Data demonstrates perifosine’s anti-cancer activity and efficacy both as
a single agent and in combination therapy
QUEBEC CITY, June 1/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - AEterna Zentaris Inc. , a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced that its partner, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals , presented positive Phase 2 data on the clinical activity of perifosine (KRX-0401), an Akt-inhibitor compound for cancer, as a treatment for advanced metastatic colon cancer and advanced renal cell carcinoma. Data was presented over the weekend at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, currently being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Advanced Metastatic Colon Cancer
The poster #4081 entitled, “Randomized Phase 2 study of perifosine in combination with capecitabine versus capecitabine alone in patients with second- or third-line metastatic colon cancer”, showed that perifosine combined with capecitabine, more than doubled time to progression versus capecitabine plus placebo with a statistically significant p-value (0.0006). In addition, perifosine plus capecitabine more than doubled the Overall Response Rate and almost doubled the Clinical Benefit Rate versus capecitabine plus placebo.
Advanced Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer
The poster #5034 entitled, “Phase 2 study of perifosine in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progressing after prior therapy (Rx) with a VEGF receptor”, demonstrated impressive single agent efficacy of perifosine in patients who progressed after failing treatment either with a VEGF receptor inhibitor or after treatment with both a VEGF receptor inhibitor and an mTOR inhibitor.
“We are encouraged as well as excited about the recent data presented on perifosine by our partner Keryx at ASCO”, stated Juergen Engel, Ph.D., President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris. “This data further shows perifosine’s potential as a novel anticancer compound both as a single agent and in combination therapy. We now look forward to Keryx’s future plan to develop perifosine in oncology.”
Copies of the abstracts are currently available and can be viewed on-line through the ASCO website: http://www.asco.org/.
About Perifosine (KRX-0401)
Perifosine is the first orally active Akt inhibitor in multiple Phase 2 trials in cancer. The compound modulates several key signal transduction pathways, including Akt, MAPK, and JNK that have been shown to be critical for the survival of cancer cells. Perifosine has demonstrated single agent anti-tumor activity in Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies and is currently being studied as a single agent and in combination with several forms of anti-cancer treatments for various forms of cancer. Perifosine is licensed to Keryx Biopharmaceuticals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
About AEterna Zentaris Inc.
AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, with proven expertise in drug discovery, development and commercialization. News releases and additional information are available at www.aezsinc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of the Company to take advantage of business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult the Company’s quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, and we disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments except if we are requested to do so by a governmental authority or applicable law.
CONTACT: Investor Relations: Ginette Vallieres, Investor Relations
Coordinator, (418) 652-8525 ext. 265, gvallieres@aezsinc.com; Media
Relations, Paul Burroughs, Director of Communications, (418) 652-8525, ext.
406, pburroughs@aezsinc.com
