougall, national patient advocate, chairman of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and long-standing board member of Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation; and Luke Blanchat, government relations director at Checkmate Government Relations.

Cizzle Bio's flagship test for early lung cancer, the CIZ1B Biomarker Blood Test, is designed to complement standard-of-care lung cancer diagnostics by providing physicians with additional biomarker information to support clinical decision-making. The CIZ1B test is commercially available to licensed healthcare providers in Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio as part of the company's phased national rollout strategy.

"Scientific innovation matters most when it improves patients' lives," Behnke said. "We are proud to support Prevent Cancer and its work to unite research, education, advocacy and the patient voice around earlier cancer detection."

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 cancer. The company's goal is to empower patients, equip clinicians and improve outcomes through innovative, compassionate and life-saving solutions. Cizzle Bio holds exclusive licensing rights for its groundbreaking CIZ1B Biomarker Blood Test for Lung Cancer in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The company is commercializing the test for U.S. clinical environments. Learn more at CizzleBio.com

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SOURCE Cizzle Bio