Sirona Biochem's Inducer Performs Better than Industry Standard IPTG in Independent McMaster University Study

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 4, 2012) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SBM)(PINKSHEETS:SRBCF)(FRANKFURT:ZSB), an award-winning biotech company, announced today the results from an independent study of the company's inducer, SBM-TFC-358 (IPGMim™), conducted by McMaster University. In the study, SBM-TFC-358 performed better than the industry standard inducer IPTG. The research was conducted by the lab of Dr. James Mahony, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada.

"In the study SBM-TFC-358 induced the recombinant protein expression to a level approximately two times higher than IPTG," said Dr. James Mahony, Assistant Dean Medical Sciences and Professor in the Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine at McMaster University. "SBM-TFC-358 was shown to be an effective inducer for a bacterial recombinant protein that is typically challenging to induce and expresses at only low levels," Dr. Mahony added.

Dr. James Mahony's laboratory studied the total production of a recalcitrant protein, the recombinant C-terminal fragment of the Type III secretion protein, CopN, (129 amino acids) of Chlamydia pneumonia. This recombinant protein is poorly induced by IPTG and produced at low levels. In the study, SBM-TFC-358 induced more protein expression than IPTG. Total protein expression with SBM-TFC-358 at 0.01mM, at an induction of two hours at 37°C, was approximately two times higher than IPTG at the same concentration.

"We believe SBM-TFC-358 is a high quality inducer that can induce gene expression effectively and improve protein yields, particularly for difficult to express proteins," commented Dr. Géraldine Deliencourt-Godefroy, Chief Scientific Officer of Sirona Biochem. "SBM-TFC-358 remains stable at room temperature giving it an additional advantage over commercially available IPTG," Dr. Deliencourt-Godefroy added.

"This McMaster University study is further evidence of Sirona Biochem's ability to create valuable carbohydrate compounds," said Neil Belenkie, Chief Executive Officer at Sirona Biochem. "Our team of chemistry experts has discovered a way to overcome the challenges of carbohydrate chemistry, giving us numerous opportunities in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biological development," Mr. Belenkie added.

SBM-TFC-358 is an inducer in development for the production of recombinant protein by E. coli. Inducers are biological reagents that are used in laboratories to activate gene expression, an important process for the development of valuable medicines such as insulin. Sirona Biochem's inducer is stable at room temperature and therefore can be stored and transported more economically than current inducers.

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.