Sirona Biochem Announces Diabetes Preclinical Results in Chronic Study

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 29, 2012) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM)(PINKSHEETS:SRBCF)(FRANKFURT:ZSB), announced today its lead compound for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes significantly reduced fructosamine levels in a chronic preclinical study.

In a 28-day chronic dosing study of obese diabetic rats, Sirona Biochem's SGLT (sodium glucose transporter) inhibitor, SBM-TFC-039, normalized diabetes and significantly lowered fructosamine levels. Fructosamine is a standard biomarker that reflects the level of glucose in the blood and that is commonly used for monitoring diabetes.

In the chronic study, SBM-TFC-039 also reduced blood glucose levels by 48% compared to the non-treated group. At the end of the study the ratio fructosamine total protein of the treated rats was reduced by 25% compared to the non-treated rats and was within 10% of the ratio for the control lean rats.

"We are very encouraged by the results we have obtained from our acute and chronic preclinical studies in the obese diabetic rat model," said Dr. Howard Verrico, President & CEO of Sirona Biochem. "Key members of our team, including our Scientific Advisory Board, will be meeting in Vancouver this week to refine our preclinical development plan," Dr. Verrico added.

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.

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.