VANCOUVER, Dec. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX-V: SBM) (FSE: ZSB) (the "Company") announced today that testing has commenced for the SGLT2 inhibitor, TFC-039, in cats.

Several months ago, Sirona was approached by a company to test TFC-039 as a drug for treating diabetes in cats and dogs. The company requested to remain confidential.

A proof of concept study has begun to evaluate the glucosuria effect of TFC-039. This will address the simple question of whether the molecule engages with the feline receptor in a manner that would make TFC-039 a suitable drug development candidate. Results for this initial study are expected later this month.

"We are excited about the prospect of our SGLT-2 inhibitor being used in not only another market outside of China, but in other species as well," said CEO Dr. Howard Verrico. "The upside to developing a drug for animals includes faster approval, less competition with generics and longer product life. The global pet healthcare market is projected to reach 65 billion USD by 2025. Diabetes is a common illness in pets, particularly in felines. This is attributed in part due to increasing pet ownership, increasing obesity rates, and improved rates of diagnosis. There is also a growing trend to treat the pets suffering from this illness to allow them to live near normal lifespans."

If successful, the company's primary focus would be to create the drug for the North American and European markets, followed by Japan and Australia. The market continues to grow, at roughly 5%. Sirona is looking forward to continuing the collaboration with this company.

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, please 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.

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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.

SOURCE Sirona Biochem Corp.

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