QUÉBEC CITY, May 31,
2012 /PRNewswire/ - Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS)
(TSX: AEZ) (the "Company") today announced that an
article published in the May 2012
issue of Plos One, outlines a novel mechanism of action of the
Company's oral anti-cancer compound, perifosine, which could
provide a rationale for a novel approach to the treatment of
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MMe), an aggressive type of cancer
associated with exposure to asbestos. The article titled,
"Perifosine as a Potential Novel Anti-Cancer Agent Inhibits
EGFR/MET-AKT Axis in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma", G.
Pinton, A. Gabriella
Manente, G. Angeli, L. Mutti, L. Moro, is
available at www.plosone.org. Plos One is an international, peer
reviewed on-line publication.
Methods
Perifosine's activity was tested on human mesothelial cells and
different mesothelioma cell lines, in order to provide evidence of
its efficacy as single agent and combined therapy.
Results
Data demonstrated that perifosine caused a dose-dependent
reduction of Akt activation, at concentrations causing MMe cell
growth arrest. Moreover, data described a novel mechanism of
perifosine that interferes, upstream of Akt, affecting EGFR and MET
phosphorylation. Finally, data demonstrated a significant increase
in cell toxicity when MMe cells were treated with perifosine in
combination with cisplatin.
Conclusions
This study provides a novel mechanism of action of perifosine,
directly inhibiting EGFR/MET-Akt1/3 axis, providing a rationale for
a novel translational approach to the treatment of MMe.
About Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MMe)
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a rapidly lethal cancer
associated with exposure to asbestos that is increasing in
incidence worldwide. Since MMe is resistant to conventional
therapies, the prognosis of these patients is poor, with a median
survival of 11-12 months after diagnosis, therefore, there is an
urgent need for effective therapy.
About Perifosine
Perifosine is a novel, oral anticancer compound that inhibits
Akt activation in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. It
works by interfering with membranes of cancer cells, thereby
inhibiting Akt signaling which then affects cell death, growth,
differentiation and survival. Perifosine is currently in a Phase 3
trial in multiple myeloma. In this indication, it has been granted
Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations by the Food and Drug
Administration. It has also received positive Scientific Advice and
Orphan Medicinal Product designation from the European Medicines
Agency. Rights for perifosine have been out licensed to Yakult
Honsha Co. Ltd. for Japan, to
Handok Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. for Korea and to Hikma
Pharmaceuticals PLC for the Middle
East and certain countries in North Africa. Aeterna Zentaris holds rights
for the rest of the world.
About Aeterna Zentaris
Aeterna Zentaris is an oncology and endocrinology drug
development company currently investigating treatments for various
unmet medical needs. The Company's pipeline encompasses compounds
at all stages of development, from drug discovery through to
marketed products. For more information please visit
www.aezsinc.com.
SOURCE AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.