Acetium® lozenge for smoking intervention will be available in Thailand during the year 2019

Press release 11th April 2019 at 09.30 local time (EEST)

Biohit Oyj and Precision Health Co., Ltd have signed an agreement for the distribution of the Acetium lozenge in Thailand.

The effectiveness of Acetium® lozenge in smoking intervention has been evaluated in two clinical trials.^{1- 2} When regularly used concomitantly with every smoked cigarette, eventually the taste of cigarettes changes and the pleasure of smoking decreases making it easier for a smoker to quit.

CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: "We are pleased to get the Acetium® lozenge available also in Thailand, where the market is substantial. Acetium® lozenge for smoking intervention is one of Biohit’s numerous innovations resulting from the aggressive innovation and patenting strategy of the company.  Acetium® lozenge is free from nicotine and side effects, and it offers a new and safe method for those motivated to quit smoking.”

Managing Director, PhD Vitchayut Peem Tupwongse, Precision Health Co., Ltd:
"There are more than 13 million cigarette smokers in Thailand and more than 5 million have the intention to quit. It is important to find new innovative products that can help smokers quit and accomplish their own and families´ goals. Precision Health team will introduce this new innovative product with the academic support to assist the quitter and the healthcare professional market.”

Precision Health Co., Ltd. is a young company founded by a group of professional Medical Doctors, Medical Diagnostics specialist and Environmental Toxicologist who have more than 20 years of experience in Advance Healthcare Diagnostics, Medical Imaging center, Professional Health advisory/consultations. Precision Health aims to serving the products, services and consultancy in several areas that make health and wellness to the Thai community.

Innovative Smoking cessation products now become the priority of Precision Health. For 2019 the board members have approved jointly a significant amount of initial investment to kick off the registration and market promotion of Acetium® lozenge. 
For more information, please contact: info@precisionhealth.co.th

Acetium® lozenge contains L-cysteine, a natural amino acid that binds carcinogenic acetaldehyde dissolved in saliva from cigarette smoke.³ It removes up to 90 % of smoke-derived acetaldehyde in saliva. Normal saliva does not contain acetaldehyde.³ Acetaldehyde is a class I human carcinogen⁴ and one of the main components of tobacco smoke. The lozenge also contains xylitol to reduce the production of acetaldehyde by bacteria in the mouth and improve overall oral hygiene.

Acetium® lozenge is now in the registration process with Thai FDA.

For more information please contact:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.acetium.com
www.biohithealthcare.com/additional-information
www.biohithealthcare.com/ About Us/History/ Aggressive Innovation and Patenting Strategy – the Way to Success and National Well-Being

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