FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of July 2003
AETERNA LABORATORIES INC.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
1405, boul. du Parc-Technologique
Quebec, Quebec
Canada, G1P 4P5
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F / / Form 40-F /X/
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes / / No /X/
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- / /
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DOCUMENTS INDEX
DOCUMENTS DESCRIPTION
1. Press release dated July 24, 2003: AEterna closes $35.6 million bought deal
[AETERNA LOGO]
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AETERNA CLOSES $35.6 MILLION BOUGHT DEAL
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT
INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION
IN THE UNITED STATES.
All amounts are in Canadian dollars
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, JULY 24, 2003 - AEterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL;
NASDAQ: AELA) has closed its offering of 4.5 million subordinate voting
shares at a price of $7.90 per share, in connection with the
previously-announced agreement with an underwriting syndicate led by RBC
Capital Markets and including National Bank Financial Inc., Paradigm Capital
Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc. and Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon Ltd. The
gross proceeds of the offering are $35.6 million.
The proceeds from this financing will be used to continue the active
development in oncology of AEterna's lead antiangiogenic product, Neovastat,
with Phase III clinical trials in renal cell carcinoma and non-small cell
lung cancer, and for the continued broadening of clinical and commercial
opportunities not only of Neovastat, but also of the many other products in
AEterna's pipeline. The proceeds will be also used for the Company's growth
strategy based on strategic alliances and acquisition of new technologies, as
well as for general corporate purposes.
ABOUT AETERNA LABORATORIES INC.
AEterna Laboratories has an extensive portfolio of marketed and
development-stage biopharmaceutical products focused in oncology and
endocrinology. Its lead oncology compound is Neovastat(R), a proprietary
angiogenesis inhibitor with multiple mechanisms of action in a Phase III
clinical trial for renal cell carcinoma (data available by year-end 2003) and
in a Phase III trial for non-small cell lung cancer. Cetrotide(R), its lead
compound in endocrinology is sold in the U.S. and Europe to the IN VITRO
fertilization market, and is in clinical testing for endometriosis, uterus
myoma and enlarged prostate (BPH). A further seven clinical programs are
underway with various compounds. In addition, AEterna owns 62% of Atrium
Biotechnologies, a profitable and growing developer, distributor and marketer
of active ingredients, fine chemicals, cosmetic and nutritional products with
sales exceeding $Cdn 100 million in 2002.
AEterna and its entities have 270 employees in Canada and Europe.
AEterna shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (AEL) and the NASDAQ
National Market (AELA).
News releases and additional information about AEterna are available on its
Web site at www.aeterna.com. To find out more about the current phase III
trial in non-small cell lung cancer, call 1-888-349-3232.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are 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 the
business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related
to the regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions.
Investors should consult the Company's ongoing 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.
-30-
CANADA
MEDIA RELATIONS: INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Paul Burroughs Jacques Raymond
Tel.: (418) 652-8525 ext. 406 Tel.: (418) 652-8525 ext. 360
Cell.: (418) 573-8982 Cell.: (514) 703-5654
Fax: (418) 577-7671 Fax: (418) 577-7671
E-mail: PAUL.BURROUGHS@AETERNA.COM E-mail: JACQUES.RAYMOND@AETERNA.COM
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AETERNA LABORATORIES INC.
DATE: JULY 24, 2003 By: /s/ CLAUDE VADBONCOEUR
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Claude Vadboncoeur
Vice President, Legal Affairs and
Corporate Secretary