Cizzle Bio, Inc. has announced promising economic findings for its proprietary CIZ1B biomarker blood test for early-stage lung cancer detection. According to a new study abstract published in conjunction with the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, implementing the test could save the U.S. Medicare program up to $518 million annually.
The economic analysis, co-authored by healthcare economist Jennifer Hinkel, M.Sc., models how integrating the CIZ1B biomarker test into lung cancer screening protocols for high-risk Medicare populations could significantly reduce healthcare costs, minimize unnecessary procedures, and increase early-stage cancer detection rates.
Breakthrough in Early Detection Technology
The CIZ1B biomarker test represents the culmination of over 30 years of research into the CIZ1 gene conducted at the University of York. Researchers identified the CIZ1B protein variant and its strong correlation with early-stage lung cancer. The test demonstrates impressive clinical metrics with 95% sensitivity for Stage I detection and a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 96%.
"Our economic models project that the CIZ1B test has the potential to be not only a clinical advance but a significant economic win for the healthcare system when implemented as part of lung cancer screening in high-risk, eligible Medicare populations," said Hinkel, who specializes in health economics and oncology outcomes research.
Cizzle Bio is preparing for the commercial launch of the CIZ1B test in U.S. clinical environments in the coming months, positioning it as a potential game-changer in lung cancer screening.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Current Screening Approaches
Despite clinical recommendations for low-dose CT (LDCT) screening in high-risk individuals, particularly those with significant smoking history, only 4% to 6% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries currently undergo the procedure. This low participation rate represents a missed opportunity for early intervention in one of the most lethal cancers.
The new study demonstrates that incorporating the CIZ1B blood test into screening protocols could address several barriers that currently limit LDCT adoption, including:
- Travel requirements to specialized imaging centers
- Limited availability of LDCT facilities in rural areas
- Patient concerns about radiation exposure
- Anxiety regarding potential follow-up procedures
"Greater participation in screening programs is critical to shifting lung cancer diagnoses to earlier, more treatable stages," Hinkel emphasized. "Because it is a simple blood test, CIZ1B testing can reach more patients where they are. Implementing cancer screening through a blood test like this can drive a real change toward better outcomes and lower costs in Medicare patients, which is very meaningful."
Economic Impact Through Reduced False Positives
A significant portion of the projected cost savings comes from reducing unnecessary biopsies. The current LDCT screening approach often detects suspicious nodules that require follow-up invasive procedures, yet 96% of these biopsies ultimately reveal non-cancerous tissue.
The model projects that CIZ1B biomarker testing can improve screening specificity, reducing false positives and avoiding costly, invasive procedures. This improvement not only decreases direct healthcare expenditures but also minimizes patient anxiety and potential complications from unnecessary interventions.
Expanding Access to Underserved Populations
The economic model hypothesizes that introducing the CIZ1B blood test could enable a 15% increase in lung cancer screening participation among Medicare-eligible high-risk individuals. This expanded access could identify significantly more lung cancer cases at earlier, more treatable stages, particularly in underserved populations that currently face barriers to LDCT screening.
"By enabling earlier diagnoses and early intervention with less costly treatment, CIZ1B has the potential to make lung cancer screening more accurate, accessible, and sustainable, especially for Medicare patients," Hinkel noted.
Company Perspective and Future Plans
Bill Behnke, founder and chief executive officer of Cizzle Bio, views the publication as a significant milestone for the company. "Our mission is to make early lung cancer detection easier, more accurate, and more widely accessible. These findings strengthen the case for CIZ1B as a cornerstone of the future lung cancer screening paradigm."
Cizzle Bio, a Texas-based biotechnology company, is dedicated to revolutionizing cancer diagnostics through biomarker-based blood tests. The company holds exclusive licensing rights for the CIZ1B biomarker test in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. In addition to the CIZ1B test for lung cancer, the company is also developing the DEX-G2 biomarker test for gastric cancer, scheduled for launch later this year.
The full abstract is available online in conjunction with the ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting and can be accessed via the ASCO website.
