Sirona Biochem Advances Skin Lightener TFC-1067 Development and IP Protection in Anticipation of Licensing Discussions

VANCOUVER, Feb. 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX-V: SBM) (FSE: ZSB) (the "Company") announces that it has advanced the commercial development and IP protection of its novel skin lightening agent TFC-1067.

As part of Sirona's continued commercialization efforts, the scientific team has engaged consultant, Gael Boutry (Global Beauty Consulting) to create the next generation formulation of TFC-1067. Sirona's first formulation was a simplified design for use in its current clinical trial. The primary objective was to demonstrate the efficacy of TFC-1067 without any enhancers.

The new formulation has been developed in order to maximize the efficacy of TFC-1067 through the synergic effect of different actives. The target is to combine a faster effect by acting on cell renewal, and a stronger depigmenting/lightening effect by acting on different pathways. TFC-1067 has shown scientifically to safely inhibit new pigmentation formation in the melanocyte skin cells by inhibiting a key enzyme called tyrosinase. Stimulating cell renewal through exfoliation of the most superficial skin layer will shorten the normal skin renewal cycle with a goal to obtain visible results quicker. Other approaches on the melanocyte's development could provide a synergic effect with TFC-1067 and lead to stronger efficacy.

The process of optimally formulating TFC-1067 is a necessary step prior to a commercial launch of this type of active. The formulation will undergo testing to demonstrate stability as well as human patch testing to demonstrate that it is a non-irritant. While waiting for the results of the clinical trial now underway, the team is simultaneously working on these steps with the goal to optimize the current product's commercial value while also shortening the time to commercialization.

Sirona has also continued to expand patent coverage of TFC-1067 and the seven other compounds which make up the family of skin lightening agents.

One filed patent has entered the European Phase and the company has now formally selected key European countries to specifically patent protect our family of skin lighteners. Another patent has entered the PCT Phase where key countries have been selected as the major world markets. Sirona currently has 9 patents filed in multiple key markets to maximize the commercial value of our novel compounds and wide range of therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Sirona has taken great care to patent not only its key discoveries but also the related family of compounds to help protect its IP from competitors.

"We are excited to be able to continually innovate while aggressively protecting our innovations through strong patents. Having our own dedicated lab with a successful scientific team and having the services of a leading biotechnology patent firm Regimbeau of Paris has enabled us to steadily grow the commercial value of our technology." reports Dr Howard Verrico CEO. "We are also fortunate to have world class consultants like Gael Boutry providing necessary specialized expertise as well as the ongoing financial support of the French government and European Union while we work towards becoming financially self-sufficient. We feel well-prepared to enter anticipated licensing discussions at the completion of our current skin lightening clinical trial as a next step towards being part of the 20 Billion USD global skin lightening market¹".

About Sirona Biochem Corp.

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 in France and is the recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and European Union and French government grants. For more information, please visit www.sironabiochem.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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.

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¹ Fact.MR (July 2018) Retrieved from: https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/07/10/1535161/0/en/Key-Insights-on-Skin-Lightening-Products-Market-through-2022-by-Fact-MR.html

SOURCE Sirona Biochem Corp.

For further information: regarding this press release, please contact: Christopher Hopton, CFO, Sirona Biochem Corp., Email: [e-mail]