Sirona Biochem's Second Skin Lightening Compound Shows Superiority Over Industry Standard in Study

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 22, 2012) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM)(PINKSHEETS:SRBCF)(FRANKFURT:ZSB), announced today that its second cosmetic skin lightening compound developed by its subsidiary company, TFChem, demonstrated extremely positive results in an efficacy study. The study showed that the company's depigmenting agent, TFC-849, was 7 and 14 times more effective at inhibiting tyrosinase than alpha- and beta arbutin, respectively. Both alpha- and beta arbutin are industry standard skin lighteners. Sirona Biochem has two compounds that are being developed as cosmetic skin lightening agents. The studies, funded through a $1.9 million French grant, are led by TFChem and involve a consortium of partners.

"We are thrilled our skin depigmenting agents are showing a major advantage over two of the most popular skin lightening compounds," said Neil Belenkie, Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Biochem. "Based on the results we've seen so far, we believe we are developing agents that are going to be more effective than any skin lighteners currently on the market."

An IC50 calculation, a standard laboratory inhibiting measure, showed that TFC-849 was 7 times more effective at inhibiting human tyrosinase activity than alpha arbutin and 14 times more effective than beta arbutin. Efficacy studies were conducted using commercial human tyrosinase Feldan® to determine the compound's ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Tyrosinase is an enzyme responsible for melanin production or darkening of the skin.

Further studies are being conducted to study the stability and safety of both of the company's depigmenting agents, TFC-849 and TFC-723. Results of these studies are anticipated in the following weeks.

According to Global Industry Analysts, the global skin lightening market was estimated to be US$7.5 billion in 2009 and is expected to exceed US$10 billion by 2015. It's estimated about 15 percent of the global population invests in skin lightening products. In Japan alone, an estimated US$5.9B was spent on skin lighteners in 2009.

About Sirona Biochem Corp.

Sirona Biochem is a biotechnology company developing diabetes therapeutics, cancer vaccine antigens, skin depigmenting and anti-aging agents for cosmetic use, and biological ingredients. The company utilizes a proprietary chemistry technique to improve pharmaceutical properties of carbohydrate-based molecules. For more information visit www.sironabiochem.com.

About the Project

Sirona Biochem's French subsidiary, TFChem, received in November 2011 a $1.9-million grant. This project is co-financed by the European Union and Europe witnesses in Haute-Normandie with the support of European Regional Development Fund (E.R.D.F.). A consortium of partners - including the University of Rouen (LMSM EA4312), contract research organization Biogalenys, and TFChem - has been assembled to advance this project. The French government and European Union are looking to promote and initiate collaborative projects that are focused on the development of new products and services containing a high level of innovation.

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.