Dr. Howard Verrico reports

SIRONA BIOCHEM RECEIVES ANTIVIRAL TESTING RESULTS

Sirona Biochem Corp. has released the results of its research collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in advancing Sirona's anti-viral compound library.

The ICGEB has completed a successful screening of a second compound library from Sirona's subsidiary TFChem, evaluating its potential as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV2. The library, composed of 18 novel compounds, underwent testing at the ICGEB's Laboratory of Molecular Virology in Trieste, Italy. The testing was led by Dr. Alessandro Marcello, an internationally recognized expert in human virology. Among the 18 compounds, four exhibited notable anti-viral activity.

The results of the testing and the selective index, which gauges potency versus toxicity, does not currently identify a lead compound. Consequently, the 38 compounds synthesized so far are not considered candidates for developing a treatment for SARS-CoV2 in humans. Sirona will be reviewing its collaboration agreement with the ICGEB after further discussions. Potential options include testing the compounds against other pathogenic viruses and also analyzing their effect on living cells to confirm their targeted mechanism of action. Standardized testing procedures are available for these assessments.

Although these results may not endorse a potential treatment for SARS-CoV2, Dr. Howard Verrico, chief executive officer, emphasizes the significance of further testing to assess the potential in the broader battle against other pathogenic viruses. The absence of potent anti-virals for numerous classes of pathogenic viruses underscores the significance of this project as a worthwhile endeavour.

He noted: "The timing of additional testing will be determined through further assessment and expert consultations. Sirona is currently driving forward with compelling developments in its pipeline, giving precedence to initiatives aimed at sparking near-term revenue growth. Expect updates on these initiatives, which will be shared as soon as they progress to more advanced stages of planning. The company maintains an optimistic outlook, fuelled by enthusiasm for the promising prospects that lie ahead in its ongoing ventures."

About the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Established in 1983 as a special project of UNIDO, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB is an independent intergovernmental organization with its headquarters in Trieste (Italy) and with additional laboratories in New Delhi (India) and Cape Town (South Africa). It counts almost 70 member states. The ICGEB is a not-for-profit intergovernmental organization, and any revenues generated are reinvested in research and in the funding programs for capacity building in its member states. The vision of the ICGEB is to be the world's leading intergovernmental organization for research, training and technology transfer in the field of life sciences and biotechnology. Its mission is to combine scientific research with capacity enhancement, thereby promoting sustainable global development.

The molecular virology group in Trieste studies the detection and molecular mechanisms of different arboviruses and has been mainly involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing support to the ICGEB member countries. Activities included the formulation for protocols for SARS-CoV2 molecular and serological diagnostics, on-line tutorials, and reagents to be able to develop low-cost in-house assays. COVID-19 viruses circulating in several countries have been sequenced for the first time and made available to the scientific community. A pipeline for testing anti-virals against SARS-CoV-2 has been set up, allowing the identification of novel drug candidates.

About Sirona Biochem Corp.

Sirona 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 continuing 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.

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