About TFChem - Sirona Biochem

TFChem has a high degree of expertise in the field of carbohydrate chemistry. The company has developed a unique know-how which combines these two technical domains in order to create new drug-candidates based on original carbohydrate mimics. The drug-discovery activity thus builds up the core of development of the company.

TFChem has developed a specialization in carbohydrate chemistry, which has positioned it as a leader in creating new glycomimetic compounds. This specialization not only enhances its ability to create more effective and safer drugs but also extends to the innovation of skin care ingredients.

TFChem develops and markets its GlycoMim® technology for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies through licensing and strategical partnerships by offering in its portfolio :

Analogs of existing glycoconjugates.
Neo-glycosylation of active molecules.
New chemical entities (NCE).

TFChem’s proprietary chemistry technology can be applied to the development of several major pharmaceutical domains such as cancer, diabetes, pain and inflammation and cardio-vascular diseases. In addition, our carbohydrate chemistry expertise can be used to develop cosmetic and biological ingredients.

See our CSO, Dr. Deliencourt-Godefroy, presenting at the Adaptations to the Polar Area and Biomimetism conference in France here .

Howard J. Verrico, MD
President

Dr. Verrico obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1985 and has been a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia since July 1986. Dr. Verrico has extensive experience as a venture capitalist in the junior capital markets. He has acted as a venture capitalist for over 30 years, funding numerous start-ups and early-stage companies both in the private and public marketplace. He is the original founder of Sirona Biochem building the company by investing his personal funds starting in 2006, He has accumulated his large share position through personal share purchases. He currently is solely focused on the success and growth of SIRONA Biochem as it enters a stage of rapid growth.

Géraldine Deliencourt-Godefroy, PhD
Founder and Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Géraldine Deliencourt-Godefroy is an award-winning synthetic chemist and the founder of French-based biotechnology company TFChem. Since the acquisition of TFChem by Sirona Biochem in March 2011, Dr. Deliencourt-Godefroy has assumed the role of Chief Scientific Officer. Her scientific research in carbohydrate chemistry has led to the discovery of new drug families and the development of drug candidates for diabetes and obesity, cosmetic ingredients and biological adjuvants. Previous to founding TFChem, Dr. Deliencourt-Godefroy was a scientific leader at INSA (National Institute of Applied Sciences) in Rouen, France, where she developed a new technology on stabilized carbohydrates. Previous roles also include a post-doctoral position at the University College London and doctoral research at the Research Institute of Fine Organic Chemistry in Rouen, France. Dr. Deliencourt-Godefroy received a PhD and Masters in Organic Chemistry as well as her business degree from the University of France. She is the author of several publications and patents and is also the recipient of the acclaimed Francinov Research and Innovation Medal, French Ministry of Research Award and the French Senate Award.

The TFChem team is composed of highly specialized researchers.

Dr. Lénaïg Lopes: R&D Project Leader, Chemistry
Dr. Jocelyne Legoëdec: R&D Project Leader, Biology
Gabrielle Lebunetelle: Research Technician
Christelle Rangee: Administration and Accounting
Dr. Geraldine Deliencourt-Godefroy: Founder and Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Wolfgang Bieber: Scientific and Strategic Advisor
Elise Noel: Research Technician
Julien Eymard: Research Technician
Alex Talbot: Post Doc
Jérôme Fortin: Research Technician
Salma Hamdani: Chemistry Intern

As of September 2009, Sirona Biochem’s research has been conducted by our subsidiary, TFChem at their 5,400 square-foot laboratory facilities in Val de Reuil, France. This state-of-the-art facility is located in France’s Cosmetic Valley where the world’s leading cosmetic companies conduct their research and development. As part of a pharmaceutical park, TFChem is also surrounded by large pharmaceutical companies like Janssen Cilag and Sanofi Pasteur.

Our team of award-winning synthetic chemists specializes in the development of molecular building blocks, which addresses the limitations usually associated with the application of carbohydrate-based molecules as active ingredients.