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.
___________________________
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.