Our BusinessSirona Biochem Corp. is an emerging biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel drug compounds. Sirona Biochem has entered into a strategic partnership with TFChem, a Drug Discovery company based in Rouen, France. TFChem licenses its technology of fluorinated carbohydrate mimics: GlycoMim®, and products in development to biotech companies. This strategic partnership has been completed by a detailed research and licence agreement signed on September 29, 2008. Through the partnership agreement, it is the intent to develop new compounds in the class of S.G.L.T. inhibitors. S.G.L.T. inhibitors are a new and exciting class of compounds that have the potential to treat both diabetes and obesity. It is then the goal to develop a partnership with a major pharmaceutical company to support ongoing development of the compounds and eventually their commercialization. Market Trends In 2007, the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications will cost at least US$ 232 billion according to current estimates from International Diabetes Federation. By 2025, this is likely to increase to more than US$ 302.5 billion. The Diabetes drug market reached US$18 billion in 2005, and is expected to increase to 21-25 billion in 2011. With many new products yet to realise their full potential and the high incidence of T2DM expected in emerging markets, prospects for the sector look strong. Some of the fastest growing markets for diabetes are in emerging economies. India, China and Indonesia are in the top 5 for disease prevalence. The impact for both branded and generic drugs is considerable. There are number of drivers in the diabetes market that are fuelling growth, such as product innovation, emerging markets and unmet clinical need. New classes of drugs such as GLP-1 agonists and DPP-IV inhibitors have already been launched and the pipeline is well stocked. Combination therapies will play their part as will novel drug delivery technology. While the number of patients diagnosed has gone up, it is estimated millions are still to be identified. Million of T2DM diabetes sufferers are undiagnosed. Milestones Sirona Biochem will be responsible for pre-clinical biological testing of any Compounds TFChem may develop on its behalf under the License Agreement. It is the intention to identify a minimum of one lead compound for each clinical indication of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity. When these molecules are developed, pre-clinical testing is successful and appropriate patents are obtained,SBC will seek to license the patents to a major pharmaceutical company, which would then be responsible for the extensive further clinical trials and other steps which would be necessary to obtain regulatory approval to market and commercialize the products. The corporation believes a major pharmaceutical company will compete for such an opportunity to either add to their existing library of SGLT inhibitors or be able to enter into the development of this new class of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. It is the corporation’s intention that achievement of this goal will take place 12 -18 months upon acceptance of the “Qualifying Transaction” with the TSX-Venture Exchange. Alternatively, the Corporation may undertake Phase I clinical trials of any such Lead Compound itself. For more information contact: John J. Doughtery |
