Sirona Biochem's Cosmetic Skin Lightening Compounds Proven to be Safe in Industry Standard Safety Study

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 7, 2013) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM) announced today its skin lightening compounds, TFC-849 and TFC-723, were proven to be non-genotoxic in an industry standard genotoxicity study. The study, funded through a $1.9 million French grant, is led by TFChem and involves a consortium of partners.

In the study, the genotoxicity activity of compounds TFC-849 and TFC-723 was evaluated at a concentration range of 0-5% using a standard bacterial colorimetric assay. The SOS response to DNA-damaging agents was measured to determine genotoxicity. Both depigmenting agents, TFC-849 and TFC-723, were proven to be non-genotoxic in the concentration range studied.

"The genotoxicity results demonstrate further evidence of the strong safety profile of our skin lightening compounds, TFC-849 and TFC-723," said Neil Belenkie, Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Biochem. "In scientific studies, our compounds demonstrated superior effectiveness and safety over the world's leading commercial skin lighteners. We believe we have developed skin lightening compounds that are both safe and effective, meeting an unmet demand for the multi-billion dollar skin lightening marketplace," he added.

Genotoxicity testing measures DNA degradation, which can be evidence of potential mutagenicity or carcinogenicity.

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.

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.