VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/11/12 -- Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX VENTURE: SBM)(PINKSHEETS: SRBCF)(FRANKFURT: ZSB), a biotechnology company specializing in carbohydrate chemistry technology, is pleased to announce that it has named Neil Belenkie as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Howard Verrico will remain on as Chairman of the Board.

"Neil Belenkie brings to Sirona Biochem the experience, determination and network we need to accelerate growth," said Dr. Howard Verrico, Sirona Biochem's Founder and Chairman of the Board. "Sirona Biochem's programs have matured from scientific concepts to compounds showing commercial potential. It's the right time to welcome Neil Belenkie's leadership to Sirona Biochem to propel these programs forward," added Dr. Verrico.

"Neil Belenkie's aggressive, results-driven approach reflects the kind of expertise that Sirona Biochem is now ready to embrace," commented Ray Matthews, founder of Ray Matthews and Associates and Corporate Development Consultant for Sirona Biochem. "Neil has the ability to see opportunity and potential, make the necessary adjustments, and tap into his network to unlock value and drive towards milestones to benefit all stakeholders," he added.

Sirona Biochem Corp. has granted a total of 2,000,000 stock options pursuant to the company's stock option plan. These options expire in five years, have an exercise price of $0.07 cents per share and are subject to vesting. These options are granted to Neil Belenkie in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. The options are subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

About Neil Belenkie

Neil Belenkie, a winner of Business in Vancouver Magazine's Top 40 Under 40, brings his significant healthcare experience to Sirona Biochem. Neil's award-winning career in life sciences includes leadership roles in sales, market research, marketing, and medical education. He is the founder of strategic management consulting company GrowthPoint Group, which provides businesses with sustainable solutions for long term growth. Neil's entrepreneurial background is evident by the span and depth of his career and involvement in the community. His diverse leadership background includes founding the highly successful networking group "TRIPE" for Vancouver's senior business leaders, being elected Chairman of the Board of Governors for non-profit organization Vancouver Biennale, instructor roles at Sauder School of Business and BCIT School of Business, Co-host of radio show, Grow Your Business, Councillor for the Britannia Community Council and a volunteer fireman. Previous to GrowthPoint, Neil co-founded RevGen and was a consultant at Odgers Berndston. His life sciences background includes leadership roles at Ortho Biotech and Hoffman LaRoche. Neil is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, Queen's Executive School Business, the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.

About Sirona Biochem Corp.

Sirona Biochem is a biotechnology company developing diabetes therapeutics, cancer vaccine antigens, skin depigmenting and anti-aging agents for cosmetic use, and biological ingredients. The company utilizes a proprietary chemistry technique to improve pharmaceutical properties of carbohydrate-based molecules. For more information, visit www.sironabiochem.com.

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.

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.

Contacts:
Sirona Biochem Corp.
		Julie Jang
Director, Communications
604.282.6065
jjang@sironabiochem.com
		www.sironabiochem.com
	

Source: Sirona Biochem Corp.