QUÉBEC CITY, May 21
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq:
AEZS), (the "Company") a late-stage drug development company
specialized in oncology and endocrine therapy, today announced that
data on two of its lead anticancer compounds, perifosine and
AEZS-108, will be presented at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which will be held
June 4 through 8, 2010 at McCormick
Place in Chicago. Two posters on
perifosine, Aeterna Zentaris' novel, potentially first-in-class,
oral anticancer agent that inhibits Akt activation in the
phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, will be presented in
pediatric solid tumors and colorectal cancer. A poster will also be
presented on the Company's doxorubicin targeted conjugate compound,
AEZS-108, in ovarian cancer.
Abstracts selected for presentation are as follows:
Perifosine
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Abstract # 9540: "Phase I Study of Single Agent Perifosine for
Recurrent Pediatric Solid Tumors"
Lead Author: Oren J. Becher, MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center
Presenter: Mark Kieran, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Date and Time: Sunday, June 6, 2010, 2 pm-6 pm (poster discussion
5:40pm-6pm)
Poster Board #: 42b
Location: S Hall A2 (poster discussion in S504)
Abstract # 3531: "Final results of a randomized Phase II study of
perifosine in combination with capecitabine (P-CAP)
vs. placebo plus capecitabine (CAP) in patients (pts)
with second or third line metastatic colorectal
cancer (mCRC)"
Lead Author: Donald A. Richards, MD, PhD, Texas Oncology
Presenter: Wells Messersmith, MD, University of Colorado
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 8 am-12 noon (poster
discussion 11:45 am-12 noon)
Poster Board #: 22
Location: S403 (poster discussion in S406)
AEZS-108
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Abstract # 5035: "Phase 2 study of AEZS-108, a targeted cytotoxic LHRH
analog, in patients with LHRH receptor positive
platinum resistant ovarian cancer"
Lead Author: Prof. Günter Emons, Chairman, Department of
Obstetrics & Gynaecology Georg-August University
Gottingen, Germany
Presenter: Prof. Günter Emons
Date and Time: Saturday, June 5, 2010 2pm- 6pm
Poster Board #: 45B
Location: S Hall A2
Copies of these abstracts are currently available and can be
viewed on-line through the ASCO website: www.asco.org.
About Perifosine
Perifosine, a novel, potentially first-in-class, oral Akt
inhibitor, is currently in Phase 3 trials for multiple myeloma and
advanced colorectal cancer, under Special Protocol Assessment and
Fast Track designation granted by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for both indications. FDA has also granted perifosine
orphan-drug status for multiple myeloma. Furthermore, the European
Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a positive Scientific Advice as
well as a positive opinion for Orphan Medicinal Product designation
for perifosine for multiple myeloma.
Perifosine is also in a Phase 1 trial in pediatric patients, as
well as in other Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials for several other tumor
types.
Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Keryx) (Nasdaq: KERX) is Aeterna
Zentaris' partner and licensee for perifosine in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Perifosine is also out-licensed to
Handok for South Korea, while
Aeterna Zentaris retains rights for the rest of the world.
About AEZS-108
AEZS-108, a doxorubicin LHRH receptor targeted conjugate, is
currently in a Phase 2 trial in advanced ovarian and endometrial
cancer for which final results are expected before year-end.
AEZS-108 has been granted orphan-drug designation by the FDA and
has received a positive opinion for Orphan Medicinal Product
designation from the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP)
of the European Medicines Agency, for the treatment of ovarian
cancer. An IND in the U.S. is in place for the treatment of bladder
cancer.
About Aeterna Zentaris Inc.
Aeterna Zentaris Inc. is a late-stage drug development company
specialized in oncology and endocrine therapy. 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 harbour 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. 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 required by a governmental authority or applicable
law.
SOURCE AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.