CDC Extends Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance Program Contract with XWELL

XWELL Inc. has announced that the CDC has extended its Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance Program for three years. The program is supported by the CDC under contract number 75D30125C20439. XWELL operates multiple brands, including XpresSpa, Treat, Naples Wax Center, XpresCheck, and HyperPointe. The company's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the use of proceeds from a private placement.

XWELL Inc. (Nasdaq: XWEL), a leading operator of multiple brands in the health and wellness industry, recently announced an extended collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance Program (TGS) [1]. This program, supported by the CDC under contract number 75D30125C20439, is now set to run for an additional three years.

The TGS program, which includes partners such as Ginkgo Bioworks and XWELL, is designed to enhance early detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens through voluntary nasal swabbing, aircraft wastewater, and airport wastewater sampling [1]. The program covers travelers from all World Health Organization regions and more than 135 countries, making it an essential tool for public health and national security officials.

With this expansion, XWELL will work alongside Concentric by Ginkgo, the biosecurity and public health unit of Ginkgo Bioworks, and XpresCheck by XWELL to monitor more than 30 new viruses, bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance targets [1]. Some of these targets include seasonal respiratory pathogens like influenza A and B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 [1].

The TGS program has proven to be an agile and beneficial asset to public health officials in the United States since its launch in 2021 [1]. As of October 2023, the program has enlisted over 370,000 travelers and maintains an ongoing enrollment of around 6,000 volunteer travelers weekly [1].

XWELL's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the use of proceeds from a private placement [2]. However, the company's involvement in this expanded genomic surveillance program underscores its commitment to public health and its potential to contribute to significant advancements in this area.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ginkgo-bioworks-and-xwell-implement-expanded-cdc-traveler-based-genomic-surveillance-program-to-test-for-more-than-30-known-pathogens-301977874.html
[2] https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1602549/000162828023000100/xwl-20230331_10-q.htm