AEterna Zentaris Presents Data Supporting Evaluation of AEZS-108 in Prostate Cancer at ASCO Meeting
June 01 2009 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
QUEBEC CITY, June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna Zentaris Inc.
(TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq: AEZS), a global biopharmaceutical company
focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced that it
presented results supporting the evaluation of its targeted
cytotoxic peptide conjugate compound, AEZS-108 (formerly AN-152),
in prostate cancer. The presentation was made during yesterday's
poster session at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Annual Meeting, being held through June 2, 2009 at the Orange
County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The poster (#5163)
entitled, "Expression of LHRH receptors in prostate cancer cells
prior to therapy, following castration, or following treatment with
LHRH agonists," S. Liu, A. V. Schally, S. Xiong, R. Cote, D. Hawes,
L. Fazli, M. Gleave, J. Cai, F. Brands, J. Engel, J. Pinski,
investigates the expression of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing
Hormone (LHRH) receptors following prolonged exposure to LHRH
agonists. "Results presented are important for the expansion of
potential indications for our anti-cancer compound, AEZS-108",
stated Juergen Engel, Ph.D., President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris.
"While clinical investigations so far focused on gynaecological
indications, the new results show continued expression of LHRH
receptors in prostate cancer specimens after prolonged use of LHRH
agonists; these data provide further support to the investigation
of AEZS-108 in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, a major
genitourinary cancer indication in male patients." Results LHRH
receptor expression was demonstrated in more than 95% of 130
prostate cancer specimens analyzed, irrespective of origin (primary
tumor, metastases) or patients' prior hormonal treatment (none,
castration, LHRH agonist). In all groups, the majority of specimens
showed moderate to strong receptor expression. Statistically,
strong receptor expression correlated with higher pathologic tumor
stage and shorter overall survival. Conclusion - In virtually all
patients with prostate cancer, tumor cells appear to express LHRH
receptors; - Even tumors persisting or relapsing after castration
or prolonged hormonal treatment with LHRH agonists retain the
expression of LHRH receptors; - The continued expression of these
receptors supports the concept of targeting prostatic LHRH
receptors to deliver cytotoxic therapy based on LHRH analogs, such
as AEZS-108. A copy of the abstract is 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
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, and we disclaim 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 to do so 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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