AEterna Zentaris to Present Data Supporting Evaluation of AEZS-108 in Prostate Cancer at Upcoming ASCO Meeting
May 19 2009 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Partner Keryx to present Phase 2 data on perifosine for multiple
cancers QUEBEC CITY, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna
Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq: AEZS), a global biopharmaceutical
company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced
that results supporting the evaluation of its targeted cytotoxic
peptide conjugate compound, AEZS-108, in prostate cancer, will be
presented as a poster at the American Society of Clinical Oncology
(ASCO) Annual Meeting, to be held May 29 through June 2, 2009 at
the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. AEZS-108
Results presented are important for the expansion of potential
indications for AEZS-108. While clinical investigations so far
focused on gynaecological indications, the new results show
continued expression of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone
(LHRH) receptors in prostate cancer specimens after prolonged use
of LHRH agonists; these data provide further support to the
investigation of the drug in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, a
major genitourinary cancer indication in male patients. Abstract
selected for presentation is as follows: Genitourinary Cancer
Sunday, May 31, 2009: # 5103: Expression of LHRH receptors in
prostate cancer cells prior to therapy, following castration, or
following treatment with LHRH agonists Lead Author: Stephen Liu, MD
Poster Session: 2 pm - 6 pm (Level 2, West Hall C) Perifosine
Additionally, AEterna Zentaris' partner, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals,
announced yesterday that it will present four posters on the
Akt-inhibitor compound, perifosine, during the ASCO meeting. Keryx
is currently developing perifosine in multiple Phase 2 trials for
various types of cancer. All of the clinical data presented
demonstrate the potential efficacy of perifosine, both as a single
agent and in combination with other approved agents, in the
treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma,
colorectal cancer and GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors).
Abstracts selected for presentation are as follows: Renal Cell
Carcinoma (RCC) Friday, May 29, 2009 #5034: Phase 2 study of
perifosine in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progressing
after prior therapy (Rx) with a VEGF receptor inhibitor. Lead
Author: Nicholas Vogelzang, MD Poster Discussion: 5 pm - 6 pm
(Level 2, West Hall F5) Sunday, May 31, 2009 #5101: A Phase 2 trial
of perifosine in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC),
who have failed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Lead Author:
Daniel Cho, MD Poster Session: 2 pm - 6 pm (Level 2, West Hall C)
Colorectal Cancer Sunday, May 31, 2009 #4081: Randomized Phase 2
study of perifosine in combination with capecitabine versus
capecitabine alone in patients with second- or third-line
metastatic colon cancer. Lead Author: Sasha Vukelja, MD Poster
Session: 8 am - 12 pm (Level 2, West Hall C) Gastrointestinal
Stromal Tumor (GIST) Sunday, May 31, 2009: #10563: A randomized
Phase 2 study of perifosine (P) plus imatinib for patients with
imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Lead
Author: Anthony Conley, MD Poster Session: 2 pm - 6 pm (Level 2,
West Hall C) Copies of all of these abstracts are currently
available and can be viewed on-line through the ASCO website:
http://www.asco.org/. About AEterna Zentaris Inc. AEterna Zentaris
Inc. is a 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.aezsinc.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 AEterna Zentaris' 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 and disclaims 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,
except if we are requested by a governmental authority or
applicable law. DATASOURCE: AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. CONTACT: Investor
Relations: Ginette Vallieres, Investor Relations Coordinator, (418)
652-8525 ext. 265, ; Media Relations: Paul Burroughs, Director of
Communications, (418) 652-8525 ext. 406,
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