Sirona Biochem's Cosmetic Skin Lightening Compounds Proven Safe in Industry Standard Irritant Study

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 12, 2013) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM)(OTCQX:SRBCF)(FRANKFURT:ZSB) announced today its skin lightening compounds, TFC-849 and TFC-723, were proven to be safe in an ocular tolerability study. The ocular tolerability study is an industry standard test measuring irritant levels of compounds. In the study, TFC-849 and TFC-723 were shown to be non irritants. The study, funded through a $1.9 million French grant, is led by Sirona Biochem's subsidiary, TFChem, and involves a consortium of partners.

"We are in an enviable position with two skin lightening compounds that are proving to be both safe and highly effective," said Neil Belenkie, Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Biochem. "These latest results signify we are well on our way to producing active agents that can lead all other skin lightening compounds available on the market," he added.

An ocular irritant test was performed on corneal fibroblasts to evaluate the irritant potential of TFC-849 and TFC-723, in accordance with the regulatory methods of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). In the study, TFC-849 and TFC-723 were incubated on cell culture at a concentration range of 0-50% (w/v) for one minute. Viability of the corneal fibroblasts was then assessed using the neutral red release method, which measures immediate toxic effects. After an exposure at the maximum dose of 50%, the cell survival showed that TFC-849 and TFC-723 were not ocular irritants.

About Sirona Biochem Corp.

Sirona Biochem is a biotechnology company developing diabetes therapeutics, skin depigmenting and anti-aging agents for cosmetic use, biological ingredients and cancer vaccine antigens. The company utilizes a proprietary chemistry technique to improve pharmaceutical properties of carbohydrate-based molecules. Sirona Biochem is the parent company of French-based biotechnology company, TFChem. 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 the 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.