VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 20, 2021 /CNW/ - Sirona Biochem Corp.
(TSXV: SBM) (FSE: ZSB) (OTC: SRBCF)
("Sirona") announces the advancement of 20 antiviral
compounds to In Vitro testing. The compounds will be shipped to the
Utah State University's Institute of
Antiviral Research for evaluation against the SARS-CoV-2 virus
(COVID-19).
Sirona's French subsidiary, TFChem, has created a novel and
patentable library of 20 compounds that are designed to target the
COVID-19 virus by targeting the host cell and not the virus itself.
When a virus enters a cell, it induces a "cytopathic effect" which
refers to structural changes in the host cell, that allow the virus
to replicate. In SARS-CoV-2, the virus causes plaque-like effects
in the human cells of the lung. Mechanisms such as cell fusion,
apoptosis (death) and destruction of epithelium integrity are all
observed in the plaque regions (Nature Communications, 2020,
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17796-z). Sirona's
antiviral compounds are intended to prevent the cytopathic effect
from occurring.
The results will be completed in approximately 6 weeks.
"Since the compounds are designed to target the host cell and
not the virus itself, we have a unique approach that is based on
our proprietary technology. We have seen the number of variants
that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has. It will continue to mutate, creating
new strains, so there is a strong need for compounds like these
that are not targeted to a specific virus," said Dr. Howard Verrico, CEO of Sirona Biochem. "It is
now time to push this program as quickly as possible, adding to a
robust and valuable pipeline that will attract the right kind of
partners. For this project, we have already been in preliminary
discussion with a company that has expertise in antiviral clinical
trials. The results from these preliminary studies will be key to
moving forward with potential partners in 2022."
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 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.
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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
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only as of the date of release of the relevant information, unless
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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.