Pneumonia, Mycoplasma

The TGS program, a leading example of biosecurity infrastructure, operates at a total of nine US locations and leverages voluntary nasal swabs as well as wastewater sampling from international travelers to detect more than 30 pathogens. BOSTON, March 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and XpresCheck, by XWELL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XWEL), a leader in the delivery of onsite pathogen screening, today announced they are expanding the CDC's Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance program (TGS) to new collection locations at US international airports in Miami (MIA) and Chicago (ORD). Continue Reading (PRNewsfoto/Ginkgo Bioworks) Additional program funding and expanded program scope, which will double the CDC's current investment in TGS, will be used to substantially increase the volume of nasal and wastewater samples collected, tested, and sequenced using a custom multipathogen panel. This expanded funding will also bring the number of airports in the program to a total of nine active sites: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York (JFK), Washington Dulles, Newark, Boston, Seattle, Miami, and Chicago. Since its inception in September 2021, the TGS program has demonstrated its ability to serve as an early detection mechanism for new pathogens and fill gaps in global biosurveillance. The program has detected several novel strains of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), using different sample types, including nasal swabs collected anonymously from volunteer international travelers arriving at participating airports hosting mobile testing centers in terminals, as well as wastewater samples from airplanes and airport triturators. In October 2023, the program expanded to cover a list of more than 30 viral and bacterial targets. The first phase of multipathogen testing and sequencing in November and December 2023 proved successful, and the TGS program was able to detect positive samples containing several pathogens of interest, including influenza A and B, RSV, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacteria that causes pneumonia. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to take the TGS program to the next level. Multipathogen biomonitoring expands this critical biosecurity infrastructure for the United States," said Matt McKnight, General Manager for Biosecurity at Ginkgo Bioworks. "The frequency of new outbreaks around the world reminds us every day that persistent and strategically focused biosurveillance is paramount to ensure readiness and rapid response. We are honored that CDC continues to trust this consortium to deliver a strategic piece of our biothreat preparedness." The program continues to innovate in the space of pathogen genomics and biosecurity by introducing new collection modalities, launching in new locations, and refining the list of target pathogens to provide a clearer picture of what pathogens are circulating in the international travel system. It is supported by robust operational partnership. "This expansion demonstrates the continued capability of the TGS program and is a further realization of the goal set out by the CDC and the Federal Government to incorporate this program as part of a permanent biosecurity effort in the United States," said Ezra Ernst, CEO of XpresCheck. "It allows us to continue providing a frontline defense against potential pathogens entering our country and reinforces our commitment to public health." "The additional funding of the program allows us to add infrastructure to support new mobile testing centers at Miami International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. It will also enable us to increase testing capacity at existing airports, reinforcing our position as the largest consortium of partners in the biosecurity space," added Ernst. About XWELL, Inc. XWELL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XWEL) is a leading global wellness holding company operating multiple brands: XpresSpa®, Treat™, Naples Wax Center®, XpresCheck® and HyperPointe™. XpresSpa and its Treat brand are leading retailers of wellness services and related products, with 34 locations in 15 airports globally. Naples Wax Center is a group of upscale skin care boutiques, with three locations currently operating. XpresCheck is a provider of screening and diagnostic testing in partnership with the CDC and Concentric by Ginkgo, conducting bio-surveillance monitoring in its airport locations to identify new SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and concern as well as other pathogens entering the country from across the world. HyperPointe is a leading digital healthcare and data analytics relationship company serving the global healthcare industry.  About Ginkgo Bioworks Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo's biosecurity and public health unit, Concentric by Ginkgo, is building global infrastructure for biosecurity to empower governments, communities, and public health leaders to prevent, detect and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and concentricbyginkgo.com, read our blog, or follow us on social media channels such as X (formerly known as Twitter) (@Ginkgo and @ConcentricByGinkgo), Instagram (@GinkgoBioworks), Threads (@GinkgoBioworks), or LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements of XWELL, Inc. This press release may contain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "should," "seeks," "future," "continue," or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements relating to expectations about future results or events, including the Company's current plans and expectations relating to the business and operations and future store openings for Naples Wax Center, are based upon information available to XWELL as of today's date and are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company, and actual results may vary materially from the results and expectations discussed. Additional information concerning these and other risks is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning XWELL, or other matters and attributable to XWELL or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. XWELL does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof. Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the capabilities and potential success of the partnership and Ginkgo's biosecurity platform. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "can," "project," "potential," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) volatility in the price of Ginkgo's securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo's business, (ii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, (iii) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (iv) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (v) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vi) the outcome of any pending or potential legal proceedings against Ginkgo, (vii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs, (viii) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, and (ix) the product development or commercialization success of our customers. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Ginkgo's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 29, 2024 and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. XWELL INVESTOR CONTACT: [email protected] XWELL MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected] GINKGO BIOWORKS INVESTOR CONTACT: [email protected] GINKGO BIOWORKS MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Ginkgo Bioworks

As respiratory viruses rise, American Lung Association offers advice CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The weather is cooling off, holiday lights are going up and unfortunately, respiratory viruses like influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are increasing. As families gather for the holidays, the American Lung Association provides tips to keep kids and families healthy this winter. "During this season of festive events, it is important to remember that certain people are at a higher risk of severe illness from respiratory illnesses like young kids, older adults and people living with chronic lung disease. That is why it is important for everyone to be up to date on their vaccinations, including a seasonal flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine," said Albert Rizzo, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Association. "In addition to flu, RSV and COVID-19, we are seeing some localized increases in cases of atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, in kids. Unlike flu, RSV and COVID-19, there isn't a vaccine for walking pneumonia, so it is critical for parents to keep their child home if they are sick." Here are five tips to help keep your family healthy this holiday season: Get your COVID-19 and flu shots (and RSV shot if eligible): The best way to stay healthy and protect others is to be up to date on your recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and make sure all of your loved ones – from those aged 6 months to 100+ years – are also up to date on theirs. The updated COVID-19 shot is expected to provide protection against the most recent variants and subvariants. It's also time for your annual flu shot. This year for the first time, RSV vaccines are available for adults 60 and older and for individuals who are pregnant between weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to protect newborns born during RSV season. There is also a preventive antibody to help protect babies against RSV. Staying current with all your vaccinations is key to protecting your health. Order free COVID-19 tests: The government is providing at least four free COVID-19 tests per household. People can order these at CovidTests.gov. It is good to have tests on hand so if you or someone in your household starts having symptoms that could be COVID-19, you can test right away. Keep your medications and mask with you: If you are traveling, make sure to keep your regular medications and a high-quality mask with you (not in your checked luggage). It is good to have a mask on hand if you are or will be with someone who is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease and prefers you to wear one. Wash your hands often: Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you're unable to wash your hands, using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as it allows the germs on your hands to reach moist, porous surface tissue where the germs can enter your body and cause infection. Stay home if you're sick: Stay home when you are feeling ill. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu, you should test immediately and contact your healthcare provider if you are at high risk for severe illness to discuss possible treatment options. With RSV, the flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses spreading nationwide, take steps to protect yourself and those you love to make this a happy and healthy holiday season for all. For more information, visit Lung.org/Viruses. About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events. CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289E: [email protected] SOURCE American Lung Association

BIRMINGHAM, AL / ACCESSWIRE / September 7, 2023 / BioGX, a global provider of molecular diagnostic solutions, announces the availability of three new Xfree™ Direct-Sample-to-Answer PCR multiplexes for the detection of Group A Streptococcus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Flu A, Flu B, COVID-19 N1/RdRp. Xfree Flu A, Flu B, COVID-19 and Group A Streptococcus were previously CE-IVD marked while Mycoplasma pneumoniae is available as research use only. Laboratories can request custom manufactured formats for high-throughput use that may be validated for their intended use on a variety of real-time PCR platforms including, the BioGX pixl™, Applied Biosystems 7500, ThermoFisher QuantStudio and Bio-Rad CFX Touch. "Our Xfree chemistry has proven to be highly robust in our FDA-EUA COVID-19 test. We are excited to offer expanded respiratory panels to equip our customers with cost-effective, rapid PCR workflows," said Shahin Iqbal, Ph.D., President & COO of BioGX. Xfree technology provides a complete lyophilized test in a single tube in the trusted BioGX Sample-Ready™ format for extraction-free, direct sample addition real-time PCR testing. This format eliminates pre-treatment and nucleic acid extraction steps, enabling labs with a simple Sample-to-Answer workflow. The test can be shipped anywhere in the world without refrigeration. To request more information on BioGX Xfree products and our other testing solutions, please contact sales@biogx.com. Contact Information Bill Standwill Head of Marketing marketing@biogx.com (205) 250-8055 SOURCE: BioGX View source version on accesswire.com: