XWELL Strengthens Global Biosecurity Strategy with New Appointment

NEW YORK, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XWELL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XWEL), a pioneer in wellness solutions for travelers, has announced an expansion of its global biosecurity initiatives. By utilizing its advanced pathogen surveillance system, the company aims to enhance safety in international travel hubs and large-scale mass gatherings worldwide. The appointment of Dr. Cindy Friedman, a former senior advisor at the CDC and the founding director of the CDC’s Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program, as a senior advisor marks a significant step forward in this initiative.

Addressing Global Biosecurity Challenges

XWELL's commitment to biosecurity has been long-standing. The company’s CEO, Ezra Ernst, stated, “XWELL has long been committed to advancing biosecurity at scale. Our collaboration with Dr. Friedman will expedite our global expansion, leveraging her invaluable expertise and leadership.”

Key Achievements in Pathogen Surveillance

Over the past three years, XWEL has contributed to one of the largest traveler-based pathogen surveillance initiatives in the United States in partnership with the CDC and Ginkgo Bioworks. This collaboration has facilitated early detection and monitoring of emerging infectious diseases at key international entry points.

Expanding Beyond U.S. Borders

Building on its successful U.S. foundation, XWELL is now focused on implementing its biosecurity strategies internationally. Key areas of expansion include:

• Europe
• Middle East, specifically Turkey, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia

The strategy aims to apply proven surveillance models to major events like religious and sporting gatherings. Currently, the company operates wellness and biosecurity programs across seven major U.S. airports, engaging with public health stakeholders in global travel corridors.

Dr. Cindy Friedman: A Leading Voice in Public Health

Dr. Friedman is an infectious disease physician with over three decades of experience in developing and scaling disease surveillance systems. Her pivotal role in the CDC's TGS program, which aims to monitor pathogens at international entry points, aligns perfectly with XWELL’s mission. In her new role, she will provide strategic guidance tailored to complex biosecurity environments.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Friedman remarked, “I’ve spent much of my career building large-scale public health surveillance programs that work in complex real-world settings. I’m looking forward to advising XWELL as it expands its biosecurity efforts into select international markets.” With a robust foundation in large-scale surveillance, XWEL is poised to significantly influence the design and implementation of biosecurity measures across global travel and mass gatherings.

About XWELL, Inc.

XWELL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XWEL) is revolutionizing the wellness sector. Through its diverse portfolio, including XpresSpa®, Naples Wax Center®, XpresCheck®, and HyperPointe™, XWELL strives to make self-care more accessible. Located in airports and urban centers across the globe, the company is committed to enhancing the travel experience for everyone.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking" statements, as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. For comprehensive risk factors and future performance expectations, refer to the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information about XWELL and its biosecurity initiatives, visit www.xwell.com.