Vancouver, British Columbia – October 20, 2014 – Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX-V: SBM.V FSE: ZSB) today announced a collaboration with innovative French Company, Aegilops Applications. Aegilops specializes in the protection of plant seeds. The objective of the research collaboration is to develop a novel compound to improve germination and growth in plants, thereby enhancing crop production.
Sirona Biochem’s subsidiary TFChem has, in its portfolio, a compound that Aegilops will evaluate on different crops in seed treatment for potent agrochemical applications.
“We’re very excited that Aegilops approached us to test this potential application and we’re looking forward to the results”, said Dr. Howard Verrico, CEO. “This collaboration could open a new realm of possibilities for our technology.”
According to the International Seed Federation (IFS), the global seed market was worth approximately $47 billion in 2012 and estimates it to be as high as $50 billion USD today. Seeds are living things and improving seed vitality is of enormous commercial value to the agriculture industry.
About Aegilops Applications
Aegilops Applications was established in 2002 by Hubert Sainsard. The company specializes in the design and production of technological agents for seed treatment.
Aegilops develops products that assist seed companies and farmers facing problems related to the use of accredited treatments for seed protection from fungal diseases and insects. Seeds treated with unmastered applications can cause poor quality plantings and damage the plot yield. Relying on its formulation laboratory, Aegilops develops technological agents to optimize the positioning of active ingredients on multiple seeds such as wheat, barley, corn, soya, and rice. The company’s technology also limits harmful dusts for the operator and the environment.
Aegilops carries out tests on biological origin products such as Mycorrhizae, bacteria and nutrients using phytotrons and micro-plots to assess bio-protective and bio-dynamic effects on seeds, following specific agronomic protocols.
The company is located in the innovation park of Val de Reuil, France, and conducts all experimentation within the Good Laboratory Practices. Aegilops has also received COFRAC accreditation.
About Sirona Biochem Corp.
Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary platform technology. Sirona specializes in stabilizing carbohydrate molecules with the goal of improving efficacy and safety. New compounds are patented for maximum revenue potential.
Sirona’s compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing fees, milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. Sirona’s laboratory, TFChem, is located in France and is the recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and European Union and French government grants. For more information visit www.sironabiochem.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information regarding this press release, contact:
Christopher Hopton
CFO
Sirona Biochem Corp.
Phone: 1.604.282.6064
Email: chopton@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.