Québec City, Canada, November 10, 2010 – Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS, TSX: AEZ), (“the Company”) today announced that it will present a poster on Phase 2 results for AEZS-108 in advanced endometrial cancer at the 22nd EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics to be held at the Berlin Estrel Hotel and Convention Centre in Berlin, Germany November 16 through 19, 2010.
Abstract #378: “Phase 2 study of AEZS-108 (AN-152), a targeted cytotoxic LHRH analog, in patients with LHRH receptor positive endometrial cancer,” G. Emons, S. Tomov, P. Harter, J. Sehouli, P. Wimberger, A. Staehle, LC. Hanker, F. Hilpert, P. Dall, C. Gruendker Presenter: Günter Emons, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Göttingen, Germany Poster board: 100 Poster session: “Molecular-targeted therapies – clinical trials” Date and time: Thursday, November 18, 2010, from 12 noon to 2:20 p.m. (local time) Location: Berlin Estrel Hotel and Convention Centre
AEZS-108, a novel hybrid molecule composed of a synthetic peptide carrier and a well-known chemotherapy agent, doxorubicin, is in a Phase 2 trial in advanced endometrial. For more information on the trial, go to http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=AEZS-108. AEZS-108 is the first intravenous drug in a clinical study that directs the chemotherapy agent specifically to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-receptor expressing tumors, resulting in more targeted treatment with less damage to healthy tissue. AEZS-108, also in a Phase 2 trial in advanced ovarian cancer, has been granted orphan-drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and orphan medicinal product designation from the European Medicines Agency for this indication. Aeterna Zentaris owns the worldwide rights to AEZS-108.
In addition to the poster on AEZS-108, the Company will also present posters on preclinical results for three of its other novel anticancer compounds:
Abstract #203: “Perifosine in combination with antimetabolites induces synergistic effects on cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human colon, multiple myeloma, breast, renal, and liver tumor cell lines,” B. Aicher, P. Schmidt, M. Teifel, J. Engel, E. G. Günther. Presenter: Babette Aicher, Ph.D., Associate Director, Discovery and Preclinical Development, Aeterna Zentaris Poster session: “Molecular-targeted therapies – preclinical” Date and Time: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 12 noon – 2:20 p.m. (local time) Location: Berlin Estrel Hotel and Convention Centre
Abstract #98: “AEZS-129, an orally active PI3K inhibitor in preclinical development,” I. Seipelt, E. Guenther, S. Baasner, L. Blumenstein, G. Mueller, J. Fensterle, J. Engel, M. Teifel, M. Gerlach Presenter: Irene Seipelt, Ph.D., Associate Director, Discovery and Preclinical Development, Aeterna Zentaris Poster session: “Molecular-targeted therapies – preclinical” Date and Time: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 12 noon – 2:20 p.m. (local time) Location: Berlin Estrel Hotel and Convention Centre
Abstract #197: “AEZS-132, a new orally bioavailable PI3K/Erk inhibitor with antitumor effects,” I. Seipelt, M. Gerlach, S. Baasner, L. Blumenstein, G. Mueller, B. Aicher, J. Engel, E. Guenther, M. Teifel Presenter: Irene Seipelt, Ph.D., Associate Director, Discovery and Preclinical Development, Aeterna Zentaris Poster session: “Molecular-targeted therapies – preclinical” Date and Time: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 12 noon – 2:20 p.m. (local time) Location: Berlin Estrel Hotel and Convention Centre
About Aeterna Zentaris Inc.
Aeterna Zentaris is a late-stage oncology drug development company currently investigating potential treatments for various cancers including colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancer as well as multiple myeloma. The Company’s innovative approach of “personalized medicine” means tailoring treatments to a patient’s specific condition and to unmet medical needs. Aeterna Zentaris’ deep pipeline is drawn from its proprietary discovery unit providing the Company with constant and long-term access to state-of-the-art therapeutic options. For more information please visit www.aezsinc.com.
Investor Relations Ginette Vallières 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
