Sirona Biochem Develops Cancer Vaccine Antigen

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 31, 2011) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM), a biotechnology company specializing in carbohydrate chemistry, announced today it has made a major advance towards the development of a cancer associated antigen - key to a potential new cancer vaccine. A vaccine containing this antigen could boost the immune system's natural ability to attack cancer.

"Vaccines using these antigens have the potential to treat and prevent many forms of cancer including breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer," said Sirona Biochem CEO Dr. Howard Verrico. "Using our proprietary chemistry technology, we have been able to tap into this challenging chemistry towards developing a stable antigen molecule. Recognizing the enormous potential of this antigen, we are making it a priority to expedite the development of this program," Dr. Verrico added.

Sirona Biochem is developing an antigen found in most human cancers. Years of research have shown the significance of antigens in cancer development. When cells become cancerous, they produce certain antigens. The concentration of these antigens on the cell surface correlates with higher malignancy and growth. These antigens promote cancer cell adhesion and thus are linked to cancer metastases, allowing cancer to spread from one organ to another. In healthy cells, certain antigens are suppressed by the body's immune system. By producing a synthetic version of the antigen it can be used in a vaccine that can potentially trigger the immune system to recognize it as a foreign substance. Previous attempts by scientists to develop a vaccine with this antigen have been unsuccessful due to the chemistry challenges in stabilizing the molecule.

About Sirona Biochem Corp.

Sirona Biochem is a biotechnology company specializing in carbohydrate chemistry. We are applying a proprietary chemistry technique towards the development of therapeutics, cosmeceuticals and biological ingredients. Sirona Biochem aims to develop enhanced carbohydrate-based molecules by improving their pharmaceutical properties. Our lead product, a sodium glucose transporter (SGLT) inhibitor for Type 2 diabetes, recently achieved positive preclinical results. For more information visit www.sironabiochem.com.

Sirona Biochem cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon current expectations and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of release of the relevant information, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, Sirona Biochem's forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Sirona Biochem's business including, without limitation, statements about: the progress and timing of its clinical trials; difficulties or delays in development, testing, obtaining regulatory approval, producing and marketing its products; unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of its products that could delay or prevent product development or commercialization; the scope and validity of patent protection for its products; competition from other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies; and its ability to obtain additional financing to support its operations. Sirona Biochem does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.