Press release 4.4.2019 at 09.30 local time (EEST)
Biohit Oyj and Satya Abadi Pharma have signed an agreement for the distribution of the Acetium lozenge in Indonesia.
The effectiveness of Acetium® lozenge in smoking intervention has been evaluated in two clinical trials. 1- 2 If a lozenge is sucked every time a cigarette is smoked, eventually the taste of cigarettes changes and the pleasure of smoking decreases making it is easier to quit.
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: “The Acetium® lozenge for smoking cessation is an innovation developed and manufactured in Finland. It contains L-cysteine that binds carsinogen acetaldehyde. The Acetium® lozenge removes up to 90 % of smoke-derived acetaldehyde in saliva. Free from nicotine and side effects, Acetium® offers a safe method for those trying to quit smoking.”
CEO Agus Suwarno, PT. Satya Abadi Pharma:”We are very honored to represent Biohit and distribute Acetium® lozenge in Indonesia. As a marketing and distribution company in pharmaceutical and medical equipment who have a wide and diverse distribution channel all over Indonesia, we believe that the product supports our portfolio and will have a growing demand in Indonesia. Smoking is an important public health problem in Indonesia. There are up to 60 million active smokers in Indonesia. Every year, more than two hundred thousand people are killed by tobacco-caused disease. Most of the smokers are afraid of the dangers of cancer caused by cigarette and try to quit smoking. Acetium® lozenge is the product they need."
Acetium® lozenges contain L-cysteine, a natural amino acid that binds carcinogenic acetaldehyde dissolved in saliva from cigarette smoke. 3 The lozenge also contains xylitol to reduce the production of acetaldehyde by bacteria in the mouth and improve overall oral hygiene. Normal saliva does not contain acetaldehyde. 3 Acetaldehyde is a carcinogen 4 and one of the harmful substances in tobacco smoke. The Acetium® lozenge removes up to 90 % of smoke-derived acetaldehyde in saliva.
The registration of Acetium® lozenge has already begun with the local authority.
Established in 2011, Satya Abadi Pharma is a developing pharmaceutical company in marketing high quality and specific pharmaceutical products and medical equipment. In only 6 years it has become one of the leading company in plasma protein therapies in Indonesia. Satya Abadi Pharma has a vision of being a prominent health care corporation in marketing high quality, specific, pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.
More information about Satya Abadi Pharma: http://www.sapharma.co.id/
For more information please contact:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj tel. +358 9 773 861 investor.relations@biohit.fi www.acetium.com
References
1. Syrjänen K et al. Elimination of cigarette smoke-derived acetaldehyde in saliva by slow-release L-cysteine lozenge is an effective new method to assist smoking cessation. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention. Anticancer Res. 2016;36:2297-2306.
2. Syrjänen K et al. Slow-release L-cysteine (Acetium) lozenge is an effective new method in smoking cessation. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention. Anticancer Res 2017;37:3639-3648.
3. Salaspuro VJ et al. Eliminating carcinogenic acetaldehyde by cysteine from saliva during smoking. Cancer Epid Biomark Prev 2006;15:146-149.
4. Secretan B et al. WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group. A review of human carcinogens- Part E: tobacco, areca nut, alcohol, coal smoke, and salted fish. Lancet Oncol 2009;10:1033-1034.
Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company. Biohit’s mission is "Innovating for Health” – we produce innovative products and services to promote research and early diagnosis. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has subsidiaries in Italy and the United Kingdom. Biohit’s series B share (BIOBV) is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Small cap/Healthcare. www.biohit.fi
