AEterna Zentaris Discloses New In Vivo Data for ZEN-012 at the 7th Joint Conference of the AACR and JCA
January 26 2007 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
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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