Helix Biopharma Announces Change of Auditor

AURORA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 12, 2013) - Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP) (FRANKFURT: HBP) (the “Company” or “Helix”), a biopharmaceutical company developing drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of cancer, today announced that it has initiated the process of changing Helix’s auditor from KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) to BDO Canada LLP (“BDO”). The change will be effective as of the completion of the audit for the Helix’s 2013 fiscal year by KPMG and a transition period has already commenced.

“The voting result regarding the appointment of auditors at the 2012 AGM was a clear signal for this change,” said Robert Verhagen, CEO. “We are looking forward to working with BDO during the transition period and in the future.”

In accordance with National Instrument 51-102 (“NI 51-102"), Helix sent a Change of Auditor Notice to each of KMPG and BDO on June 21, 2013 and on June 24 and 28, 2013 Helix received copies of the letters from KPMG and BDO, respectively, addressed to the Ontario Securities Commission (the “OSC”), as required by NI 51-102. A copy of the Change of Auditor Notice, together with a copy of the letters from each of KPMG and BDO addressed to the OSC, have now been filed under Helix’s profile on SEDAR and delivered to each of KPMG and BDO, all in compliance with NI 51-102.

About Helix BioPharma Corp.

Helix BioPharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the field of cancer therapy. The company is actively developing innovative products for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on its proprietary technologies. Helix’s product development initiatives include its novel L-DOS47 new drug candidate and its Topical Interferon Alpha-2b. Helix is currently listed on the TSX and FSE under the symbol “HBP”.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risks and Uncertainties

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, without limitation, that the change of auditors will occur and that such change will occur on the anticipated timelines. Forward-looking statements are intended to provide information about management’s current plans and expectations regarding future operations.

Although Helix believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated and no assurance can be given that these expectations will be realized, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties affecting the company as more fully described in Helix’s most recent Annual Report, including under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”, filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedar.com (together, the “Helix Risk Factors”). Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, that the change of auditors will occur and that such change will occur on the anticipated timelines and the Helix Risk Factors will not cause Helix’s actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements and information are based on the beliefs, assumptions and expectations of Helix’s management on the date of this news release, and Helix does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or information should those beliefs, assumptions or expectations, or other circumstances change, except as required by law.