QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - AEterna Zentaris Inc. , a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today presented an abstract outlining novel data generated from three AEZS-112 (formerly ZEN-012) follow-up multi-targeted cytotoxic candidates at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics being held this week at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California. Following encouraging results, the Company will pursue further research aimed at selecting an AEZS-112 follow-up candidate for preclinical development in cancer.
David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at AEterna Zentaris commented, "These encouraging new results for our AEZS-112 follow-up compounds are further proof of the quality and depth of our internal drug discovery engine, and we look forward to the continued development of these compounds as potential novel oral cancer treatments."
Results
The abstract #C218 entitled, "Highly Potent Cytotoxic Compounds with Inhibitory Effects on Tubulin Polymerization and Topoisomerase II", reviewed results of a pharmacological characterization of three follow-up compound candidates to AEZS-112, AEterna Zentaris' multi-targeted cytotoxic compound currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors and lymphoma. The analysis was aimed at identifying compounds with either quantitative or qualitative variations in either mode of action - inhibition of tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase activity as well as antiangiogenic properties - and/or tumor specificity for subsequent preclinical development.
AEZS-112 follow-up candidates were subjected to comprehensive in vitro profiling with respect to mode of action, metabolic stability and interference with clonogenic growth of human xenograft derived cell lines.
Based on their interesting in vitro profiles, all three follow-up candidates will be subjected to human tumor xenograft in vivo models aimed at selecting an AEZS-112 follow-up candidate for preclinical development.
The poster presentation is available in the Investor section of the Company's website under "Events and Webcasts" at www.aeternazentaris.com.
About AEZS-112
AEZS-112 is a novel oral multi-targeted cytotoxic compound with inhibitory effects on tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase II and angiogenesis. In January 2007, the Company initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors and lymphoma; primary endpoints will focus on determining the safety and tolerability of the compound.
AEZS-112 has shown potent in vitro anti-proliferative activity at nanomolar concentrations against human tumor cell lines of different origin. The compound is active in tumor cell lines which are resistant to cisplatin and doxorubicin as well as to tubulin inhibitors such as vincristine and paclitaxel. Given orally once or twice weekly, AEZS-112 proved to be a potent inhibitor of in vivo tumor growth in different models including mammary, colon, skin, lung, renal and leukemic cancers.
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.aeternazentaris.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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "believes", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "expects", "estimates", "will," "may", "should", "approximately", and the negative or other variations of those terms or comparable terminology, are forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management's current views, intentions, strategies and plans and are based on certain assumptions.
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 ability of AEterna Zentaris to implement its business strategies, the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of AEterna Zentaris 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 at www.aeternazentaris.com.
CONTACT: Jenene Thomas, Senior Director, Investor Relations & Corporate
Communications, (908) 938-1475, jenene.thomas@aeternazentaris.com; Paul
Burroughs, Media Relations, (418) 652-8525 ext. 406,
paul.burroughs@aeternazentaris.com
