Dr. Diana Azzam Receives Standing Ovation at TEDxMiami: Beyond Boundaries

Highlights Miami-Based Partnership That Gave One Child a Second Chance at Life

MIAMI, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dr. Diana Azzam, co-founder of First Ascent Biomedical and associate professor at Florida International University (FIU), received a standing ovation at TEDxMiami: Beyond Boundaries after sharing a story that blended science, resilience, and hope.

Dr. Azzam spotlighted the transformative potential of Functional Precision Medicine (FPM), a next-generation approach to cancer treatment that tests live tumor cells against hundreds of FDA-approved drug combinations, layered with explainable AI and genomics. This approach offers clinicians real-time, personalized insights to guide therapy selection.

Her TEDx talk centered around Logan, a young patient with relapsed leukemia who is now thriving—healthy, happy, and full of life—thanks to this precision-guided treatment. In a deeply moving moment, Logan's parents were present in the audience, witnessing their son's story being told as a symbol of what's possible when innovation meets compassion.

This breakthrough was made possible through a mission-aligned collaboration that began right here in Miami:

• Florida International University (FIU)provided the academic and scientific leadership for the study, with research conducted in its cutting-edge translational oncology labs.
• The project was funded by the Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer Foundation, whose dedication to finding better treatments for children with cancer fueled this important work.
• Nicklaus Children's Hospital, where Logan received treatment, partnered with researchers to integrate these personalized findings into real-world pediatric cancer care.

"This partnership demonstrates what's possible when research, philanthropy, and clinical care unite around a common goal—giving children a better chance at life," said Dr. Diana Azzam. "Logan's journey is a reminder that Functional Precision Medicine is not just a scientific advancement—it's a deeply human one."

The FPM platform, developed by First Ascent Biomedical in partnership with FIU, represents a paradigm shift in oncology. It moves beyond genomics alone and leverages real-time drug response data to match patients with the treatments most likely to help them.

About First Ascent Biomedical

Founded in 2018, First Ascent Biomedical is redefining cancer care through a pioneering approach to Functional Precision Medicine (FPM). Our AI-enhanced platform empowers pharma and care delivery organizations with clinically validated tools that personalize cancer treatment, especially for relapsed and treatment-resistant cases. By combining functional drug testing with advanced analytics, First Ascent delivers actionable, individualized treatment recommendations—offering new hope where standard options fall short. Backed by research published in top-tier scientific journals and trusted by global pharma and healthcare partners, First Ascent is committed to transforming how cancer is understood and treated—one patient at a time. Learn more at www.firstascentbio.com.

Media Contact

Heather Rivenburg, Punching Nun Group, 1 (703)216-3893, [email protected], https://punchingnungroup.com/

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SOURCE First Ascent Biomedical