Strong in vivo activity demonstrated in multiple cancer models Favorable safety and toxicity profile QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq: AEZS) today announced that it presented an abstract outlining new in vivo data for ZEN-012, its novel, oral anti-cancer compound, at the 7th Joint Conference of the American Association for Cancer Research and the Japanese Cancer Association which was held this week at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Waikoloa, Hawaii. The poster entitled, "ZEN-012 - A novel highly potent orally active multi-targeted cytotoxic compound with inhibitory effects on tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase II and angiogenesis" (abstract #5399), reviewed results of a preclinical development program with ZEN-012. Anti-proliferative effects of ZEN-012 were studied in a panel of 32 established human tumor cell lines including multi-drug resistant phenotypes. Mode-of-action studies revealed that ZEN-012 effectively inhibited tubulin polymerization (IC50 = 1.49 (micro)M) and topoisomerase II activity. Results also showed that ZEN-012 induced apoptosis in U937 cells (human leukemic lymphoma cell line) as well as exerting anti-angiogenic properties at nanomolar concentrations far below anti-proliferative activity. In Vivo Results Given orally once or twice weekly, ZEN-012 proved to be a potent inhibitor of in vivo tumor growth in mammary, lung, renal, colon, melanoma xenograft models as well as in leukemia cancer models at well tolerated doses (16-40mg/kg). Furthermore, ZEN-012 showed good safety and toxicity profiles in a series of rodent and non-rodent studies. No findings with respect to cardiovascular or neurotoxicology parameters could be observed during the toxicological evaluation in mice, rats and dogs. "These very encouraging, new preclinical results not only demonstrate ZEN-012's strong in vivo activity and favorable safety profile, but further support the recent initiation of our Phase 1 trial with ZEN-012 in advanced solid tumors and lymphoma," stated Dr. Jurgen Engel, Executive Vice President Global R&D and Chief Operating Officer at AEterna Zentaris. "We believe there is the potential to witness further activity with ZEN-012 in additional tumors, including those resistant to cisplatin, vincristine and doxorubicin such as breast, endometrium, lung, ovarian and prostate cancers, and look forward to its continued development." Conclusions on ZEN-012 - A novel, orally active anti-cancer compound; - Inhibition of tubulin polymerization and topoisomerase II; - Induction of apoptosis; - Clear anti-angiogenic effects at non cytotoxic concentrations; - Strong in vivo activity in different cancer models including mammary, colon, skin, lung, renal and leukemic cancers; and - Favorable safety and toxicity profiles. About AEterna Zentaris Inc. AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a growing global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology with proven expertise in drug discovery, development and commercialization. News releases and additional information are available at 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. CONTACT: Jenene Thomas, Senior Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, (418) 655-6420, ; Paul Burroughs, Media Relations, (418) 652-8525 ext. 406,

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