Sirona Biochem's Anti-Aging Glycoprotein Successfully Extends Cell Life in Serum Deprivation Study

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - May 20, 2014) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE: SBM) (OTCQX: SRBCF) (FRANKFURT: ZSB) announces its anti-aging compound TFC-837 was proven to extend cell life with outstanding results in a 12-day serum-deprivation study. The study subjected unprotected and glycoprotein-protected fibroblast cells to a serum-deprived environment for a period of twelve days. By day ten of the study, 100% of the unprotected cells were dead. In contrast, 75% of the glycoprotein-protected cells continued to be fully viable at the conclusion of the twelve day study.

"We couldn't be more excited by these results and the potential value these compounds can create," commented Mr. Neil Belenkie, CEO of Sirona Biochem. "Results such as these are the reason we have attracted globally respected partners for this project, including Jean-Michel Cousteau, Fabien Cousteau and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. This is absolutely groundbreaking technology; the first in a new family of synthetic glycoproteins successfully created and patented by our scientific team."

Next steps for the development of this compound include additional studies to validate other cell preservation qualities and the standard cohort of cosmetic safety studies necessary for launch of this compound as an anti-aging ingredient. The goal for this compound is to be available for acquisition by a global partner within six months. Desired terms for an exclusive license will be the same as the terms secured in the global exclusive license with Obagi Medical Products (subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals); licensing fee, milestone fee, and an ongoing royalty payment structure with minimum sales revenue requirements.

Targeted Applications for this New Family of Compounds

Early data supports targeted applications including the following:

• Cosmetic (no FDA approval required, inexpensive studies, quick to market)
  • Anti-aging cream (global marketplace, $300 billion in annual sales)

• Pharmaceutical
  • Extend platelet storage beyond current 4-5 day limitation
  • Improve outcomes for beta-islet cell transplants
  • Improve stem cell storage solution versus conventional mediums
  • Improve organ transplantation donor-to-recipient windows
  • Protect against harmful UV or radiation

Project Background

In 1969, an antifreeze glycoprotein was discovered in fish living under the Antarctic icecaps. The discovery was groundbreaking because this specific glycoprotein enabled the Antarctic fish to survive (and not freeze solid) in the subzero temperatures.

Sirona Biochem's subsidiary, TFChem (France) has synthesized and stabilized its derivative of this antifreeze glycoprotein for human use; in the process greatly expanding the protective abilities of the original antifreeze glycoprotein. While the natural glycoprotein only protects cells from low temperatures, Sirona Biochem's patented family of glycoproteins is being tested in multiple cells types to protect against additional stressed environments including oxidative stress, UV rays, cold temperatures and nutrient deprivation.

About Sirona Biochem

Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary platform technology. Sirona specializes in stabilizing carbohydrate molecules with the goal of improving efficacy and safety. New compounds are patented for maximum revenue potential.

Sirona's compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing fees, milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. Sirona's laboratory, TFChem, is located in France and is the recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and European Union and French government grants. For more information visit www.sironabiochem.com.

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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.