Sirona Biochem Inducer Produces More Protein than Commercial Leader in Study

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 12, 2012) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM)(PINKSHEETS:SRBCF)(FRANKFURT:ZSB) announced results of a study with its biological inducer in the expression of a difficult to produce recombinant protein.

In the study, Sirona Biochem's inducer SBM-TFC-358 produced more protein than IPTG, a leading commercially available inducer, and was able to maintain induction over a longer period.

SBM-TFC-358 induced the synthesis of a recalcitrant protein of 13.6 kDa, known to be poorly expressed in Escherichia coli. The study was conducted by protein engineering company PX' Therapeutics. In the study, SBM-TFC-358 induced more protein expression than IPTG at the same concentration of 0.1 mM. The kinetic study of induction at 37°C showed that total production (i.e. soluble and insoluble fraction) with SBM-TFC-358 was 1.7 times and 2.9 times that of IPTG at 24 and 56 hours, respectively.

"These independent results demonstrate our compound IPGMim®, when compared to IPTG, produced superior yield of a difficult to express protein - one requiring a long induction period," said Sean Cunliffe, Chief Business Officer of Sirona Biochem. "We are excited about working with potential customers to further characterize the benefits of IPGMim® over IPTG and advance the commercialization of Sirona Biochem's first product," added Mr. Cunliffe.

Inducers are carbohydrates which trigger recombinant protein production, which can be used in research and the manufacturing of insulin and other drugs. The quality of the inducer is key to the production process and can affect the quality and yield of the protein. Current inducers, because they are carbohydrates, are metabolically unstable, and require special handling conditions.

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.