Sirona Biochem Announces Preclinical Results of Diabetes Compound

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 23, 2012) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM)(PINKSHEETS:SRBCF)(FRANKFURT:ZSB), announced today its lead compound for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes was effective in lowering blood glucose levels in a well-established preclinical diabetic model.

Sirona Biochem's compound, SBM-TFC-039, significantly and rapidly reduced the blood glucose level in obese diabetic rats (Zucker). In an acute dosing study, six hours after treatment, the blood glucose level of obese diabetic rats was reduced to the level of control lean rats. There was a strong correlation between the decrease in blood glucose level (0 to 6 hours post treatment) and the excretion of urinary glucose.

A study in normal rats also confirmed that SBM-TFC-039 triggered elimination of glucose through the urine (glycosuria) in a dose dependent manner. SBM-TFC-039 also reduced blood glucose excursions following a glucose challenge by 34 percent compared to an untreated group. A separate safety study of SBM-TFC-039 showed the compound was well-tolerated.

SBM-TFC-039 is a sodium glucose transporter (SGLT) inhibitor. SGLT inhibitors are a new class of drug candidates for diabetes. In the kidneys, SGLT inhibitors reduce the reabsorption of glucose into the bloodstream by eliminating excess glucose into the urine.

In addition to the SGLT inhibitor program, Sirona Biochem is continuing progress of its studies of skin lighteners and anti-aging agents for cosmetic use, inducers for recombinant protein production and adjuvants for cell and organ preservation. All of the programs leverage the company's proprietary chemistry technology.

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.