- Empower is utilizing clinic operations and tele-medicine to provide COVID-19 antibody testing to patients and consumers,
- Establishes a four-phase nationwide rollout of Rapid COVID-19 testing and signs new COVID-19 test supply agreements
VANCOUVER, BC / April 27, 2020 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE:CBDT)(OTCQB:EPWCF)(Frankfurt:8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated life sciences company is pleased to announce it has commenced COVID-19 antibody testing in its Sun Valley Health clinics in Phoenix, AZ using a blood draw test by clinic phlebotomists that are sent to an COVID-19 FDA approved laboratory partner. The laboratory submitted its request for FDA approval on March 16, 2020 under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
“The Company has established a four-phase national COVID-19 testing program utilizing Rapid COVID-19 test kits”, said Steven McAuley, Chairman & CEO of Empower.
Phase One Testing in-clinics in Arizona, utilizing a patient blood draw by clinic phlebotomists, then samples are sent to our laboratory test partner for analysis, with test results expected within 48 hours.
Phase Two Offering a Rapid COVID-19 antibody test with results in 1-15 minutes. The service will be offered in-clinics using a drive-up service, conducted by Company clinic staff. In addition, an outbound door-step service, to support a variety of consumer, patient and community needs will be offered using certified mobile technicians. The Company anticipates phase two services will commence in May 2020.
Phase Three Business Employee Testing (BET) programs, offering Rapid COVID-19 testing to businesses on a one-time basis, repeat basis and/or subscription basis, to assist businesses to get back to work safely, will be offered. The Company anticipates phase three services will commence in May 2020.
Phase Four U.S. nationwide roll-out, offering all phases of Company services, that can be accessed online at Company websites and call centers, to purchase Rapid COVID-19 test kits. The Company anticipates phase four services to commence in Q3 2020.
Steven McAuley further states, “Our team are ready to meet the crisis head on, and we have ensured that the test processes and the test kits we use, are approved in the United States under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”
The Company has secured test kit supply agreements with two suppliers, NanoID Technologies Pty Ltd., that supply Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics Inc. Rapid test kits, who made their test kit submission to the FDA on April 16th, 2020, and Emunah Trust, LLC, that supply Hangzhou TestSea Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Rapid test kits, who made their Rapid COVID-19 test kit submission to the FDA on April 16th, 2020.
CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what the science behind that testing means. Source: CNN
The World Health Organization, Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said, “Make no mistake: we have a long way to go. This virus will be with us for a long time. He has further stated, “We have a simple message for all counties: test, test, test.”
ABOUT EMPOWER
Empower is a vertically integrated health & wellness brand with a network of corporate and franchised health & wellness clinics in the U.S. The Company is building its first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility and produces its proprietary line of cannabidiol (CBD) based products. The company is a leading multi-state operator of a network of physician-staffed wellness clinics, focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through innovative physician recommended treatment options. The Company has commenced activity on how to connect its significant data, to the potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies, psilocybin and other psychedelic plant-based treatment options. The Company now offers COVID-19 testing options and physician- based consultations, to address COVID-19 concerns.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Steven McAuley
Chief Executive Officer
CONTACTS:
Investors: Steven McAuley
Chairman & CEO
604-789-2146
Investors: Dustin Klein
SVP, Business Development
720-352-1398
For French inquiries: Remy Scalabrini, Maricom Inc., E: [email protected], T: (888) 585-MARI
DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively “forward looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as “plans”, “continues”, “expects”, “projects”, “intends”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding; the Company’s intention to create psilocybin and psychedelics divisions, that market research on advancements in psilocybin and psychedelics in North America and globally will create greater shareholder value, the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019 and beyond; the ability of the Company to complete or execute phases One, Two, Three or Four as noted above, and Psychedelic substances remain illegal in most countries, so please reference your local laws in relation to medical or recreational use. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; and other factors beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.
Steven J. McAuley
Chief Executive Officer
EMPOWER | www.empowerclinics.com
(604) 789-2146 | @stevenmcauley
[email protected]
