AEterna Zentaris to Present New in vitro Data on Antiangiogenic Properties of Perifosine at Strategic Research Institute's Angio
September 27 2004 - 8:31AM
PR Newswire (US)
AEterna Zentaris to Present New in vitro Data on Antiangiogenic
Properties of Perifosine at Strategic Research Institute's
Angiogenesis Conference CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Sept. 27
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; NASDAQ:
AEZS) today announced that it will present new in vitro data on
antiangiogenic properties of perifosine, the Company's novel,
first-in- class, oral signal transduction/AKT inhibitor, at
Strategic Research Institute's 2nd Annual Angiogenesis conference
being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cambridge, MA. today.
Prof. Jurgen Engel, Executive Vice President, Global R&D and
Chief Operating Officer of AEterna Zentaris and Prof. Marcel
Verheij, M.D., Ph.D. of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, will
present in vitro data demonstrating that perifosine inhibits
(suppresses) the formation of new endothelial capillaries,
characteristic of angiogenesis, which is considered to be an
important process involved in the growth of solid tumors and their
capability to metastasize (spread). Previously reported in vitro
data had demonstrated perifosine's ability to (i) modulate multiple
key signal transduction pathways involved in growth/proliferation
and survival of cancer cells; (ii) induce apoptosis (programmed
cell death); and (iii) act as a radiosensitizer and to
synergistically enhance radiation-induced apoptosis. Agents such as
perifosine that possess antiangiogenic properties in addition to
selective anti-tumor (cytotoxic) activity may potentially be more
effective as cancer treatments, especially in combination with
other cancer treatment modalities. The in vitro data being
presented today were generated in two established in vitro
angiogenesis models using three different types of endothelial
cells: the HMVEC (human microvascular endothelial cells), BAEC
(bovine aortic endothelial cells) and HUVEC (human umbilical venous
endothelial cells). The following observations were made: (i)
perifosine is selectively (preferentially) taken up by and
accumulates in proliferating endothelial cells as compared to
confluent cells; (ii) perifosine induces a dose-dependent and
preferential apoptotic effect in proliferating endothelial cells;
and (iii) perifosine inhibits, in a dose-dependent manner, the
length of capillary- like tubule formation, an essential step in
angiogenesis. Multiple Phase II trials are currently underway
evaluating perifosine as a single agent and in combination with
chemotherapy in several tumor types through collaboration with
Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:KERX) and the United States
National Cancer Institute. About AEterna Zentaris Inc. AEterna
Zentaris Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused in oncology
and endocrine therapy. Its extensive portfolio, from drug discovery
to marketed products, includes perifosine, an orally-active AKT
inhibitor in several Phase II trials for multiple cancers, and
cetrorelix, an LHRH antagonist already marketed for in vitro
fertilization under the brand name Cetrotide(R), and also in
advanced clinical development for the treatment of uterine myoma,
endometriosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). AEterna
Zentaris also owns 62% of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc., which
develops, distributes and markets active ingredients, specialty
fine chemicals, cosmetic and nutritional products for the
cosmetics, chemical, pharmaceutical and nutritional industries.
News releases and additional information about AEterna Zentaris are
available on its new Web site http://www.aeternazentaris.com/ .
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains
forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor
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. DATASOURCE: AETERNA
ZENTARIS INC. (FORMERLY/ANCIENNEMENT - LES LABORATOIRES AETERNA
CONTACT: Media Relations: Paul Burroughs, (418) 652-8525 ext. 406,
; Investor Relations: Jacques Raymond, (418) 652-8525 ext. 360, ;
U.S. Investor Relations: Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates: Kim
Golodetz, (212) 838-3777, ; Europe: Matthias Seeber, +49 69 42602
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