First Ascent Biomedical, a biotech company specializing in functional precision medicine, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with national nonprofit Fight Colorectal Cancer to launch a prospective feasibility study aimed at transforming colorectal cancer treatment. The innovative study, funded by a $350,000 grant from Fight CRC and spearheaded by CEO Anjee Davis, will leverage First Ascent's cutting-edge xDRIVE tumor profiling technology to deliver rapid, personalized treatment insights for patients fighting colon cancer in Minnesota.
"Fight CRC is committed to empowering patients through innovation," said Davis. "This grant underscores our strategic focus on enhancing care through advanced research, particularly for those with limited treatment options."
Study Design and Patient Population
The study, set to begin enrollment in April or May 2025, will focus on 25 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. By integrating functional drug testing, genetic analysis, and artificial intelligence, First Ascent's xDRIVE platform will provide oncologists with detailed tumor profiling data and tailored treatment options, aiming to enhance patient outcomes.
Patients interested in participating must be seen in Rochester, Minnesota, and information will soon be available on ClinicalTrials.gov. The study is expected to complete enrollment within nine months and will provide actionable data to oncologists for patients requiring advanced treatment options.
Clinical Leadership Team
Leading the clinical efforts are Dr. Hao Xie, MD, PhD, a gastrointestinal cancer specialist and precision medicine expert, and Dr. Boardman, whose work in cancer genetics and early detection has advanced the field of colorectal cancer care. Dr. Noah Berlow, PhD, First Ascent's Chief Technology Officer and the study's principal investigator, brings his expertise in AI-driven cancer research to oversee the project.
Together, this team is positioned to demonstrate the power of rapid, individualized tumor profiling to better understand each patient's unique cancer characteristics.
Technology Platform
The xDRIVE platform represents First Ascent's approach to functional precision medicine, combining multiple analytical approaches to provide comprehensive tumor profiling. The technology integrates functional drug testing with genetic analysis and artificial intelligence to generate personalized treatment recommendations for oncologists.
"This collaboration with Fight Colorectal Cancer is another important step in transforming how we approach cancer treatment," said Jim Foote, founder and chief executive officer of First Ascent Biomedical. "We are honored to be part of this effort."
The study aims to provide rapid, actionable insights that can inform treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly those with limited therapeutic options.
