Ryan Fukushima | Reinventing diagnostics: The superpower of not knowing what can’t be done | TPM #43
Feb 26, 2025
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Ryan Fukushima is the COO of Tempus AI and CEO of Pathos AI, a trailblazer in using real-world data and AI for precision medicine. He discusses the transformative potential of integrated data in personalizing patient care. Ryan highlights innovations in cancer diagnostics, emphasizing a shift from narrow testing to a comprehensive data approach. He explains how AI and biomarkers are redefining treatment decisions, and he envisions a future where AI enhances healthcare, necessitating robust data infrastructure for better outcomes.
TempusAI emphasizes the integration of molecular data and patient outcomes to redefine how personalized treatment decisions are made in healthcare.
The founders' personal experiences with cancer care highlight the need for improved diagnostics and a new business model focused on comprehensive data connectivity.
Deep dives
The Vision of Tempest AI
Tempest AI focuses on addressing the significant data challenges in precision medicine by integrating molecular data with patient outcomes and longitudinal data. Their mission involves rethinking diagnostics and treatment selection through the use of connected data, enabling healthcare providers to make personalized treatment decisions. With one of the largest next-generation sequencing labs in the U.S. dedicated to cancer diagnostics, Tempest has formed partnerships with over 2,000 health systems to enhance patient care through comprehensive data analysis. Their data network not only helps in current treatment selections but also facilitates the exploration of novel therapies, underscoring the importance of data-driven approaches in advancing precision medicine.
The inception of Tempest was influenced by the personal experiences of its founders with cancer care, highlighting gaps in the data connectivity in treatment responses. Both founders faced challenges with their loved ones' cancer diagnoses, driving their commitment to comprehensive diagnostics that extend beyond traditional molecular testing. They recognized the need for a business model that incentivizes developing comprehensive diagnostics while enabling the advancement of future treatments. By focusing on building a robust data infrastructure and integrating clinical information, Tempest aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing testing paradigms and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Navigating the Cold Start Challenge
Tempest AI faced initial skepticism from health systems regarding the feasibility of their vision for integrated diagnostics and real-time data usage. The company's early success relied on gaining the trust of a few key health systems willing to invest in the necessary IT infrastructure to facilitate data sharing and integration. Despite initial doubts about their approach, the founders' persistence paid off as they were able to show measurable improvements in diagnostic capabilities through their platform. This collaboration with proactive health systems laid the groundwork for expanding their data network and enhancing the company's reputation in the market.
The Future of AI-Enabled Diagnostics
As Tempest AI evolves, it seeks to lead a new wave of AI-enabled diagnostics that enhance patient care through actionable insights derived from comprehensive data analysis. The integration of various data types, such as genomics and clinical outcomes, empowers physicians to make informed decisions tailored to individual patient needs. The vision for the next decade includes the development of numerous algorithms that assist healthcare providers in navigating complex treatment pathways, resembling an advanced decision-support system. By continuing to refine their data infrastructure and collaboration with other organizations, Tempest aims to revolutionize disease management across multiple areas of medicine.
What a pleasure to welcome today’s guest, Ryan Fukushima, chief operating officer of TempusAI. Not only has Ryan helped build Tempus brick by brick from the earliest days, he is also CEO of Pathos AI, a biotech company using real world data and AI to develop true precision medicines. I don’t know how he juggles it all, but unless you’ve been hiding out these last few years, Tempus has become a household name in our industry, completing a highly successful IPO last year. But no need to take my word for it, come on in and have a listen!
