Sirona Biochem Initiates Research and Development on New Therapies for Keloid Scars and Acne Vulgar

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - April 18, 2016) - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE: SBM) (ZSB.F) (ZSB.DE) (the "Company") announces that its CEO, Dr. Howard Verrico, has approved two new therapeutic projects within the skin care portfolio addressing markets with unmet needs. Research and development will proceed for a novel compound for keloid scars and an acne treatment, each with a potentially favourable efficacy/side-effect-profile. Studies have begun for the keloid scar project with initial results expected in Q4 2016. The development program is being established for the acne program and will commence this quarter. The Company will look to partner the therapeutics after In-Vitro studies.

A keloid scar is an overgrown scar that can spread outside the original area of skin damage. Keloid scars are raised above the surrounding skin, and can feel hard and rubbery. Keloids affect around 10-15% of all wounds. Current treatments for Keloids have very limited results leaving a large unmet need. According to a report recently published by Persistence Market Research (PMR), the global scar treatment market is poised to rise at a CAGR of 10.3% from US$ 16.0 Billion in 2015 to over US$ 31.9 Billion by 2022. Some of the key players in the keloid treatment market are Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Galena Biopharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International.

Recent testing of compounds created by Sirona's wholly-owned French subsidiary, TFChem, has shown properties suggesting potential application in the treatment of Keloids. Further testing is underway and a detailed project plan is being developed.

Acne vulgar is a long lasting skin disease that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin become clogged with hair follicles or skin pores. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in non-inflammatory forms. Acne affects the majority of the world's population and there is an unmet need with current therapies. The global acne market is estimated to reach US$ 4.4 Billion by 2020 (Technavio, 2016). Some of the key players in the acne vulgaris treatment market include Galderma, Allergan, Bayer, Cipher, Johnson & Johnson and Valeant Pharmaceutical International.

"In anticipation of a near-term upfront payment as part of a licensing agreement for our novel skin lightening compound, we are increasing our research activities substantially," reports Dr. Howard Verrico, Chairman and CEO of Sirona Biochem.

"Dr. Geraldine Deliencourt-Godefroy, our Chief Scientific Officer, has identified promising compounds using our innovative carbohydrate fluorination technology. Although at an early stage in development, our scientific team has an excellent track record of predicting how the fluorination process improves carbohydrate cosmetic and therapeutic agents," he added.

About Sirona Biochem

Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary technology platform developed at its laboratory facility in France. The Company specializes in the stabilization of carbohydrate molecules, with the goal of improving compounds' efficacy and safety. Sirona Biochem's compounds are patented as new chemical entities for maximum commercial protection and revenue potential. Newly developed compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing and milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. TFChem, Sirona Biochem's wholly-owned French laboratory, is a recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and a European Union and French government grant.

For more information, please visit www.sironabiochem.com.

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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.