Sirona Biochem: Obagi Medical Products, Inc. Begins Manufacturing Scale-Up of Skin Lightening Agent
Vancouver, British Columbia – October 7, 2014 – Sirona Biochem Corp. (TSX-V: SBM, FSE: ZSB) is pleased to announce that its partner Obagi Medical Products Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., has started manufacturing scale-up of the innovative skin lightening compound (TFC-849) originally developed by Sirona’s scientists in France.
Contrary to western culture’s desire for tanned skin and sun-kissed cheeks, there is a growing trend for lighter skin in many parts of the world. The global skin lighteners market has been forecast to reach a value of US$19.8 billion by 2018, driven by the growing desire for light-coloured skin among both men and women.
There is a recognized need for a safer and more effective skin lightening agent. Sirona Biochem developed an innovative compound that met this need. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and stability of Sirona Biochem’s depigmenting agent TFC-849 with impressive results:
TFC-849 is 14X more effective than beta arbutin
TFC-849 is 7X more effective than alpha arbutin
TFC-849 is chemically stable and does not release hydroquinone
TFC-849 is non-genotoxic
TFC-849 is shown to be a non-irritant in ocular tolerability study
TFC-849 is shown to be a non-phototoxic in study against UVA irradiation
TFC-849 is shown to be a non-irritant in RHE study
Sirona Biochem licensed its patented skin lightening technology and know-how to Obagi in January 2014. Obagi is responsible for manufacture and distribution of the compound as part of a line of skin care products which includes skin lightening.
“Obagi Medical Products is a world-renowned company which offers some of the most efficacious skin care products on the market”, said Dr. Howard Verrico, Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Biochem. “With manufacturing started, we can now confidently look forward to the commercial launch of the skin lightener. Thanks to TFC-849, Obagi’s new products will be safer and more effective than products currently in the market so there is high probability that Obagi can see its already substantial market share increase further over the coming years. Sirona will receive ongoing royalty payments for global sales of the commercialized product which will be part of Obagi’s best-selling product line."
About Obagi Medical Products
Obagi Medical Products Inc., is a global specialty pharmaceutical company founded by leading skin care experts in 1988, and is owned by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE:VRX). Obagi products are designed to minimize the appearance of premature skin aging, skin damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, and sun damage and are primarily available through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical spas, and other skin care professionals. For more information please visit www.obagi.com or www.valeant.com.
About Sirona Biochem
Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary technology platform developed at its laboratory facility in France. The company specializes in the stabilization of carbohydrate molecules, with the goal of improving compounds’ efficacy and safety. Sirona Biochem’s compounds are patented as new chemical entities for maximum commercial protection and revenue potential. Newly developed compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing and milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. TFChem, Sirona Biochem’s wholly-owned French laboratory is a recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and a European Union and French government grant. For more information visit www.sironabiochem.com.
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Contrary to western culture’s desire for tanned skin and sun-kissed cheeks, there is a growing trend for lighter skin in many parts of the world. The global skin lighteners market has been forecast to reach a value of US$19.8 billion by 2018, driven by the growing desire for light-coloured skin among both men and women.
There is a recognized need for a safer and more effective skin lightening agent. Sirona Biochem developed an innovative compound that met this need. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and stability of Sirona Biochem’s depigmenting agent TFC-849 with impressive results:
TFC-849 is 14X more effective than beta arbutin
TFC-849 is 7X more effective than alpha arbutin
TFC-849 is chemically stable and does not release hydroquinone
TFC-849 is non-genotoxic
TFC-849 is shown to be a non-irritant in ocular tolerability study
TFC-849 is shown to be a non-phototoxic in study against UVA irradiation
TFC-849 is shown to be a non-irritant in RHE study
Sirona Biochem licensed its patented skin lightening technology and know-how to Obagi in January 2014. Obagi is responsible for manufacture and distribution of the compound as part of a line of skin care products which includes skin lightening.
“Obagi Medical Products is a world-renowned company which offers some of the most efficacious skin care products on the market”, said Dr. Howard Verrico, Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Biochem. “With manufacturing started, we can now confidently look forward to the commercial launch of the skin lightener. Thanks to TFC-849, Obagi’s new products will be safer and more effective than products currently in the market so there is high probability that Obagi can see its already substantial market share increase further over the coming years. Sirona will receive ongoing royalty payments for global sales of the commercialized product which will be part of Obagi’s best-selling product line."
About Obagi Medical Products
Obagi Medical Products Inc., is a global specialty pharmaceutical company founded by leading skin care experts in 1988, and is owned by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE:VRX). Obagi products are designed to minimize the appearance of premature skin aging, skin damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, and sun damage and are primarily available through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical spas, and other skin care professionals. For more information please visit www.obagi.com or www.valeant.com.
About Sirona Biochem
Sirona Biochem is a cosmetic ingredient and drug discovery company with a proprietary technology platform developed at its laboratory facility in France. The company specializes in the stabilization of carbohydrate molecules, with the goal of improving compounds’ efficacy and safety. Sirona Biochem’s compounds are patented as new chemical entities for maximum commercial protection and revenue potential. Newly developed compounds are licensed to leading companies around the world in return for licensing and milestone fees and ongoing royalty payments. TFChem, Sirona Biochem’s wholly-owned French laboratory is a recipient of multiple French national scientific awards and a European Union and French government grant. For more information visit www.sironabiochem.com.
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.