QUEBEC CITY, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Aeterna Zentaris
Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZ) (the "Company") today announced
that the European Patent Office ("EPO") has granted a patent for
the use of the ghrelin agonist, AEZS-130, related to methods and
kits for use in relation to the diagnosis of growth hormone
deficiency ("GHD") in a human or animal subject. Filed on
February 19, 2007, the patent
(EP #1 984 744 B1) titled, "Methods and Kits to
Diagnose Growth Hormone Deficiency", was effective as of
September 19, 2012, following its
announcement in the European Patent Bulletin, and will expire on
February 19, 2027. A similar patent
has already been granted in the U.S.
Juergen Engel, Ph.D., Aeterna
Zentaris President and CEO, commented, "This patent in Europe, along with the one already granted in
the U.S., are key elements to ensure the protection of AEZS-130 for
the diagnosis of GHD, in the world's two largest markets. We now
look forward to filing a New Drug Application in the near future in
the U.S. for AEZS-130, which could become the first approved oral
diagnostic test for adults with GHD".
About AGHD (Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency)
AGHD affects 35,000 adult Americans, with 6,000 new adult
patients diagnosed each year. Growth hormone not only plays an
important role in growth from childhood to adulthood, but helps
promote good health throughout life. AGHD is usually characterized
by low energy levels, decreased strength and exercise tolerance,
increased weight or difficulty losing weight, emotional changes,
anxiety and impaired sleep.
About AEZS-130
AEZS-130, a ghrelin agonist, is a novel orally-active small
molecule that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone. The
Company has completed a Phase 3 trial for use as an oral diagnostic
test for AGHD. AEZS-130 has been granted orphan drug designation by
the FDA for use in this indication. AEZS-130 is also in a Phase 2A
trial as a treatment for cancer-induced cachexia. Aeterna Zentaris
owns the worldwide rights to AEZS-130.
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.
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 that 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 risk that safety and efficacy data from any of our
Phase 3 trials may not coincide with the data analyses from
previously reported Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 clinical trials, 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 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, unless
required to do so by a governmental authority or by applicable
law.
SOURCE AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.