Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 4.3

                            EMPYREAN DIAGNOSTICS LTD.
                                 (the "Company")

                                STOCK OPTION PLAN

This stock option plan (the "Plan") is adopted in consideration of services
rendered and to be rendered by key personnel and consultants to Empyrean
Diagnostics Ltd., its subsidiaries and affiliates.

1.       DEFINITIONS

The terms used in this Plan shall, unless otherwise indicated or required by the
particular context, have the following meanings:

         Board:              The Board of Directors of Empyrean Diagnostics Ltd.

         Common Stock:       No par value common stock of Empyrean
                             Diagnostics Ltd.

         Company:            Empyrean Diagnostics Ltd., a corporation continued
                             into the State of Wyoming, and any successors in
                             interest by merger, operation of law, assignment
                             or purchase of all or substantially all of the
                             property, assets or business of the Company.

         Date of Grant:      The date on which an Option (see below) is granted
                             under the Plan.

         Employee:           A bona fide employee of the Company, subsidiary or
                             management company providing services to the
                             Company, other than investor relations.

         Fair Market Value:  The Fair Market Value of the Option
                             Shares. Such Fair Market Value as of the date
                             shall be reasonably determined by the Board;
                             provided, however, that if there is a public
                             market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value
                             of the Option Shares shall be determined in
                             accordance with the following principles.

                             (i)      If the Common Stock is traded on a stock
                                      exchange on the date in question, the Fair
                                      Market Value of the Option Shares will be
                                      equal to the closing bid price of Common
                                      Stock on the principal exchange on which
                                      the Common Stock is then trading as
                                      reported by such exchange, or if the
                                      Common Stock

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                                      is not traded on such date, then on
                                      the next preceding trading day during
                                      which a sale occurred;

                              (ii)    If the Common Stock is traded
                                      over-the-counter on the Nasdaq National
                                      Market on the date in question, then the
                                      Fair Market Value of the Option Shares
                                      will be equal to the last sales price of
                                      the; Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq,
                                      or if the Common Stock is not traded on
                                      such date, then on the next preceding
                                      trading day;

                              (iii)   If the Common Stock is traded
                                      over-the-counter on the Nasdaq SmallCap
                                      Market, or on the NASD Electronic Bulletin
                                      Board or Pink Sheets on the date in
                                      question, the Fair Market Value of the
                                      Option Shares will equal the mean between
                                      the; closing representative bid and asked
                                      price for the Common Stock on such date as
                                      reported by Nasdaq or the NASD (as the
                                      case may be), or if the Common Stock is
                                      not traded on such date, then on the mart
                                      preceding trading day;

                              (iv)    If the Common Stock is not publicly traded
                                      on an exchange and is not traded
                                      over-the-counter on Nasdaq or the
                                      Electronic Bulletin Board or pink Sheets,
                                      the Fair Market Value of the Option Shares
                                      shall be determined by the Board acting in
                                      good faith on such basis as it deems
                                      appropriate;

                              (v)     If the Option Shares are unregistered
                                      securities (whether or not considered
                                      "restricted stock" within the meaning of
                                      Rule 144 of the Securities Act), or if the
                                      Option Shares are subject to conditions,
                                      risk of forfeiture, or repurchase rights
                                      or rights of first refusal which impair
                                      its value, then the Fair Market Valve of
                                      the Option Shares shall be subject to such
                                      discount to reflect such impairments to
                                      value as the Board of Directors may, in.
                                      its sole discretion and without obligation
                                      to do so, determine to be appropriate;
                                      provided, however, no discount shall be
                                      given with respect to arty impairments in
                                      value attributable to any restrictions
                                      which, by its terms, will never lapse; and

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                              (vi)    Anything in subsections (i) through (v)
                                      above to the contrary notwithstanding, in
                                      no circumstances shall the Fair Market
                                      Value of the Option Shares be less than
                                      their par value.

         Incentive Stock
         Option:              An Option described in section 9 hereinbelow
                              intended to qualify under section 422 of. the
                              United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
                              amended.

         Key Person:          A person designated by the Board upon whose
                              judgment, initiative and efforts the Company or a
                              Related Company may rely, who shall include any
                              director, officer, full-time employee or
                              consultant of the Company. A Key Person may
                              include a corporation that is wholly-owned and
                              controlled by a Key Person who is eligible for an
                              Option grant, but in no case may the Company grant
                              an option to a legal entity other than an
                              individual. In addition, any such wholly-owned and
                              controlled corporation of a Key Person must
                              provide both the Company and any exchange or
                              over-the-counter market which may be applicable to
                              the Company with a certification and undertaking
                              agreeing not to effect or permit any transfer of
                              ownership or option of shares of such corporation
                              nor to issue further shares of any class in the
                              corporation to any other individual or entity
                              during the period in which the Option remains
                              outstanding.

         Option:              The rights granted to a Key Person to purchase
                              Common Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions
                              of an Option Agreement (see hereinbelow).

         Option Agreement:    The written agreement (and any amendment or
                              supplement thereto) between the Company and a Key
                              Person designating the terms and conditions of an
                              Option and attached hereto as Schedule "A".

         Option Shares:       The shares of Common Stock underlying an Option
                              granted to a Key Person.

         Optionee:            A Key Person who has been granted an Option.

         Purchase Price:      The exercise price of the Option Shares.

         Related Company:     Any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company. The
                              determination of whether a corporation is a
                              Related

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                              Company shall be made without regard to whether
                              the entity or the relationship between the entity
                              and the Company now waists or comes into existence
                              hereafter.

2.   PURPOSE AND SCOPE

     (a)      The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of the
              Company and its stockholders by affording Key Persons, upon
              whose judgment, initiative and efforts the Company may rely
              for the successful conduct of their businesses an opportunity
              for investment in the Company and the incentive advantages
              inherent in stock ownership in the Company.

     (b)      This Plan authorizes the Board to grant Options to purchase
              shares of Common Stock to Key Persons selected by the Board
              while considering criteria such as employment position or
              other relationship with the Company, duties and
              responsibilities, ability, productivity, length of service or
              association, morale, interest in the Company, recommendations
              by supervisors and other matters.

3.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

The plan shall be administered by the Board. The Board shall have; the authority
granted to it under this section. and under this section and under each other
section of the Plan.

In accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board shall
select the Optionees, shall determine: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock
to 64 subject to each Option, however, in no event may the maximum number of
shares reserved for any one individual exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding
share capital of the Company; (ii) the time at which each Option is to be
granted, (iii) the Purchase Price for the Option Shares, based on the Fair
Market Value; (iv) the Option period; and (v) the manner in which the Option
becomes exercisable. In addition, the Board shall fix such other terms of each
Option as it may deem necessary or desirable. The Board may determine the form
of Option Agreement to evidence each Option.

The Board from time to time may adopt such rules and regulations for carrying
out the purposes of the Plan as it may deem proper and in the best interests of
the Company subject to the rules and policies of any exchange or
over-the-counter market which is applicable to the Company.

The Board may from time to time make such changes in and additions to the Plan
as it may deem proper, subject to the prior approval of the Vancouver Stock
Exchange and in the best interests of the Company; provided, however, that no
such change or addition shall impair any Option previously granted under the
Plan, if the shares are not listed on any exchange, then such approval is not
necessary.

Each determination, interpretation or other action made or taken by the Board
shall be final., conclusive and binding on all persons, including without
limitation, the Company, the

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stockholders, directors, officers arid employees of the Company and the Related
Companies, and the Optionees and their respective successors in interest.

4.   THE COMMON STOCK

The Board is authorized to appropriate, grant options, issue and sell for the
purposes of the Plan, a total number of shares of the Company's Common Stock not
to exceed 3,855,690, or the number and kind of shares of stock or other
securities which in accordance with section 10 shall be substituted for the
shares or into which such shares shall be adjusted (representing 20% of the
Company's outstanding shades of the Common Stock as at August 25, 1997. All or
any unsold shares subject to an Option that for any reason expires or otherwise
terminates may again be made subject to Options under the Plan.

5.   ELIGIBILITY

     (a)      Options will be granted only to Key Persons. Key Persons may
              hold more than one Option under the Plan and may hold Options
              under the Plan and options granted pursuant to other plans or
              otherwise.

     (b)      Options granted and the amendment of any existing Options
              granted to and exercised by Insiders of the Company, as that
              term is defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia),
              shall be subject to shareholder approval.

6.   OPTION PRICE

The Board shall determine the Purchase Price for the Option Shares.

7.   DURATION AND EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

     (a)      The option period shall commence on the Date of Grant and
              shall be up to three (3) years in length subject to the
              limitations in this section 7 and the Option Agreement.

     (b)      Unless otherwise agreed by the Board and approved by the
              Vancouver Stock Exchange, no Option shall be exercised for a
              period of six months following the Date of Grant, Thereafter
              the Option Shares may be exercised, the rate of 25%
              bi-annually, on a cumulative basis during a vesting period of
              two years; provided, however, that this limitation shall not
              apply to the exercise of are Option pursuant to the terms of
              the relevant Option Agreement upon the Optionee's death.

     (c)      During the lifetime of the Optionee, the Option shall be;
              exercisable only by the Optionee. Subject to the limitations
              in paragraph (b) above, any Option vested and hold by an
              Optionee at the time of his death may be exercised by his
              estate within one year of his death or such longer period as
              the Board may determine.

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     (d)      In the case of an Optionee who is an employee of the Company or a
              Related Company, if, for any reason (other than death or
              termination for cause: by the Company or a Related Company), the
              Optionee ceases to be employed by either the Company or a Related
              Company, any option held by the Optionee at the time his
              employment ceases may, at the sole discretion of the Board, be
              exercised within 30 days after the date that his employment
              ceased (subject to the limitations at paragraph (a) above), but
              only to the extent that the option was exercisable according to
              its terms on the date the Optionee's employment ceased. After
              such 30 day period, any unexercised portion of an Option shall
              expire.

     (e)      In the case; of an Optionee who is an employee of the Company
              or a Related Company, if the Optionee's employment by the
              Company or a Related Company ceases due to the Company's
              termination of such Optionee's employment for cause, any
              portion of any Option held by the Optionee which have not been
              exercised or vested, shall immediately expire. For this
              purpose "cause" shall mean conviction of a felony or continued
              failure, after notice, by the Optionee to perform fully and
              adequately the Optionee's duties.

     (f)      Each Option shall be exercised in whole or in part by
              delivering to the office of the Treasurer of the Company
              written notice of the number of shares with respect to which
              the Option is to be exercised and by paying in full the
              Purchase Price for the Option Shares purchased as set forth in
              Section 8; provided, that an Option may not be exercised in
              part unless the Purchase Price for the Option Shares purchased
              is at least $1,000.00.

8.   PAYMENT FOR OPTION SHARES

In the case of all Option exercises, the Purchase Price shall be paid in cash or
certified funds upon exercise of the Option.

9.   INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS

     (a)      The Board may, from time to time, and subject to the provisions of
              this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Board may
              prescribe, grant to any Key Person who is an employee eligible to
              receive Options one, or more Incentive Stock Options to purchase
              the number of shares of Common Stock allotted by the Board.

     (b)      The Purchase Price per share of Common Stock deliverable upon the
              exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.

     (c)      The Option term of each Incentive Stock Option shall be determined
              by the Board and shall be set forth in the Option Agreement,
              provided that the Option term shall commence no sooner than from
              the Date of Grant and shall terminate no

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              later than 5 years from the Date of Grant and shall be subject to
              possible early termination as set forth in Section 7 hereinabove.

     (d)      Any award of incentive Stock Options shall be structured such that
              the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Common) Stock
              with respect to which the Incentive Stock Options are exercisable
              for the first time by an. Option holder during any calendar year
              under all plans of the Company and Related Companies shall not
              exceed $500,000.00.

10.  CHANGE IN STOCK, ADJUSTMENTS, ETC.

In the event that each of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than
shares held by dissenting stockholders which are not changed or exchanged)
should be changed into, or exchanged for, a different number or kind of shares
of stock or other securities of the Company, or, if .further changes or
exchanges of any stock or other securities into which the Common Stock shall
have been changed, or for which it shall have been exchanged, shall be made
(whether by reason of merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization,
stock dividends, reclassification, split-up, combination of shares or
otherwise), then there shall be substituted for each share of Common Stock that
is subject to the Plan, the number and kind of shares of (stock or other
securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock (other than shares
held by dissenting stockholders which. arc not changed or exchanged) shall be so
changed or for which each outstanding share of Common Stock (other than shares
hold by dissenting stockholders) shall be; so changed or for which each such
share shall be exchanged. Any securities so substituted shall be subject to
similar successive adjustments.

In the event of any such changes or exchanges, the Board shall determine
whether, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights, an adjustment
should be made in the number, kind, or option price of the shares or other
securities then subject to an Option or Options granted pursuant to the Plan and
the Board shall make any such adjustment, and such adjustments shall be made and
shall be effective and binding for all purposes of the Plan.

11.  RELATIONSHIP OF EMPLOYMENT

Nothing contained in the Plan, or in any Option granted pursuant to the Plan,
shall confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to employment by the
Company, or interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate the
Optionee's employment or services at any time.

12.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION

No Option granted under the Plan shall be transferable by the Optionee, either
voluntarily or involuntarily, except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and any attempt to do so shall be null and void.

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13.  RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER

No person shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any share
covered by an Option until that person shall become the holder of record of such
share and, except as provided in Section 10, no adjustments shall be made for
dividends or other distributions or other rights as to which there is an earlier
record date.

14.  SECURITIES LAWS REQUIREMENTS

No Option Shares shall be issued unless and until, in the opinion of the
Company, any applicable registration requirements of the Securities Act (British
Columbia) (the "Act") and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act") any applicable listing requirements of any securities exchange
on which stock of the same class is then listed, and any other requirements of
law or of any regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over such issuance and
delivery, have been fully complied with. Each Option and each Option Share
certificate may be imprinted with legends reflecting federal and state
securities laws restrictions and conditions, and the: Company may comply
therewith and issue "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent and
registrar in good faith without liability.

15.  DISPOSITION OF SHARES

Each Optionee, as a condition of exercise, shall represent, warrant arid agree,
in a form of written certificate approved by the Company, as follows: (i) that
all Option Shares arc being acquired solely for his own account and not on
behalf of any other person or entity; (ii) that no Option Shares will be sold or
otherwise distributed in violation of the Act or the Securities Act, or any
other applicable federal or state securities laws; (iii) that if the Optionee is
subject to reporting requirements under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the Optionee will (a) furnish the Company with a copy
of each Form 4 filed by the Optionee, and (b) timely tile all reports required
under the federal securities laws; and (iv) that the; Optionee will report all
sales of Option Shares to the Company its writing on a form prescribed by the
Company.

16.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN; TERMINATION DATE OF PLAN

The Plan shall be deemed effective as of August 25, 1997. The Plan shall
terminate at midnight on August 24, 1999 except as to Options previously granted
and outstanding under the Plan at that time. No Options shall be granted after
the date on which the Plan terminates. The Plan may be abandoned or terminated
at any earlier time by the Board, except with respect to any Options then
outstanding under the Plan.

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17.  OTHER PROVISIONS

The following provisions are also in effect under the Plan:

     (a)      The use of a masculine gender in the Plan shall also include
              within its meaning the feminine, and the singular may include the
              plural, and the plural may include the singular, unless the
              context clearly indicates to the contrary;

     (b)      Any expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the
              Company;

     (c)      This Plan shall be construed to be in addition to any and all
              other compensation plans or programs. The adoption of the Plan by
              the Board shall not be construed as creating any limitations on
              the power or authority of the Board to adopt such other additional
              incentive or other compensation arrangements as the Board may deem
              necessary or desirable; and

     (d)      The validity, construction, interpretation, administration and
              effect of the Plan and of its rules and regulations, and the
              rights of any and all personnel having or claiming to have an
              interest therein or thereunder shall tic, governed by and
              determined exclusively and solely in accordance with the laws of
              the State of Wyoming.

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                                  SCHEDULE "A"

                            STOCK OPTION CERTIFICATE
                            EMPYREAN DIAGNOSTICS LTD.
           [To be prepared by the Company and signed by the Recipient]

THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED WITH, OR
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY, THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
OR ANY STATE OR TERRITORIAL SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE OR TERRITORIAL SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY
REVIEWED OR PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING CONTEMPLATED BY
THIS STOCK OPTION CERTIFICATE OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF ANY OFFERING
MATERIALS, INCLUDING THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. THESE SECURITIES ARE SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVE A
HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND SUBSTANTIAL AND IMMEDIATE DILUTION. THERE IS NO PUBLIC
MARKET FOR THE SALE OF THESE SECURITIES BY THE RECIPIENT. THESE SECURITIES MAY
NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED UNLESS REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED, OR THE RECIPIENT
PROVIDES THE COMPANY AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, OR ITS
LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED BY REASON
OF AN EXCEPTION OR OTHERWISE. AS A RESULT, THESE SECURITIES ARE SUITABLE ONLY
FOR CERTAIN SOPHISTICATED AND QUALIFIED INVESTORS WHO CAN BEAR THE FINANCIAL
RISK OF AN INVESTMENT IN THESE SECURITIES FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                               <C>
================================================== =========================================================
Name of Recipient............................      _______________________________________________

Legal Address/Domicile of Recipient..........      _______________________________________________

Citizenship of Recipient.....................       [ ] United States               [ ] Other

Number of Option Shares......................
                                                   ------------------------------------

Option Price per Option Share................
                                                   ------------------------------------

Classification of Option.....................       [ ] Non-Qualified Option        [ ] Incentive Option

Vesting......................................       [ ] Fully Vested                [ ] Subject to Vesting
                                                                                        (see section 3)
Option Expiration Date.......................
                                                   ------------------------------------

Option Effective Date........................
                                                   ------------------------------------

U.S. Federal Exemption to be Relied Upon at the     [ ] Rule 701                    [ ] Regulation D
Time of Grant or Exercise (as the case may be)      [ ] Other___________                [ ] Rule 504
                                                             ___________                [ ] Rule 505
                                                                                        [ ] Rule 506
Blue Sky Exemption to be Relied Upon at the Time    [ ] Section 44-1844(14)         [ ] Other ____________
of Grant or Exercise (as the case may be)....       [ ] ________________            [ ] __________________

================================================== =========================================================
</TABLE>

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This Stock Option Certificate is entered into between Empyrean Diagnostics Ltd.,
a Wyoming corporation (the "Company"), whose principal executive office is
located at 2238 West Lone Cactus Drive, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027, and
the Recipient identified above (the "Recipient"), pursuant to that certain Stock
Option Plan deemed effective August 25, 1997 as amended on April 27, 1998 (the
"Plan"), as such plan may be amended and/or restated from time to time. Subject
to the terms of this Stock Option Certificate, the; Recipient's rights to
purchase the Option Shares are governed by the Plan, the terms of which are
incorporated herein by this reference. Defined terms in this Stock Option
Certificate shall have the same meaning as defined terms in the Plan.

     1. GRANT OF OPTION: This Stock Option Certificate certifies that the
Company has granted to the Recipient, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, a stock
option (the "Option") to purchase, in whole or in part, the number of Option
Shares designated above (collectively and severally, the "Option Shares"),
representing shares of the common stock, no par value (the "Common Stock") of
the Company, at the exercise or Option. Price per Option Share designated above
(the "Option Price"), subject to the following terns and conditions.

     2. CAPACITY OF RECIPIENT: This Option is granted to the Recipient in the;
following capacity:

         (i)      [ ]  An Employee who is an Executive Officer* of the Company
                       and/or its Affiliates.

         (ii)     [ ]  An Employee other than an Executive Officer* of the
                       Company and/or its Affiliates.

         (iii)    [ ]  A Director of the Company and/or its Affiliates.

         (iv)     [ ]  A Consultant to the Company and/or its Affiliates.

         *        An "Executive Officer" is defined as the president, any vice
                  president in charge of a principal business unit, division or
                  function (such as sales, administration or finance), any other
                  officer who performs a policy making function, or any other
                  person who performs similar policy makings functions for the
                  Company.

     3. VESTING CONDITIONS: If the Option Shares are subject to vesting then,
subject to section 7(b) of the Plan, the Option Shares will be subject to
vesting based upon continued performance of services in the capacity indicated
above as follows:

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                                                         Cumulative Vested
                               Vested Number of        Percentage of Option
         Date                    Option Shares                 Shares
         ----                  ----------------        --------------------
                                                                 25%
                                                                 25%
                                                                 25%
                                                                 25%
                               ----------------          -----------------
  Total                                                         100%
                               ----------------          -----------------

     4. EXPIRATION OF OPTION: The right to exercise the Options granted by this
Stock Option Certificate shall expire and be null and void ab initio and of no
further force or effect to the extent not exercised by 5:00 p.m., (Phoenix
Time), on the Option Expiration Date designated above (the "Option Expiration
Date"); provided, however, if the Option Shares arc subject to vesting by reason
of the vesting designation set forth in section 3 of this Sock Option
Certificate, then pursuant to section 7(d) of the Plan, in the event of
termination of Recipient, the expiration date shall be accelerated to thirty
(30) days after the effective date of termination of Recipient.

         NOTE: SHOULD THE RECIPIENT FAIL TO EXERCISE THIS OPTION (TO THE EXTENT
               PERMITTED BY ITS TERMS) THE RECIPIENT SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO
               THE INCOME TAX BENEFITS OF SECTION 422 OF THE CODE (ASSUMING THIS
               OPTION IS AN INCENTIVE OPTION), AND THIS OPTION, AND THE GRANT
               AND EXERCISE THEREOF, SHALL BE TREATED, FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES,
               AS IF IT WERE A NON-QUALIFIED OPTION.

     5. DELIVERIES: MANNER OF EXERCISE AND PAYMENT: This Option shall be
exercised by delivery of the following to the Secretary of the Company at the
Company's principal executive offices:

          (A)  STOCK OPTION CERTIFICATE: This Stock Option Certificate, duly
               signed by the Recipient.

          (B)  NOTICE: A Notice of Exercise of Stock Option in the form attached
               to the underlying Stock Option Certificate, duly signed by the
               Recipient or other Person then entitled to exercise the Option or
               portion thereof, stating the number of Option Shares to be
               purchased by exercise of the associated Option.

          (C)  PAYMENT: Full payment for the Option Shares to be purchased in
               immediately available funds in U.S. dollars.

          (D)  PROOF OF AUTHORITY: In the event that the Option or portion
               thereof shall be exercised by any person other than the Recipient
               pursuant to section 7(c) of the Plan, appropriate proof of the
               right of such person or persons to exercise the Option or portion
               thereof.

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     6. TRANSFER OF OPTION

          (A)  EXERCISE: Options may only be exercised by the original Recipient
               thereof or, to the extent a Transfer is permitted and has been
               consummated pursuant to subsection 6(b) below, by a permitted
               transferee of such Options.

          (B)  TRANSFER: Options may not be Transferred by a Recipient except
               upon and following the death of a Recipient, but only to the
               Recipient's successors as provided in section 7(e) of the Plan.

Any Transfer or exercise of an Option so Transferred in violation of this
section 6 shall be null and void ab initio and of no further force and effect.

     7. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS: The Recipient hereby
represents, warrants and covenants to the Company, each of which is deemed to be
a separate representation, warranty and covenant, whichever the case may be,
that:

          (A)  DOMICILE: The Recipient's permanent legal residence and domicile,
               if the Recipient is an individual, or permanent legal executive
               offices and principal place of business, if the Recipient is an
               Entity, was and is in the State or territory designated above at
               both the time of the "offer" and the time of the "sale" of this
               Option and the Option Share to the Recipient.

          (B)  AGE: The Recipient, if a natural person, is age eighteen (18) or
               over.

          (C)  RECEIPT AND REVIEW OF PLAN AND PLAN SUMMARY: The Recipient has
               received a copy of the Plan and has read and understood the Plan.

          (D)  RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION SHARES: The Recipient
               has burn informed and understands and agrees as follows: (i)
               there are substantial restrictions on the transferability of the
               Option Shares as set forth in the Plan, (ii) as a result of such
               restrictions, (1) it may not be possible; for the Recipient to
               sell or otherwise liquidate the Option Shares in the case of
               emergency and/or other need, and the Recipient must therefore be
               able to hold the; Option Shares until the lapse of said
               restrictions, (2) the Recipient must have adequate means of
               ,providing for the Recipient's current needs and personal
               contingencies, and (3) the Recipient must have no need for
               liquidity in an investment in the Option Shares; and (iii) the
               Recipient has evaluated the Recipient's financial resources and
               investment position in view of the foregoing; and the Recipient
               is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Option
               Shares.

Each representation, warranty and covenant of. the Recipient shall be deemed
made at the time of grant of this Option, shall be deemed remade at any time the
Recipient exercises this Option, and shall survive the date of closing with
respect to the exercise of the last Option hereunder,

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

     8. MISCELLANEOUS

          (A)  PREPARATION OF STOCK OPTION CERTIFICATE; COSTS AND EXPENSES: This
               Stock Option Certificate was prepared by the Company solely on
               behalf of the Company. Each party acknowledges that: (i) he, she
               or it had the advice of, or sufficient opportunity to obtain the
               advice; of, legal counsel separate and independent of legal
               counsel for any other party hereto; (ii) the terms of the
               transaction contemplated by this Stock Option Certificate are
               fair and reasonable to such party; and (iii) such party has
               voluntarily entered into the transaction contemplated by this
               Stock Option Certificate without duress or coercion. Each party
               further acknowledges such party was not represented by the legal
               counsel of any other party hereto in connection with the
               transaction contemplated by this Stock, Option Certificate, nor
               was such party under any belief or understanding that such legal
               counsel was representing his, her or its interests. Except as
               expressly se forth in this Stock Option Certificate, each party
               shall pay all legal and other costs and expenses incurred or to
               be incurred by such party in negotiating and preparing this Stock
               Option Certificate; in performing due diligence or retaining
               professional advisors; in performing any transactions
               contemplated by this Stock Option Certificate; or in complying
               with such party's covenants, agreements and conditions contained
               herein. Each party agrees that no conflict, omission or ambiguity
               in this Stock Option Certificate, or the interpretation thereof,
               shall be presumed, implied or otherwise construed against the
               Company or any other party to this Stock Option Certificate on
               the basis that such party was responsible for drafting this Stock
               Option Certificate.

          (B)  COOPERATION: Each party agrees, without further consideration, to
               cooperate and diligently perform any further acts, deeds and
               things, and to execute and deliver any documents that may be
               reasonably necessary or otherwise reasonably required to
               consummate, evidence, confirm and/or carry out', the intent and
               provisions of this Stock Option Certificate, all without undue
               delay or expense.

          (C)  INTERPRETATION

               (I)  SURVIVAL: All representations and warranties made; by any
                    party in connection with any transaction contemplated by
                    thus Stock Option Certificate shall, irrespective of any
                    investigation made by or on behalf of any other party
                    hereto, survive the execution and delivery of this Stock
                    Option Certificate. and the performance or consummation of
                    any transaction described in this Stock Option Certificate.

               (II) ENTIRE AGREEMENT/NO COLLATERAL REPRESENTATIONS: Each party
                    expressly acknowledges and agrees that this Stock Option
                    Certificate, together with and subject to the Plan and the
                    Plan Summary: (1) is the final, complete and exclusive
                    statement of the agreement of the parties with respect to
                    the subject matter hereof; (2) supersedes any prior or
                    contemporaneous

                                       14

<PAGE>   15

                    agreements, proposals, commitments, guarantees, assurances,
                    communications, discussions, promises, representations,
                    understandings, conduct, acts, courses of dealing,
                    warranties, interpretations or terms of any kind, whether
                    oral or written (collectively and severally, the "prior
                    agreements"), and that any such prior agreements are of no
                    force or effect except as expressly set forth herein; and
                    (3) may not be varied, supplemented or contradicted by
                    evidence of prior agreements, or by evidence of subsequent
                    oral agreements. No prior drafts of this Stock Option
                    Certificate, and no words or phrases from any prior drafts,
                    shall be admissible into evidence in any action or suit
                    involving this Stock Option Certificate.

              (III) AMENDMENT; WAIVER; FORBEARANCE: Except as expressly
                    provided otherwise herein, neither this Stock Option
                    Certificate nor arty of the terms, provisions, obligations
                    or rights contained herein may be amended, modified,
                    supplemented, augmented, rescinded, discharged or terminated
                    (other than by performance), except as provided in the Plan
                    or by a written instrument or instruments signed by all of
                    the parties to this Stock Option Certificate. No waiver of
                    any breach of any term, provision or agreement contained
                    herein, or of the performance of any act or obligation under
                    this Stock Option Certificate, or of any extension of time
                    for performance; of any such act or obligation, or of any
                    right granted under this Stock Option Certificate, shall be
                    effective and binding unless such waiver shall be in a
                    written instrument or instruments signed by each party
                    claimed to have given or consented to such waiver and each
                    party affected by such waiver. Except to the extent that the
                    party or parties claimed to have given or consented to a
                    waiver may have otherwise agreed in writing, no such waiver
                    shall be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of arty other
                    term, provision, agreement, act, obligation or right granted
                    under this Stock Option Certificate, or any preceding or
                    subsequent breach thereof. No forbearance by a party to seek
                    a remedy for any noncompliance or breach by another party
                    hereto shall be deemed to be a waiver by such forbearing
                    party of its rights' and remedies with respect to such
                    noncompliance or breach, unless such waiver shall be in a
                    written instrument or instruments signed by the forbearing
                    party.

               (IV) REMEDIES CUMULATIVE: The remedies of each party under this
                    Stock Option Certificate are cumulative and shall not
                    exclude any other remedies to which such party may be
                    lawfully entitled, at law or in equity.

               (V)  SEVERABILITY: If any term or provision of this Stock Option
                    Certificate or the application thereof to any person or
                    circumstance shall, to any extent, be determined to be
                    invalid, illegal or unenforceable under present or future
                    laws, that, and in that event: (1) the performance of the;
                    offending term or provision (but only to the extent its
                    application is invalid, illegal or

                                       15

<PAGE>   16

                    unenforceable) shall be excused as if it had never been
                    incorporated into this Stock Option Certificate, and, in
                    lieu of such excused provision, there shall be added a
                    provision as similar in terms and amount to such excused
                    provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and
                    enforceable; and (2) the remaining part of thus Stock Option
                    Certificate (including the application of the offending term
                    or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as
                    to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall
                    riot be affected thereby, and shall continue in full force
                    and effect to the fullest extent provided by law.

               (VI) PARTIES IN INTEREST: Notwithstanding anything else; to the
                    contrary herein, nothing in this Stock Option Certificate;
                    shall confer any rights or remedies under or by reason of
                    this Stock Option Certificate on any persons other than the
                    parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns,
                    if any, as may be permitted under the Plan or hereunder, nor
                    shall anything in this Stock Option Certificate relieve or
                    discharge the obligation or liability of any third person to
                    any party to this Stock Option Certificate, nor shall any
                    provision give any third person any right of subrogation or
                    action over or against any party to this Stock Option
                    Certificate.

              (VII) NO RELIANCE UPON PRIOR REPRESENTATION: Each party
                    acknowledges that: (i) no other party has made any oral
                    representation or promise which would induce them prior to
                    executing this Stock Option Certificate to change their
                    position to their detriment, to partially perform, or to
                    part with value in reliance upon such representation or
                    promise; and (ii) such party has not so changed its
                    position, performed or parted with value prior to the time
                    of the execution of this Stock Option Certificate, or such
                    party has taken such action at its own risk.

             (VIII) HEADINGS; REFERENCES; INCORPORATION; "PERSON"; GENDER;
                    STATUTORY REFERENCES: The headings used in this Stock Option
                    Certificate are for convenience and reference purposes only,
                    and shall not be used in construing, or interpreting the
                    scope or intent of this Stock Option Certificate or any
                    provision hereof. References to this Stock Option
                    Certificate shall include all amendments or renewals
                    thereof. All cross-references in this Stock Option
                    Certificate, unless specifically directed to another
                    agreement or document, shall be construed only to refer to
                    provisions within this Stock Option Certificate, and shall
                    not be construed to be referenced to the overall transaction
                    or to any other agreement or document. Any Exhibit
                    referenced in this Stock Option Certificate shall be
                    construed to be incorporated in this Stock Option
                    Certificate by such reference. As used in this Stock Option
                    Certificate, the term "person" is defined in its broadest
                    sense as any individual, entity or fiduciary who has legal
                    standing to enter into this Stock Option Certificate such
                    as, by way

                                       16

<PAGE>   17

                    of example and not limitation, individual or natural persons
                    and trusts. As used in this Stock Option Certificate, each
                    gender shall be deemed to include the other gender,
                    including neutral genders appropriate for entities, if
                    applicable, and the singular shall be doomed to include the
                    plural, and vice versa, as the context requires. Any
                    reference to statutes or laws will include all amendments,
                    modifications, or replacements of the specific sections and
                    provisions concerned.

          (D)  ENFORCEMENT

               (I)  APPLICABLE LAW: This Stock Option Certificate and the rights
                    and remedies of each party arising out of or relating to
                    this Stock Option Certificate (including, without
                    limitation, equitable remedies) shall (with the exception of
                    the Securities Act and the Blue Sky Laws) be solely governed
                    by, interpreted under, and construed and enforced in
                    accordance with the laws (without regard to the conflicts of
                    law principles) of the State of Arizona, as if this Stock
                    Option Certificate were made, and as if its obligations are
                    to be performed, wholly within the State of Arizona.

               (II) CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS: Any "action or
                    proceeding" (as such term is defined below) arising out of
                    or relating to this Stock Option Certificate shall be filed
                    in and heard and litigated solely before the state courts of
                    Arizona located within the County of Maricopa, Each party
                    generally and unconditionally accepts the exclusive
                    jurisdiction of such courts and venue therein; consents to
                    the service of process in any such action or proceeding by
                    certified or registered mailing of the summons and complaint
                    in accordance with the notice provisions of this Stock
                    Option Certificate; and waives any defense or right to
                    object to venue in said courts based upon the doctrine of
                    "forum non conveniens." The term "action or proceeding" is
                    defined as any and all claims, suits, actions, hearings,
                    arbitrations or other similar proceedings, including appeals
                    and petitions therefrom, whether formal or informal,
                    governmental or non-governmental, or civil or criminal.

              (III) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL: Each partly hereby waives
                    such party's respective right to a jury trial of any claim
                    or cause of action based upon or arising out of this Stock
                    Option Certificate. Each party acknowledges that this waiver
                    is a material inducement to each other party hereto to enter
                    into the transaction contemplated hereby; that each other
                    party has already relied upon this waiver in entering into
                    this Stock Option Certificate; and that each other party
                    will continue to rely on this waiver in their future
                    dealings. Each party warrants and represents that such party
                    has reviewed this waiver with such party's legal counsel,
                    and that such party has knowingly and voluntarily, waived
                    its jury trial rights following consultation with such legal
                    counsel.

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

          (E)  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS: All of the representations, warranties,
               covenants, conditions and provisions of this Stock Option
               Certificate shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit
               of each party and such party's respective successors and
               permitted assigns, spouses, heirs, executors, administrators, and
               personal and legal representatives.

         (F)   NOTICES: Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Stock
               Option Certificate, all notices, demands, requests, consents,
               approvals or other communications (collectively and severally
               called "notices") required or permitted to be given hereunder
               shall be given in accordance with the notice provisions in the
               Plan.

         (G)   COUNTERPARTS: This Stock Option Certificate may be =cited in
               counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all
               of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument,
               binding on all parties hereto. Any signature page of this Stock
               Option Certificate may be detached from any counterpart of this
               Stock Option Certificate and reattached to any other counterpart
               of this Stock Option Certificate identical in form hereto by
               having attached to it one or more additional signature pages.

        WHEREFORE, the parties hereto have executed this Stock Option
        Certificate in the City of Phoenix, State of Arizona, effective as of
        the Option Effective Date first set forth above.

        COMPANY:

        EMPYREAN DIAGNOSTICS LTD.
        a Wyoming corporation

       By:
          ------------------------------
           Stephen Hayter, President

RECIPIENT:**

----------------------------------------

** By execution hereof, the Recipient acknowledges prior receipt of the Stock
   Option Plan.

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

                                   Attachment
                                       to
                            Stock Option Certificate

                       NOTICE OF EXERCISE OF STOCK OPTION
          [To be signed by the Recipient only upon exercise of Option]

TO:       Secretary
          Empyrean Diagnostics Ltd.
          2238 West Lone Cactus Drive
          Suite 200
          Phoenix, AZ  85027

The undersigned, the holder of Options under that certain Stock Option
Certificate dated effective the _____ day of _______________, 1998 between
Empyrean Diagnostics Ltd., a Wyoming corporation (the "Company") and the
undersigned (the "Recipient"), hereby irrevocably elects, in accordance with the
terms and conditions of that certain Stock Option Plan deemed effective as of
August 27, 1997 as it may be amended from time to time (the "Plan"), under which
the Stock Option Certificate was granted, to exercise the undersigned's Option
under the Plan to purchase __________________________________________
(_________)(1) shares of the common stock, no par value ("Common Stock") of the
Company (collectively and severally, the "Option Shares"), for the aggregate
purchase price of _____________________
_______________________________________________ ($_____________)(2)

         (1)      Insert number of Option Shares as specified in the Stock
                  Option Certificate which are vested Option Shares (as defined
                  by the Plan) which the Recipient's Option to purchase.

         (2)      Number of Option Shares to be exercised as specified above
                  multiplied by the Option Price per share (_________ per
                  share).

The Recipient hereby remakes, reaffirms and reacknowledges all agreements,
representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the; Stock Option
Certificate as of the date of the Recipient's notice, all of which shall survive
the Closing with respect to the shares of Common Stock purchased hereby.

If the Option (i) is a Non-Qualified Option, (ii) was granted to the Recipient
as an Employee, and (iii) the Recipient is art Employee as of the date of his,
her or its exercise of the Option, the Recipient acknowledges that the Company
shall withhold from the compensation of the Recipient such amounts as may be
sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and/or local withholding tax
requirements incident to such exercise and the Recipient shall remit to the
Company any additional amounts which may be required.

The Recipient hereby acknowledges that the following legend (or any variation
thereof determined appropriate by the Company) will be placed on the share
certificate or certificates for the Option Shares to comply with applicable
federal, state or territorial securities laws.

                                       19

<PAGE>   20

         THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN (1)
         REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED,
         IN REFERANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION AFFORDED BY SUCH ACT
         INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, RULE 701 TO SECTION 3(b) OF THE
         SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR (2) REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED, AS THE CASE MAY
         BE, UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR TERRITORY OF THE UNITED
         STATES WHICH MAY BE APPLICABLE, IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM
         REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION, AS THE CASE MAY BE, AFFORDED BY SUCH
         STATE OR TERRITORIAL SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN
         ACQUIRED FOR THE HOLDER'S OWN ACCOUNT FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT
         WITH A VIEW FOR RESALE OR DISTRIBUTION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE
         SOLD OR TRANSFERRED UNLESS (A) THEY HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
         UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AS WELL AS UNDER THE SECURITIES
         LAWS OF ANY STATE OR TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES AS MAY THEN BE
         APPLICABLE, OR (B) THE TRANSFER AGENT (OR THE COMPANY IF THEN ACTING AS
         ITS TRANSFER AGENT) IS PRESENTED WITH EITHER A WRITTEN OPINION
         SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY OR A NO-ACTION OR INTERPRETIVE
         LETTER FROM THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
         ANY APPLICABLE STATE OR TERRITORIAL SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY TO THE
         EFFECT THAT SUCH REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION, AS THE CASE MAY BE,ITS
         NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF SUCH SALE OR TRANSFER.

                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Signature

                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Print Name

                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Address

                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Date

         (SIGNATURE MUST CONFORM IN ALL RESPECTS TO NAME OF THE RECIPIENT,
         UNLESS THE UNDERSIGNED IS THE RECIPIENT'S SUCCESSOR, IN WHICH CASE THE
         UNDERSIGNED MUST SUBMIT APPROPRIATE PROOF OF THE RIGHT OF THE
         UNDERSIGNED TO EXERCISE THE OPTION)

                                       20<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.1
                           CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Consulting Agreement ("Agreement") is being entered into as of February 3,
2001, by and between Douglas G. Furth ("Consultant") and Empyrean Bioscience,
Inc. ("Company"), whereby the Company has agreed to retain the services of the
Consultant under the terms and conditions as set forth within the Consulting
Agreement.

It is hereby acknowledged that the Company is desirous of retaining the services
of the Consultant for assistance in various matters pertaining to corporate
growth, strategic planning, public relations and the expansion of the existing
shareholder and equity base of the Company, and that the Consultant has agreed
to provide such services to the Company in exchange for the due consideration as
outlined within the subsequent portions of this Agreement.

SECTION 1                  DESCRIPTION OF CONSULTING SERVICES

Under the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Consultant has agreed to
act in an advisory capacity to the Company and to provide such services in
exchange for the due consideration as set forth within this Agreement. The scope
of such services shall be described as providing general assistance to the
company in the areas of corporate finance, investor relations, strategic
alliances, mergers, acquisitions and various other matters as pertaining to
growth and the enhancement of shareholder value.

Whereas the Consultant has agreed to act in an advisory capacity to the Company,
the Company and the Consultant understand and hereby acknowledge the fact that
this is a non-exclusive arrangement, and that the Company and the Consultant are
free to enter into any other such consulting and/or business agreement as each
party may deem necessary and desirable at any time. Such agreements may include
additional consulting agreements, outside business ventures and/or investments
as well as any other type of business and/or personal activity as the Company or
the Consultant may desire. The Company and the Consultant shall maintain the
right to enter into any such outside agreements and ventures, at each party's
sole discretion.

As a further provision of this Agreement both the Consultant and the Company
acknowledge and agree that there will not be any specific time requirement for
utilization by either party, and that the consideration that is due the
Consultant under the terms of this Agreement is unrelated to the amount of time
that is spent providing such consulting services, and is considered as a fixed
cost of this Agreement.

As a condition of this Agreement the Consultant hereby agrees to undertake
responsibility for the payment of all expenses incurred in the normal course of

                                       1
<PAGE>   2

providing the consulting services that are stipulated under the terms of this
Agreement, with such expenses being inclusive of the following items:

        1.       All expenses relating to travel, lodging and entertainment
                 while providing consulting services to the Company, and

        2.       All normal office expenses including telephone, facsimile and
                 office supplies as incurred while providing consulting
                 services to the Company.

Any other expenses that may be incurred shall be reimbursed by the Company if
incurred with the prior written consent of the Company.

SECTION 2.                 DISCLAIMERS

In recognition and mutual acknowledgement of the fact that the Company is a
company in its development stage and is further engaged in a business with
little or no current revenues, income or liquid market for its stock at this
time the Consultant makes no representations, warranties or other affirmations
as to the success of any efforts that may be undertaken on the Company's behalf,
and the Company hereby acknowledges, accepts and understands such disclaimers as
made by the Consultant.

SECTION 3.                 DUE CONSIDERATION

As consideration for the consulting services as provided by the Consultant to
the Company under the terms under the terms and conditions as set forth within
this Agreement, the company hereby agrees to the timely payment of the following
to the Consultant:

1.   A signing retainer in the amount of 284,746 shares of unrestricted common
     stock in the Company and any of its successor entities, upon the execution
     of this Agreement.

2.   An earnout of 100,000 free-trading shares of unrestricted common stock in
     the Company when the common stock of the Company, as quoted on the NASD or
     any other exchange that is designated to quote a market price for the
     stock, trades at an average price of $0.70 per share for a period of
     fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days.

3.   An earnout of 100,000 free-trading shares of unrestricted common stock in
     the Company when the common stock of the Company, as quoted on the NASD or
     any other exchange that is designated to quote a market price for the
     stock, trades at an average price of $1.25 per share for a period of
     fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

4.   An earnout of 100,000 free-trading shares of unrestricted common stock in
     the Company when the common stock of the Company, as quoted on the NASD or
     any other exchange that is designated to quote a market price for the
     stock, trades at an average price of $2.00 per share for a period of
     fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days.

5.   An earnout of 100,000 free-trading shares of unrestricted common stock in
     the Company when the common stock of the Company, as quoted on the NASD or
     any other exchange that is designated to quote a market price for the
     stock, trades at an average price of $3.00 per share for a period of
     fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days.

6.   An earnout of 100,000 free-trading shares of unrestricted common stock in
     the Company when the common stock of the Company, as quoted on the NASD or
     any other exchange that is designated to quote a market price for the
     stock, trades at an average price of $4.00 per share for a period of
     fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days.

7.   A fee of seven percent (7%) of all monies raised if the consultant is
     successful in raising equity for the Company, payable at closing.

8.   A fee of two and one-half percent (2.5%) of all monies raised if the
     consultant is successful in raising debt for the Company, payable at
     closing.

9.   In the event the Consultant is successful in securing any merger,
     acquisition, consolidation or other similar transaction for the Company, a
     fee based upon the economic value of the transaction, with a minimum fee
     payable of $200,000, will be due to the Consultant at closing as follows:

        -        5% for the first $1 million;
        -        4% for the second $1 million;
        -        3% for the third $1 million;
        -        2% for the fourth $1 million; and
        -        1% for any amount thereafter.

Both the Consultant and the company hereby acknowledge and agree that the
earnouts as listed above are arbitrary benchmarks of the Company's success and
that such benchmarks do not represent any warranty that the Consultant will be
able to exert any influence whatsoever on the price of the stock.

In the event of a stock-split or reverse stock-split, the bonus share price
trading activation levels shall be adjusted in direct proportion to the split
(i.e. a 2-for-1 split alters the share activation level to one-half of the
previously set forth levels).

As a condition of this Agreement, subheadings 2-6 as listed above in the Due
Consideration portion of this Agreement shall be considered as having survived

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

the term of this Agreement, and shall remain in full force and effect until one
of the following has occurred:

        a.       the earnout provisions have been fulfilled, or
        b.       one year has passed subsequent to the termination date of this
                 Agreement, or
        c.       this Agreement has been terminated by the Company for cause
                 under Section 7.

SECTION 4.                 TIMELY PAYMENT

As a condition of this Agreement it is hereby understood that all obligations as
incurred by the Company shall be paid to the Consultant in a timely manner. It
is acknowledged that all such obligations shall become due and payable within
the following timeframes:

        a.       The signing retainer shall become due and payable upon the
                 execution of this Agreement;
        b.       The earnout shares shall become due and payable as of the
                 thirtieth calendar day following the day that the Consultant
                 qualifies for the earnout as set forth in subheadings 2-6 in
                 Section 3, as above; and
        c.       Any other pre-approved expenses and distributions shall be
                 considered as becoming due and payable upon notification to
                 the Company by the Consultant.

SECTION 5.                 TERM OF THE AGREEMENT

The term of this Consulting Agreement shall run for a period of one (1) year
from the date of its execution by all parties, with additional options for
extension thereafter by mutual and written consent. Notwithstanding the
foregoing sentence, either party shall have the right to terminate the Agreement
at any time through the forwarding of a written notification to the other party
with a thirty (30) day notice period. The Company shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement immediately and have no further obligations hereunder
for "cause" in accordance with Section 7.

SECTION 6.                 TRANSFER OF ASSETS, MERGER

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if:

        a.       All or substantially all of the assets of the Company, should
                 be transferred (either by sale, exchange, foreclosure,
                 liquidation, dissolution, repurchase or other disposition) to
                 a corporation or other entity, or

        b.       A majority of the following persons, Lawrence D. Bain, Richard
                 C. Adamany, Bennett S. Rubin, Robert G.J. Burg II, Michael
                 Cicak and

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                 Dr. Andrew J. Fishleder, each of whom is expected to be
                 elected to the Company's Board of Director's at the next
                 annual meeting of the stockholders, is no longer a member of
                 the Company's Board of Directors,

 this Agreement shall terminate.

SECTION 7.                 TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

The Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately and
have no further obligations hereunder for "cause." For purposes of this
Agreement, cause shall be defined as one of the following acts committed by the
Consultant, his designates, a subcontractor or other entity that he has engaged
to assist him in fulfillment of his duties under this Agreement: (a) commission
of a felony or any violation of Federal or state securities laws or rules of the
NASD or SIPC, (b) voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency, (c)
material breach of any written directive from the Company's Board of Directors
or Chief Executive Officer, or (d) material misstatement regarding the Company,
its financial condition, business or prospects.

SECTION 8.                 LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

Each party to this Agreement agrees to indemnify the other party and its
respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents against, and
agrees to hold them harmless from, any and all costs, expenses, losses, damages
and liabilities incurred or suffered, directly or indirectly, by any of them
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) (collectively
"Losses") arising out of or relating to: (i) any failure to perform any covenant
made by, or obligation of such party pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) any claim
or demand by any third party arising out of allegations that, if true, would
constitute a failure to perform any such covenant or obligation by such party;
and (iii) any act or omission of such party if such act or omission constitutes
the gross negligence of such party.

SECTION 9.                 AUTHORITY

The Company and any affiliates hereby warrant and represent that they have the
full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement to the Consultant
and to perform the obligations as contained herein, and that this Agreement has
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and any affiliates
and further constitutes and valid, binding and legally enforceable obligation of
the Company and any affiliates.

SECTION 10.                NOTICES, ETC.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given either; when hand delivered to the addressee's office,
or three (3) days after being mailed by first class, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

        a.       If to the Consultant to: Douglas G. Furth, 714 Arbor Way,
                 Aurora, Ohio 44202, or to any other such person(s) and/or
                 addresses as may be furnished, in writing, to the Company by
                 the Consultant;

        b.       If to the company to: Richard C. Adamany, President and Chief
                 Executive Officer, 23800 Commerce Park Road, Suite A,
                 Cleveland, OH 44122 with a copy to Joseph G. Tegreene,
                 Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, 2300 BP America
                 Building, 200 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114 or to any
                 other such person(s) and/or addresses as may be furnished, in
                 writing to the Consultant by the Company

SECTION 11.                ENTIRE AGREEMENT

The parties hereto agree that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the subject mater hereof, that that this
Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements and understandings between the
parties with regard to such subject matter, and that there are no restrictions,
agreements, arrangements, either oral or written, between the parties relating
to the subject matter hereof which are not fully and accurately expressed or
referred to herein.

SECTION 12.                WAIVERS

Any waiver of the terms and/or conditions as set forth within this Agreement
shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach or claim of such terms or
conditions or any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any
provisions hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other
provision hereof. No waiver, unless it by its own terms explicitly so provides,
shall be construed to effect a continuing waiver in any other instance or for
any other purpose, or impair the right of the party against whom such waiver is
claimed, in all other instances or for all other purposes, to require full
compliance with such provision.

SECTION 13.                FURTHER AMENDMENTS

Each of the parties hereto agrees to execute all such further instruments and
documents and to take all such further action as the other party may reasonably
require in order to effectuate the terms, conditions and purposes of this
Agreement.

SECTION 14.                AMENDMENTS

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

This Agreement may not be amended, nor shall any waiver, change, modification,
consent or discharge be effected, except by an instrument in writing fully
executed by the party against whom enforcement of any amendment, waiver, change,
modification, consent or discharge is sought.

SECTION 15.                ASSIGNMENT; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

This Agreement shall, except as hereinafter provided, not be assignable by
either party without the receipt of the prior written consent of the other. This
Agreement may also be assigned pursuant to a sale of substantially all of the
assets of the Consultant's practice with or to a party acceptable to the
Company, which party shall have assumed the Consultant's obligations hereunder
pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Company. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of
the parties and their respective successors in interest (whether by merger,
consolidation or similar transaction), and permitted assigns, except as provided
in Section 6.

SECTION 16.                NO AGENCY CREATED

Nothing as contained within this Agreement is intended to create, nor shall any
provision hereof be construed so as to create, a partnership, joint venture,
coadventure or joint undertaking by and among the Consultant and the Company, or
to further constitute the consultant as an agent of the Company, it being the
express intention of the parties hereto that the relationship created hereby
shall be that of separate and independent contractors acting at all times in
their sole and individual capacities. The consultant shall have no authority to
act on behalf of the Company in any matter except as expressly outlined within
this Agreement, or as may be agreed upon otherwise, in writing.

SECTION 17.                ACCESS; ASSISTANCE; INFORMATION: COMPLIANCE WITH LAW

a.   In connection with the Consultant's engagement as contemplated by and
     through this Agreement the Company and any affiliates hereby agree to
     furnish the Consultant and any of his designates with all information
     concerning the Company and any affiliates which the Consultant reasonably
     deems as being appropriate, and will provide the Consultant with access to,
     assistance from, availability for communications and meetings with, the
     Company's and any affiliates files, officers, directors, accountants,
     counsel, investment bankers, broker-dealers, marketmakers and other outside
     advisors. The Company represents and warrants to the Consultant that all
     such information is and will be truthful and accurate in all material
     respects and that it does not nor will not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact, or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to
     make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances
     under which such statements are made. The Company acknowledges that the
     consultant will be utilizing and relying upon the accuracy and completeness
     of the

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

     information supplied by or on behalf of the Company and its officers in
     connection with its engagement without independent verification, and that
     the Consultant does not assume responsibility for the accuracy and
     completeness of any such information. The Company will promptly notify the
     Consultant in writing in the event that it learns of any material
     inaccuracy in or material omissions from, any information as previously
     delivered to the Consultant, including, particularly, the financial
     projections of the Company and any affiliates.

b.   The burden of compliance with law for all matters concerning the Company
     and any affiliates and/or entities which either have or may be
     contemplating the issuance of Securities, rests with the Company and any
     such affiliate or entity. Although the Consultant may offer its practical
     advice or offer comments or observations regarding such matters, he shall
     not be deemed to provide legal or accounting advice or services, nor to be
     the maker, author, publisher or be responsible for any statement,
     representation or misstatement, misrepresentation, omission or alleged
     misstatement, alleged misrepresentation or alleged omission.

SECTION 18.                SEVERABILITY

In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be,
or shall in fact be invalid, inoperative or unenforceable as applied to any
particular case in any jurisdiction or jurisdictions, or in all jurisdictions or
cease, because of conflict of any provision with any constitution or statute or
rule of public policy or for any other reason, such circumstance shall not have
the effect of rendering the provision or provisions herein contained invalid,
inoperative or unenforceable, to the extent that such other provisions are not
themselves actually in conflict with such constitution, statute or rule of
public policy, but this Agreement shall be reformed and construed in any such
jurisdiction or case as if such invalid, inoperative or unenforceable provision
had never been contained here and such provision reformed so that it would be
valid, operative and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such
jurisdiction or in such case, except when such construction could operate as an
undue hardship on either party, or constitute a substantial deviation from the
general intent and purpose of such party is reflected within this Agreement. For
purposes of interpretation, no party shall be deemed the drafter of this
Agreement.

SECTION 19.                COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument, and in pleading or proving any provision of this Agreement, it shall
not be necessary to produce more than one of such counterparts signed by the
party against whom enforcement is sought. Fax signatures shall be valid as
originals or copies.

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SECTION 20.                SECTION HEADINGS

The headings as utilized throughout this Agreement are for reference purposes
only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement

SECTION 21.                GENDER

Whenever used herein the singular noun shall include the plural, the plural
shall include the singular, and the use of any gender shall include all genders.

SECTION 22.                GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance
with the internal law of the State of Ohio, without regard to the principles of
conflicts of laws.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed or caused to be executed the
Agreement as of the date first above written.

DOUGLAS G. FURTH
/s/ Douglas G. Furth
------------------------------

DATE: February 3, 2001
      ------------------------

EMPYREAN BIOSCIENCE, INC.

BY: /s/ Richard C. Adamary
    --------------------------

TITLE: President
       --------------------------
DATE: February 3, 2001
      ---------------------------

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