Vancouver, British Columbia – April 23, 2014 – Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX-V: SBM.V OTCQX: SRBCF, Frankfurt: ZSB) announces the expansion of its exclusive license with Valeant Pharmaceuticals (“Valeant”) for Sirona’s skin lightening compound TFC-849 to include AMBI and Kinerase. Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Valeant has the exclusive global rights to TFC-849 for use throughout its international portfolio of companies and brands. AMBI and Kinerase, along with Obagi Medical Products (see press release dated January 29, 2014), are part of Valeant’s diverse portfolio focused primarily on dermatology.
“We are excited to add AMBI and Kinerase, two of Valeant Pharmaceutical’s premium skin care companies, to the commercial license for TFC-849,” commented Mr. Neil Belenkie, CEO of Sirona Biochem. “Adding premium brands with global distribution through over-the-counter (OTC) store sales and significant ecommerce platforms ensures that our compound will reach leading skin lightening and brightening markets around the world.”
The global skin lightening market is projected to reach approximately $20 billion by 2018, representing one of the fastest growing segments within the global beauty industry. Sirona has created and patented a skin lightening active ingredient which is up to 14 times more effective than Arbutin, one of the world’s leading skin lightening compounds. Most importantly, Sirona’s compound is 100% safe and can be sold everywhere in the world.
About AMBI
AMBI®, the leading mass brand for African Americans, enables women of color to achieve flawless beauty by offering skincare products exclusively designed for melanin-rich skin. AMBI(®) Skincare is one of the brands under Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America. AMBI, a trusted name in cleansers and moisturizers for skin of color, has a legacy of skin care designed to provide smooth, even-toned, flawless-looking skin. Introduced in 1966, the brand has been used and trusted by women with richer skin tones for decades to provide quality products that meet skin of color needs. The AMBI® Brand is best known for its fade creams, which help fade dark spots and skin discolorations to restore flawless, natural skin tone.
About Kinerase
Kinerase® skincare was developed over 20 years ago by Valeant to address anti-aging skin care concerns. Kinerase provides powerful results, gently. Its biotechnical formulation is supported by kinetin, a plant-based antioxidant with properties that were discovered when scientists found that it prevented plant leaves from drying out and withering. This same technology is the foundation on which the entire Kinerase line was built. Kinetin reaches cells deep within the skin to keep it smooth and radiant. Indulge in the luxury of skincare science to reveal your most beautiful and youthful looking skin.
About Sirona Biochem
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.
About the Betaclear (Skin Lightening) Project
Sirona Biochem’s French subsidiary TFChem received a $1.9 million grant in November 2011. 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.
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.