Aeterna Zentaris Presents Proof-of-Concept for Disorazol Z
Cytotoxic Conjugates, such as AEZS-125, in Ovarian Cancer Mouse
Model at ENA Symposium
QUÉBEC CITY, CANADA,
Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Aeterna
Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZ) (the "Company")
today presented encouraging preclinical results for disorazol Z
cytotoxic conjugates, such as AEZS-125, in ovarian cancer. Results
showed the compound's high potential for the treatment of
luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor positive
tumors. Data were presented by the Company's Director of
Preclinical Development, Babette
Aicher, PhD, during a poster presentation at the
24th EORTC-NCI-AACR (ENA) Symposium on "Molecular
Targets and Cancer Therapeutics", currently held in Dublin, Ireland. The study is funded through a
grant from the German Ministry of Education and Research.
Juergen Engel, PhD, Aeterna
Zentaris President and CEO stated, "Disorazol Z cytotoxic
conjugates such as AEZS-125, are an extension of our AEZS-108
innovative LHRH receptor targeted platform in oncology. These
encouraging results presented at the ENA Symposium will enable us
to select a specific drug candidate for further preclinical
development expected to start in the first quarter of 2013."
Conclusions
- All conjugates of D-Lys6 -LHRH and disorazol Z
analyzed, demonstrated high potential
regarding the treatment of LHRH-receptor positive tumors;
- For all conjugates, including AEZS-125, proof-of-concept could
be demonstrated in an
LHRH-receptor positive A2780 ovarian cancer xenograft model;
- Experiments are currently under way addressing:
-
- Correlation of tumor LHRH-receptor expression and treatment
efficacy;
- Evaluation of additional tumor models, such as endometrium and
triple-negative breast cancer;
- Assessment of early safety parameters and orientating acute
toxicity in rodent models.
The poster, "Highly Potent Cytotoxic Conjugates of Disorazol
Z Linked to a LHRH-Receptor Targeting Peptide such as AEZS-125,
Interfere with Cell Cycle Progression in Human Cancer Cell Lines
and Suppress Tumor Growth in a LHRH-Receptor Positive Ovarian
Cancer Xenograft Model", B. Aicher, T. Schuster, L.
Blumenstein, P. Schmidt, H. Irschik, R. Jansen, R. Mueller, E. Guenther, M.
Teifel, can be viewed through this link.
About Disorazol Z Cytotoxic Conjugates such as
AEZS-125
AEZS-125 is a disorazol Z (AEZS-137) cytotoxic conjugate linked
to a Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH)-receptor
targeting peptide. Disorazol Z is a novel natural compound isolated
from myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum with outstanding
cytotoxic activity. Disorazol Z is a macrocyclic polyketide which
is available via fermentation in high yield and purity. Besides
tubulin binding, disorazol Z has pro-apoptotic properties and
arrested cancer cells in G2 stage of the cell cycle at subnanomolar
concentrations. Disorazol Z is an ideal partner for the formation
of cytotoxic conjugates with peptides and proteins to selectively
target cancer cells.
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.