AEterna Zentaris Discloses First In Vitro Data for its PI3K Inhibitors at the AACR Annual Meeting in Los Angeles
April 16 2007 - 8:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
Second generation pyridopyrazine-urea derivative compound series
show highly selective PI3K-inhibition which could be valuable for
cancer treatment QUEBEC, April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna
Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq: AEZS), a global, pure play
biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and
oncology, today presented an abstract outlining first in vitro data
on its pyridopyrazine derivatives with high selectivity for PI3K
inhibition, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Annual Meeting being held this week at the Los Angeles Convention
Center in Los Angeles, California. Results The poster #2379
entitled, "New Generation of Anilino-Substituted
Pyridopyrazine-Urea Derivatives Show Highly Selective
PI3K-Inhibition", reviewed for the first time, results for a
preclinical development program on a new generation of
pyridopyrazine derivatives which clearly indicate that these drug
candidates selectively inhibit PI3K. Furthermore, an optimization
process of our already known aryl-pyridopyrazine series led to the
identification of a new lead compound in this series. A medicinal
chemistry program was then initiated which resulted in the
synthesis of new anilino-substituted pyridopyrazines. Out of this
second generation series, several derivatives also with
highly-selective PI3K inhibition as well as improved cellular
efficacy and better drug-like properties, were identified.
Conclusions - Novel low molecular weight kinase inhibitor -
Excellent in vitro activity against PI3K - High selectivity against
a panel of more than 50 kinases - Anti-proliferative efficacy in
diverse tumor cell-lines - Promising bioavailability observed for
lead compound - PI3K signalling network covers enormous therapeutic
potential "We are pleased with these results which exemplify our
capability of developing novel therapeutic approaches that add to
the breadth and depth of our product pipeline," said Dr Jurgen
Engel, Executive Vice President, Global R&D and Chief Operating
Officer at AEterna Zentaris. "The potential for cancer treatment
with agents inhibiting the PI3K pathway has become a focus in
recent drug discovery and development research. We believe that by
developing novel selective PI3K inhibiting small molecular
compounds, we are positioning ourselves as one of the leaders in
this promising therapeutic approach." Cellular substrate
phosphorylation studies targeting the inhibition of PI3K and
functional cellular assays of tumor cell proliferation have been
performed. In addition, physicochemical and initial ADMET data were
collected. Several derivatives are currently undergoing first
pharmacokinetic in vivo studies. About AEterna Zentaris Inc.
AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a global, pure play 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including
statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words
"believes", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "expects",
"estimates", "will," "may", "should", "approximately", and the
negative or other variations of those terms or comparable
terminology, are forward-looking statements. Such statements
reflect management's current views, intentions, strategies and
plans and are based on certain assumptions. 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 ability of AEterna
Zentaris to implement its business strategies, the availability of
funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and
timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of AEterna
Zentaris 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.at
http://www.aeternazentaris.com/. 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,
Copyright