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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 November 2006

ÆTERNA ZENTARIS INC.



1405, boul. du Parc-Technologique
Québec, Québec
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   o   Form 40-F   ý

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   o   No   ý

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
82-                             





DOCUMENTS INDEX

Documents Description

1.        Æterna Zentaris' Interim Report — Third Quarter 2006 (Q3)


LOGO

November 10, 2006

To Our Stockholders,

The third quarter was marked by significant progress with the clinical development of our luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist compound, ozarelix, for which we disclosed positive Phase 2 results in both prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. These very encouraging results enable us to pursue ozarelix's clinical development in both indications, moving forward with an ongoing Phase 2b trial in prostate cancer as well as the potential to initiate a late-stage program in benign prostatic hyperplasia in 2007. Furthermore, we granted Nippon Kayaku an exclusive license to develop and market ozarelix for all potential oncological indications in Japan. Additionally, we launched the first LHRH antagonist to enter the Japanese market, Cetrotide® (cetrorelix), for in vitro fertilization with our Japanese partners. We are pleased with these significant achievements as they clearly represent our commitment to aggressively move our product candidates through the pipeline and bring our lead compounds even closer to market.

Key Developments for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2006

Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2006

Consolidated revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 totalled $83.9 million compared to $52.9 million for the same period in 2005.


Consolidated R&D expenses, net of tax credits and grants (R&D) remained steady during the third quarter at $6.2 million compared to $6.1 million for the same period in 2005.

Consolidated selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased to $15.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 compared to $9.8 million for the same period in 2005.

Consolidated net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was $6.5 million or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, compared to $3.8 million or $0.08 per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2005. The increase is mainly attributable to increased non-recurring corporate expenses and future income tax expense, partly offset by the increased contribution of Atrium.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments reached $45.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 compared to $52.7 million as of December 31, 2005. More than $25 million was dedicated to the Company's Biopharmaceutical segment as of September 30, 2006. Taking into account the sale of 24% of our ownership interest in Atrium that occurred on October 18, 2006, our pro-forma cash and short-term position dedicated to our Biopharmaceutical segment reached $71 million, compared to $34.8 million as of December 31, 2005.

Development Subsequent to Quarter End

Over the past few months, we have successfully achieved major milestones. We now look forward to continuing this great momentum for the remainder of the year and emerge in early 2007 as a late-stage pure play biopharmaceutical company, in an effort to further unlock value to our shareholders.

In closing, on behalf of my colleagues and our Board of Directors, I thank you for your continued interest and support.

Sincerely,

LOGO

Gilles Gagnon, MSc., MBA
President and Chief Executive Officer


LOGO

Third Quarter 2006

Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following analysis provides a review of the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006. In this MD&A, the "Company", "we", "us", and "our" mean Æterna Zentaris Inc. and its subsidiaries. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in Æterna Zentaris Inc.'s interim consolidated financial statements and related notes for the three-month and nine-month periods ended on September 30, 2006 and 2005. Our consolidated financial statements are reported in United States dollars and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, or Canadian GAAP.

Company Overview

Æterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ, NASDAQ: AEZS) is a growing global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology with proven expertise in drug discovery, development and commercialization.

As of September 30, 2006, Æterna Zentaris owned 48.25% of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc. (TSX: ATB) (Atrium). At that time, the Company's voting rights in Atrium were 64.66% and, consequently, Atrium's financial statements are fully consolidated as of September 30, 2006. Atrium is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of science-based products for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, chemical and nutrition industries.

On September 19, 2006, we announced that it we have entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters providing for the sale of 3,485,000 subordinate voting shares of Atrium by way of secondary offering and our intent to complete the distribution of our remaining interest in Atrium (11,052,996 subordinate voting shares) to all of our shareholders (Spin-Off) by the end of 2006. The decision to sell a significant portion of Atrium, and to Spin-Off our remaining interest represents the culmination of a lengthy and detailed review process in which the management and Board of Directors of Æterna Zentaris examined a number of strategic alternatives for how best to pursue and implement our strategy of becoming a "pure play" biopharmaceutical company, including the divestiture of our investment in Atrium and the focus on advancing our development pipeline.


Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on October 18, 2006, we announced the closing of the sale of the secondary offering and the distribution to the public of 3,485,000 subordinate voting shares held in our subsidiary, Atrium, representing 24% of our ownership interest at such time, at a price of CAN$15.80 per share. The net proceeds for Æterna Zentaris were approximately US$46 million. We will use these net proceeds to advance our development pipeline, as well as for general corporate purposes.

On October 25, 2006, we announced that the Board of Directors approved the convening of a Special Meeting of Shareholders on December 15, 2006 for the purpose of submitting to our shareholders, for their approval, a resolution authorizing the distribution of all 11,052,996 subordinate voting shares of Atrium held by Æterna Zentaris by way of reduction of the stated capital of Æterna Zentaris' common shares. Æterna Zentaris' shareholders of record as of the closing of business on November 14, 2006 will be entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 15, 2006. An Information Circular, providing details with respect to the proposed reduction of stated capital and special distribution of subordinate voting shares of Atrium, will be mailed to our shareholders and will be available on the Internet at www.aeternazentaris.com, as well as on SEDAR's website at www.sedar.com.

If approved, and shortly following the Special Meeting of Shareholders we expect to announce the specific record date and distribution date for the special distribution as determined by the Board of Æterna Zentaris. The timing and completion of the distribution will be subject to compliance with Canadian and U.S. securities laws and receipt by the Company of certain approvals and confirmations from regulatory authorities and counsel. We currently anticipate that the special distribution will be completed in early January 2007.

Based on Æterna Zentaris' 53,160,970 common shares that are currently issued and outstanding, Æterna Zentaris shareholders would receive approximately 0.2079 of an Atrium subordinate voting share for each one of their Æterna Zentaris common shares (which represents slightly more than a 1:5 ratio). No fractional subordinate voting shares of Atrium will be distributed to registered shareholders of Æterna Zentaris pursuant to the return of capital and any such fractional shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number.

Any tax payable by an Æterna Zentaris shareholder on the special distribution of Atrium Biotechnologies subordinate voting shares will be payable in respect of the shareholder's taxation year in which the date of distribution falls.

The following discussion and analysis are based on segments as of September 30, 2006 and do not take into account the corporate transactions that were realized subsequent to the quarter.


On a consolidated basis, the Company operates in three segments of operations including: (i) Biopharmaceutical; (ii) Active Ingredients & Specialty Chemicals; and (iii) Health & Nutrition.

Æterna Zentaris, along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Zentaris GmbH and Echelon Biosciences Inc., constitute the Biopharmaceutical segment. Atrium encompasses both the Active Ingredients & Specialty Chemicals, and Health & Nutrition segments.

Atrium's Active Ingredients & Specialty Chemicals segment offers value-added products that include high-value proprietary active ingredients developed, acquired or in-licensed. Furthermore, Atrium's Health & Nutrition segment, develops, manufactures and markets proprietary Health & Nutrition finished products.

Our strategy is to aggressively advance our endocrine therapy and oncology product development pipeline with a particular focus on our lead product candidates. With this strategy, our strong financial position, the management expertise and depth, as well as our strategic alliances, we are positioned to become a late-stage development company before year end. Ultimately, we will continue to commit these resources to emerge as a fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical company with a strategic focus on endocrinology and oncology, primarily targeting the North American and European markets.

Highlights

Consolidated results-at-a-glance
(in thousands of US dollars)

 
  Quarters ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

(Unaudited)

  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

Revenues   83,893   52,879   251,760   174,888
R&D, net of tax credits and grants   6,194   6,147   20,475   18,692
Earnings from operations   4,393   986   14,221   10,945
Net earnings (loss)   (6,505 ) (3,759 ) (10,647 ) 9,635
Net earnings (loss) per share                
  Basic   (0.12 ) (0.08 ) (0.21 ) 0.21
  Diluted   (0.12 ) (0.08 ) (0.21 ) 0.20

Key Developments in the Third Quarter

In the third quarter, we announced positive developments with respect to Cetrotide® (cetrorelix) and one of our lead product candidates, ozarelix.

Cetrotide®

In the third quarter, we launched Cetrotide® (cetrorelix) in Japan for in vitro fertilization. In Japan, Cetrotide® (cetrorelix) is manufactured and marketed by our partners Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. and Shionogi & Co., Ltd., whereas for the rest of the world, it is sold by our partner Serono.

Ozarelix

On August 2, 2006, we announced positive Phase 2 results for our fourth generation luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist, ozarelix, in hormone-dependent inoperable prostate cancer. The study achieved its primary endpoint of defining a tolerable dosage regimen that would ensure continuous suppression of testosterone at castration level for a three-month test period. An important secondary efficacy end-point of the study aimed at assessing tumour response as determined by a 50% or greater reduction of serum PSA levels, compared to baseline, was also achieved. These results confirm the mechanism of action of our LHRH antagonist approach and the potential effectiveness of ozarelix to achieve sustained suppression of sexual hormones at castration levels and, consequently, could allow for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. Now that we have a suitable dosage regimen of ozarelix for the potential treatment of prostate cancer, we are now further advancing the clinical development of ozarelix in this indication with an ongoing European Phase 2b program.

Additionally, on August 3, 2006 we announced that we entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement with Nippon Kayaku for ozarelix. Under the terms of the agreement, we granted Nippon Kayaku, an exclusive license to develop and market ozarelix for all potential oncological indications in Japan. In return, we received an upfront payment at signature, and are eligible to receive payments upon achievement of certain development and regulatory milestones, in addition to low double-digit royalties on potential net sales. We retained exclusive rights in oncology for the rest of world, except for North America and India where the rights are held by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Subsequent to third quarter, on October 3, 2006 we disclosed highly statistically significant positive data from our Phase 2 trial with ozarelix for patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The study achieved its primary efficacy endpoint of improving clinical symptoms of BPH, at week 12, as measured by significant changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), the standard method of assessing BPH symptoms. This multi-center double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging Phase 2 trial included a total of 144 patients who received either different intramuscular dosage regimens of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist, ozarelix, or a placebo, to assess its safety and efficacy.


These positive results further validate the potential of our LHRH antagonist approach to treat hormone-dependent diseases. The studies conducted so far with such a dose-response profile strengthen ozarelix's position as a lead compound in our portfolio.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no significant changes in Æterna Zentaris' accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2005. Please refer to the corresponding section in our 2005 Annual Report for a complete description of our critical accounting policies and estimates. Access to a summary of differences between Canadian and US GAAP is referenced in Note 24 of our annual 2005 financial statements.

New Accounting Standards

In January 2005, the CICA issued four new accounting standards in relation with financial instruments: Section 3855 "Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement", Section 3865 "Hedges", section 1530 "Comprehensive Income" and Section 3251 "Equity".

Sections 3855, 3865 and 1530 apply to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006 and we will adopt them on January 1, 2007. Impacts consistent with the adjustments described in Note 24 of our annual consolidated financial statements are expected.


Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain Canadian GAAP consolidated financial data in thousands of United States dollars, except per share data.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
Unaudited

  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

 
Revenues   83,893   52,879   251,760   174,888  
   
 
 
 
 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Cost of sales   55,664   34,073   165,479   109,800  
Selling, general and administrative   15,125   9,836   44,209   29,785  
R&D costs, net of tax credits and grants   6,194   6,147   20,475   18,692  
Depreciation and amortization   2,517   1,837   7,376   5,666  
   
 
 
 
 
    79,500   51,893   237,539   163,943  
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings from operations   4,393   986   14,221   10,945  
Interest income   539   339   1,414   1,071  
Interest expense   (1,971 ) (2,241 ) (7,198 ) (7,067 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss)   109   (404 ) 26   (351 )
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before the following items   3,070   (1,320 ) 8,463   4,598  
Current income taxes   (2,010 ) (251 ) (6,401 ) (4,503 )
Future income taxes   (4,244 ) (753 ) (2,425 ) (1,915 )
Gain (loss) on dilution of investments   (5 ) 109   (140 ) 16,502  
Non-controlling interest   (3,316 ) (1,544 ) (10,144 ) (5,047 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) for the period   (6,505 ) (3,759 ) (10,647 ) 9,635  
   
 
 
 
 

Net earnings (loss) per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic   (0.12 ) (0.08 ) (0.21 ) 0.21  
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted   (0.12 ) (0.08 ) (0.21 ) 0.20  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA

  As at September 30,
2006

  As at December 31,
2005

 
  $

  $

Total assets   431,640   427,511
   
 
Long-term liabilities   231,449   253,806
   
 

Consolidated Revenues

Consolidated revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 totalled $83.9 million compared to $52.9 million for the same period in 2005. Consolidated revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 totalled $251.8 million compared to $174.9 million for the same period in 2005. The increases for the quarter and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 are mainly attributable to additional revenues related to Atrium's acquisition of Douglas Laboratories in December 2005, combined with Atrium's organic growth.

Consolidated Operating Expenses

Consolidated cost of sales increased to $55.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 compared to $34.1 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, consolidated cost of sales was $165.5 million compared to $109.8 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in the cost of sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 is directly related to sale increases generated by Atrium's acquisition of Douglas Laboratories.

Consolidated selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased to $15.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 compared to $9.8 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, consolidated SG&A expenses were $44.2 million compared to $29.8 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in SG&A expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 is primarily due to sequential acquisitions as well as non-recurring corporate expenses.

Consolidated R&D expenses, net of tax credits and grants (R&D) remained steady during the third quarter at $6.2 million. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, R&D expenses increased by $1.8 million, reaching $20.5 million from $18.7 million for the same period in 2005. The increase for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 is attributable to additional investments in cetrorelix, as well as further advancement of targeted, early-stage development programs.

We expect R&D expenses to increase period-over-period for the last quarter of 2006 primarily due to the initiation of our expected Phase 3 clinical development program for cetrorelix in BPH, and other targeted, earlier-stage development programs.

Consolidated depreciation and amortization (D&A) increased to $2.5 million during the third quarter of 2006, compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2005. For the first nine months of 2006, D&A amounted to $7.4 million compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2005. These increases are primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of Douglas Laboratories.


Consolidated earnings from operations increased to $4.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 compared to $1 million for the same period in 2005, primarily due to additional sales generated by the acquisition of Douglas Laboratories. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, consolidated earnings from operations increased by $3.3 million to $14.2 million, from $10.9 million for the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily due to additional sales generated by Douglas Laboratories, partly offset by non-recurring corporate expenses, additional investments in R&D and reduced license revenues within our Biopharmaceutical segment.

Consolidated interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was $2 million compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2005. This decrease is primarily due to the conversion of the convertible term loans into common shares, during the first quarter of 2006, offset by Atrium's increased long-term debt related to business acquisitions. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, consolidated interest expense remained steady at $7.2 million compared to the corresponding period in 2005.

Due to the conversion of the convertible term loans in the first quarter of 2006 and considering that Atrium results of operations will no longer be consolidated after the third quarter, we expect consolidated interest expense to decrease significantly for the last quarter of 2006.

Consolidated income tax expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was $6.3 million compared to $1 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, consolidated income tax expense was $8.8 million compared to $6.4 million for the same period in 2005. Following recent positive developments with cetrorelix in BPH, we have decided to initiate and sponsor a Phase 3 development program in this indication. As a result, we reviewed our valuation allowance for future income tax assets related to operating losses and consequently we increased our future income tax expense by $4.7 million during this third quarter. The remaining $0.9 million increase in consolidated income tax expense is attributable to increased taxable income from Atrium and its subsidiaries.

Consolidated non-controlling interest for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was $3.3 million compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, consolidated non-controlling interest was $10.1 million compared to $5 million for the same period in 2005. Non-controlling interest consists of minority interest in Atrium. The period-over-period increase is directly attributable to the corresponding increase in Atrium's net earnings.

Consolidated net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was $6.5 million or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, compared to $3.8 million or $0.08 per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2005. This increase is mainly attributable to increased non-recurring corporate expenses and future income tax expense in the Biopharmaceutical segment, partly offset by the increased contribution of Atrium. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, the consolidated net loss was $10.6 million or $0.21 per basic and diluted share compared to consolidated net earnings amounting to $9.6 million or $0.21 and $0.20 per basic and diluted share, respectively for the same period in 2005. Without taking into account a non-cash and non-recurring gain on dilution of investments of $16.5 million recorded in 2005 following Atrium's IPO, we would have recorded a consolidated net loss of $6.9 million or $0.15 per basic and diluted share for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. This $3.7 million increase in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 is mainly attributable to lower license revenues, increased non-recurring corporate expenses, R&D expenses and future income tax expense in the Biopharmaceutical segment, partly offset by Atrium's increased net earnings.


The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate the basic and diluted net loss per share for the three-month period ended September 30, 2006 was 52.7 million shares compared to 46.1 million shares for the same period in 2005. This increase reflects the issuance of common shares following the conversion of the convertible term loans and the exercise of stock options.

Total Consolidated Assets

Total consolidated assets amounted to $431.6 million on September 30, 2006, compared to $427.5 million on December 31, 2005.

Biopharmaceutical Segment Results
(expressed in thousands of US dollars)

 
  Quarters ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
Unaudited

 
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

 
Revenues                  
  Sales and royalties   8,419   5,462   20,222   17,741  
  License fees   2,211   3,562   8,539   15,190  
   
 
 
 
 
    10,630   9,024   28,761   32,931  
   
 
 
 
 

R&D expense, net of tax credits and Grants

 

6,181

 

6,067

 

20,247

 

18,498

 
   
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations   (5,756 ) (4,360 ) (17,312 ) (7,596 )
   
 
 
 
 

Revenues of the Biopharmaceutical segment are derived from sales and royalties and license fees. Sales are derived from Impavido® (miltefosine), manufacturing of Cetrotide® (cetrorelix), reagents and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Royalties are derived from Cetrotide® (cetrorelix) actually sold by Serono in reproductive health assistance for in vitro fertilization. Furthermore, license fees are derived from non-periodic milestone payments, R&D contract fees and amortization of upfront payments received to date from our licensing partners.


Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 totalled $10.6 million compared to $9 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, revenues totalled $28.8 million compared to $32.9 million for the same period in 2005. The revenue increase for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 is mainly attributable to additional sales of Impavido® and new sales of Cetrotide® related to the recent launch in Japan. The decrease in revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 is mainly attributable to a decrease in license revenues from our collaboration with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, partly offset by a milestone payment received from our Japanese partners related to the approval of Cetrotide®.

R&D expenses, net of tax credits and grants for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 were $6.2 million compared to $6.1 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, R&D expenses were $20.2 million, compared to $18.5 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in R&D expenses for the first nine months of 2006 compared to the corresponding period in 2005 is attributable to additional investments in cetrorelix, as well as positive advancements of our earlier-stage, development programs, including our tubulin inhibitors.

We expect R&D expenses to increase period-over-period for the fourth quarter of 2006 primarily due to the initiation of our expected Phase 3 clinical program for cetrorelix in BPH, as well as the advancement of other targeted, earlier-stage development programs.

Loss from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was $5.8 million compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, the loss from operations was $17.3 million compared to $7.6 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in loss from operations for the quarter and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 compared to the same periods in 2005 was principally due to additional non-recurring corporate expenses, R&D investments and reduced license revenues from our collaboration with Solvay Pharmaceuticals.

Active Ingredients & Specialty Chemicals Segment Results
(expressed in thousands of US dollars)

 
  Quarters ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

Unaudited

  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

Revenues   44,992   37,007   137,721   120,621
Earnings from operations   3,478   2,626   11,134   10,041

Revenues from the Active Ingredients & Specialty Chemicals Segment for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 were $45 million, representing an increase of 21.6% compared to revenues of $37 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, revenues for this segment were $137.7 million compared to $120.6 million for the same period in 2005, an increase of 14.2%. This increase is attributable essentially to the organic growth for the quarter and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, to the acquisition of Amisol during the second quarter of 2006 and to the acquisition of MultiChem on January 24, 2005, which now accounts for a complete nine-month period in 2006.

Earnings from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 were $3.5 million, compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, earnings from operations were $11.1 million compared to $10 million for the same period in 2005, an increase of $1.1 million or 11%. This increase is attributable primarily to organic growth and to the acquisition of Amisol.

Health & Nutrition Segment Results
(expressed in thousands of US dollars)

 
  Quarters ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

Unaudited

  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

Revenues   28,290   7,002   85,853   21,884
Earnings from operations   6,671   2,698   20,399   8,478

Revenues from the Health & Nutrition Segment for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 were $28.3 million compared to $7 million in the same period in 2005, an increase of $21.3 million or 304.3%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, revenues were $85.9 million compared to $21.9 million for the same period in 2005, an increase of $64 million or 292.2%. This increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Douglas Laboratories in December 2005 and from organic growth.

Earnings from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 were $6.7 million, representing an increase of $4 million or 148.1% over the same period in 2005 where the earnings from operations were $2.7 million. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, earnings from operations were $20.4 million, representing an increase of $11.9 million or 140% over the same period in 2005 where the earnings from operations were $8.5 million. Most of this increase came from the acquisition of Douglas Laboratories, synergies realized from this acquisition, and organic growth.


Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Resources

Our operations and capital expenditures are mainly financed through cash flows from operating activities, the use of our liquidity, as well as the issuance of debt and common shares.

Taking into account the subsequent to the quarter sale of 24% of our ownership interest in Atrium, our pro-forma cash and short-term investments position dedicated to our Biopharmaceutical segment reached $71 million, compared to $34.8 million as of December 31, 2005. We believe that these liquidities will be adequate to meet operating cash requirements for the foreseeable future. However, possible additional operating losses and/or possible investments in the acquisition of complementary businesses or products may require additional financing.

The variation of our liquidity by activities is explained below on a consolidated basis.

Operating Activities

Cash flows generated by our operating activities were $5.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. During the same period in 2005, $0.6 million were generated by our operating activities. This cash flow increase is primarily due to additional revenues from accretive acquisitions made by Atrium during 2005 and 2006, combined with an increase in accounts payable related to specific transactions timing. Cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital items were $4.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily attributable to additional revenues from accretive acquisitions made by Atrium during 2005 and 2006. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, cash flows generated by our operating activities were $14.3 million compared to $9.3 million for the same period in 2005.

Financing Activities

For the quarter ended September 30, 2006, cash flows used in financing activities were $2.8 million compared to $6 million used during the same period of 2005. These funds were mostly affected for debt reimbursement and payment on balance of purchase price. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, cash flows used for financing activities were used for a debt reimbursement and payment on balance of purchase price for an amount of $11.8 million, offset by a debt increase for the acquisition of Amisol and cash received from the exercise of Atrium's options. During the same period in 2005, $12.8 million were generated by the financing activities, mainly by the cash flows generated from Atrium's IPO and from the increase in Atrium's long-term debt. This was offset by the debt reimbursement and by the balance of purchase price paid for the acquisition of MultiChem.


Investing Activities

Cash flows used in investing activities (excluding the change in short-term investments) amounted to $4.4 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2006, mainly attributed to business acquisition and to the purchase of property, plant and equipment. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, cash flows used in investing activities (excluding the change in short-term investments) amounted to $13.9 million for the same reason mentioned above. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005, cash flows used in investing activities (excluding the change in short-term investments) amounted to $0.5 million and $20.8 million respectively. These funds were mainly attributed to the acquisition of MultiChem and purchase of property, plant and equipment.

Contractual Obligations

In the Biopharmaceutical segment, we have certain contractual obligations and commercial commitments. The following table indicates our cash requirements to respect these obligations:

 
  Payments due by period
Unaudited
(expressed in thousands of US dollars)

  Total
  2006
  2007-2009
  2010-2011
  2011
and beyond

 
  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

Long-term debt   1,494   9   1,485    
Operating leases   14,249   505   5,348   2,939   5,457
Commercial commitments   4,105   2,828   1,277    
   
 
 
 
 
Total contractual cash obligations   19,848   3,342   8,110   2,939   5,457
   
 
 
 
 

Taking into account the sale of 24% of our ownership interest in Atrium that occurred on October 18, 2006, we are no longer presenting contractual obligations for the two remaining segments.

Outstanding Share Data

As of November 10, 2006, there were 53,160,970 common shares issued and outstanding and there were 3,506,592 stock options outstanding.


Quarterly Summary Financial Information
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share data)

 
  Quarters ended
Unaudited

  September 30, 2006
  June 30, 2006
  March 31, 2006
  December 31, 2005
 
  $
  $
  $
  $
Revenues   83,893   83,390   84,477   72,501
Earnings from operations   4,393   5,396   4,432   3,467
Net earnings (loss)   (6,505 ) (1,562 ) (2,580 ) 936
Net earnings (loss) per share                
  Basic   (0.12 ) (0.03 ) (0.05 ) 0.02
  Diluted   (0.12 ) (0.03 ) (0.05 ) 0.02
 
  Quarters ended
 
 
  September 30, 2005
  June 30, 2005
  March 31, 2005
  December 31, 2004
 
 
  $
  $
  $
  $
 
Revenues   52,876   60,144   61,865   43,891  
Earnings from operations   986   3,456   6,503   914  
Net earnings (loss)   (3,759 ) 13,276   118   (2,003 )
Net earnings (loss) per share                  
  Basic   (0.08 ) 0.29     (0.04 )
  Diluted   (0.08 ) 0.28     (0.04 )

Outlook for the Remainder of 2006

Since we announced the closing of the sale of the secondary offering and the distribution to the public of 3,485,000 subordinate voting shares held in Atrium, representing 24% of our ownership interest at such time, at a price of Cdn$15.80 per share, we expect to include in the results of operations nearly $30 million gain on disposal of Atrium in the last quarter of 2006. Furthermore, since our ownership in Atrium is now 36%, and we no longer have a controlling interest, Atrium results of operations for the last quarter of 2006 will be included in the statement of operations as share in the results of Atrium. In addition, Atrium will be presented as an investment accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2006 in our balance sheet. With this new presentation, we expect that the revenues and expenses will significantly decrease for the last quarter of 2006 compared to the corresponding period in 2005.


Biopharmaceutical Segment

We expect Cetrotide® (cetrorelix) to continue to generate significant royalties.

As part of our growth strategy, we intend to continue to pursue accretive strategic alliances for selected product candidates from our extensive pipeline.

We expect to benefit from the support of our existing partners and remain focused on and committed to aggressively advancing our pipeline and ending 2006 as a late stage biopharmaceutical company.

We expect R&D expenses to continue to increase in the last quarter of 2006 primarily due to the initiation of our expected Phase 3 clinical development program for cetrorelix in BPH, the continued clinical advancement of ozarelix and perifosine, as well as emphasis on clinical development on certain other product candidates at an earlier development stage.

We believe that with our increased cash position due to the closing of the secondary offering and revenues generated by our marketed products, we are now in a solid financial position to continue to execute our strategic business plan and emerge in early 2007 as a late-stage pure play biopharmaceutical company.

Financial and Other Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk

Since the Company operates on an international scale, it is exposed to currency risks as a result of potential exchange rate fluctuations. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, there were no significant operations using forward-exchange contracts and no significant forward-exchange contract is outstanding as of today.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high-credit quality financial institutions. Short-term investments consist primarily of bonds issued by high-credit quality corporations and institutions. Consequently, management considers the risk of non-performance related to cash and cash equivalents and investments to be minimal.


Generally, the Company does not require collateral or other security from customers for trade accounts receivable; however, credit is extended following an evaluation of creditworthiness. In addition, the Company performs ongoing credit reviews of all its customers and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts when accounts are determined to be uncollectible.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk relating to changes in interest rates with regard to our short-term investments.

Related Party Transactions and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There were no related party transactions included in the financial statements, except for the acquisition of a patent from a senior officer, as disclosed in note 6 of the interim financial statements, and no off-balance sheet arrangements. As of September 30, 2006, we did not have interests in any variable interest entities.

Risk Factors and Uncertainties

There has been no significant change in the risk factors and uncertainties facing Æterna Zentaris, as described in the Company's 2005 annual MD&A.

Continuous Disclosure

The Company is a reporting issuer under the securities legislation of all of the provinces of Canada and is registered in the United States and it is, therefore, required to file continuous disclosure documents such as interim and annual financial statements, a Proxy Circular, an Annual Information Form, material change reports and press releases with such securities regulatory authorities. Copies of these documents may be obtained free of charge on request from the office of the Secretary of the Company or through the Internet at the following addresses: www.aeternazentaris.com, www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.


Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements may include words such as anticipate, believe, could, expect, goal, guidance, intend, may, objective, outlook, plan, seek, should, strive, target and will.

The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Results or performances may differ significantly from expectations. For example, the results of current clinical trials cannot be foreseen, nor can changes in policy or actions taken by such regulatory authorities as the US Food and Drug Administration and the Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada, or any other organization responsible for enforcing regulations in the pharmaceutical industry.

Given these uncertainties and risk factors, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. 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.

On behalf of management,

SIGNATURE

Dennis Turpin, CA
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
November 10, 2006


Æterna Zentaris Inc.
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
(expressed in thousands of US dollars)

Unaudited

  As at
September 30,
2006

  As at
December 31,
2005

 
 
  $

  $

 
ASSETS          

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 
Cash and cash equivalents   27,623   27,267  
Short-term investments   18,130   25,438  
Accounts receivable          
  Trade   61,846   61,385  
  Other   3,216   3,846  
Income taxes recoverable   3,345   1,973  
Inventory   35,778   37,258  
Prepaid expenses and other deferred charges   4,552   3,791  
Future income tax assets   2,897   2,718  
   
 
 
    157,387   163,676  
Property, plant and equipment   20,671   19,916  
Deferred charges and other long-term assets   5,198   4,355  
Intangible assets   112,715   109,380  
Goodwill   127,194   119,169  
Future income tax assets   8,475   11,015  
   
 
 
    431,640   427,511  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   51,279   53,162  
Income taxes   5,701   5,426  
Balance of purchase price   17    
Deferred revenues   5,694   4,796  
Current portion of long-term debt   759   790  
   
 
 
    63,450   64,174  
Deferred revenues   9,401   11,087  
Convertible term loans (note 4)     28,440  
Long-term debt   99,144   107,303  
Employee future benefits (note 5)   8,532   7,661  
Future income tax liabilities   36,434   34,784  
Non-controlling interest   77,938   64,531  
   
 
 
    294,899   317,980  
   
 
 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 
Share capital (notes 4 and 6)   168,424   130,344  
Other Capital   5,789   10,474  
Deficit   (54,151 ) (43,224 )
Cumulative translation adjustment   16,679   11,937  
   
 
 
    136,741   109,531  
   
 
 
    431,640   427,511  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements

Approved by the Board of Directors

LOGO   LOGO
Éric Dupont, PhD
Director
  Gérard Limoges, FCA
Director
     

Æterna Zentaris Inc.
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

(expressed in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)

 
  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
Unaudited
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
Revenues   $ 83,893   $ 52,879   $ 251,760   $ 174,888  
   
 
 
 
 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Cost of sales     55,664     34,073     165,479     109,800  
Selling, general and administrative     15,125     9,836     44,209     29,785  
Research and development costs     6,305     6,306     20,733     19,156  
R&D tax credits and grants     (111 )   (159 )   (258 )   (464 )
Depreciation and amortization                          
  Property, plant and equipment     901     526     2,584     1,694  
  Intangible assets     1,616     1,311     4,792     3,972  
   
 
 
 
 
      79,500     51,893     237,539     163,943  
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings from operations     4,393     986     14,221     10,945  

Other revenues (expenses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest income     539     339     1,414     1,071  
Interest expense     (1,971 )   (2,241 )   (7,198 )   (7,067 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss)     109     (404 )   26     (351 )
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes     3,070     (1,320 )   8,463     4,598  
   
 
 
 
 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current     (2,010 )   (251 )   (6,401 )   (4,503 )
Future     (4,244 )   (753 )   (2,425 )   (1,915 )
   
 
 
 
 
      (6,254 )   (1,004 )   (8,826 )   (6,418 )
   
 
 
 
 
      (3,184 )   (2,324 )   (363 )   (1,820 )
Gain (loss) on dilution of investments     (5 )   109     (140 )   16,502  
Non-controlling interest     (3,316 )   (1,544 )   (10,144 )   (5,047 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) for the period     (6,505 )   (3,759 )   (10,647 )   9,635  
   
 
 
 
 

Net earnings (loss) per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Basic     (0.12 )   (0.08 )   (0.21 )   0.21  
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted     (0.12 )   (0.08 )   (0.21 )   0.20  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Basic     52,692,065     46,139,814     51,900,754     46,139,814  
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted     53,040,488     46,397,156     52,390,209     46,459,000  
   
 
 
 
 

Interim Consolidated Statements of Deficit
For the periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005
(expressed in thousands of US dollars)

 
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
Unaudited
  2006
  2005
 
Balance — Beginning of period   $ 43,224   $ 53,795  
Net loss (earnings) for the period     10,647     (9,635 )
Loss on settlement of convertible term loans (note 4)     280      
   
 
 
Balance — End of period     54,151     44,160  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


Æterna Zentaris Inc.
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

(expressed in thousands of US dollars)

 
  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
Unaudited
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities                          
Net earnings (loss) for the period   $ (6,505 ) $ (3,759 ) $ (10,647 ) $ 9,635  
Items not affecting cash and cash equivalents                          
  Depreciation and amortization     2,517     1,837     7,376     5,666  
  Future income taxes     4,244     753     2,425     1,915  
  Deferred charges     (590 )   135     (351 )   598  
  Deferred revenues     433     (2,052 )   (1,817 )   (5,007 )
  Accretion on convertible term loans (note 4)         967     1,227     3,491  
  Employee future benefits     118     174     356     401  
  Loss (gain) on dilution of investments     5     (109 )   140     (16,502 )
  Non-controlling interest     3,316     1,544     10,144     5,047  
  Stock-based compensation costs     641     745     1,900     2,178  
  Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-term items denominated in foreign currency     1     62     (340 )   412  
Change in non-cash operating working capital items (note 5)     1,671     349     3,936     1,474  
   
 
 
 
 
      5,851     646     14,349     9,308  
   
 
 
 
 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Payment on balance of purchase price     (1,291 )   (1,188 )   (1,291 )   (4,310 )
Increase in long-term debt         100     1,771     51,489  
Repayment of long-term debt     (1,560 )   (5,001 )   (10,541 )   (72,366 )
Issuance of shares             44     130  
Share issue expenses         (2 )   (112 )   (106 )
Issuance of shares by a subsidiary, net of related expenses     49     76     281     37,926  
   
 
 
 
 
      (2,802 )   (6,015 )   (9,848 )   12,763  
   
 
 
 
 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Purchase of short-term investments     (1,254 )   (6,290 )   (7,487 )   (30,993 )
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments     2,253     7,530     15,873     26,139  
Purchase of long-term investment     (441 )       (441 )   (400 )
Business acquisition, net of cash and cash equivalents
acquired (note 3)
    (2,830 )   (81 )   (10,839 )   (18,441 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment     (1,014 )   (385 )   (2,525 )   (1,299 )
Acquisition of amortizable intangible assets     (65 )   (27 )   (85 )   (652 )
   
 
 
 
 
      (3,351 )   747     (5,504 )   (25,646 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (302 )   (4,622 )   (1,003 )   (3,575 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     30     249     1,359     (2,292 )
Cash and cash equivalents — Beginning of period     27,895     22,244     27,267     23,738  
   
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents — End of period     27,623     17,871     27,623     17,871  
   
 
 
 
 

Additional information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest paid     1,982     328     7,791     1,578  
Income taxes paid     4,968     1,532     8,392     5,163  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



Æterna Zentaris Inc.
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
For the periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars, except share/option data
and per share/option data and as otherwise noted)

Unaudited

1.     Basis of presentation

These interim financial statements as at September 30, 2006 and for the periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are unaudited. They have been prepared by the Company in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for these periods have been included.

The accounting policies and methods of computation adopted in these financial statements are the same as those used in the preparation of the Company's most recent annual consolidated financial statements. All disclosures required for annual financial statements have not been included in these financial statements. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent annual consolidated financial statements. These interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.

2.     New accounting standards

Financial instruments, Hedges, Comprehensive Income and Equity

In January 2005, the CICA issued four new accounting standards in relation with financial instruments: section 3855 "Financial Instruments — Recognition and measurement", section 3865 "Hedges", section 1530 "Comprehensive Income" and section 3251 "Equity".

Section 3855 expands on section 3860 "Financial Instruments — Disclosure and Presentation", by prescribing when a financial instrument is to be recognized on the balance sheet and at what amount. It also specifies how financial instrument gains and losses are to be presented.

Section 3865 provides alternative treatments to section 3855 for entities which choose to designate qualifying transactions as hedges for accounting purposes. It replaces and expands on Accounting Guideline AcG-13 "Hedging Relationships", and the hedging guidance in Section 1650 "Foreign Currency Translation" by specifying how hedge accounting is applied and what disclosure is necessary when it is applied.

Section 1530 "Comprehensive Income" introduces a new requirement to temporarily present certain gains and losses outside net income.

Consequently, Section 3250 "Surplus" has been revised as Section 3251 "Equity". Sections 3855, 3865 and 1530 apply to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006 and we will adopt them on January 1, 2007. Impacts consistent with the adjustments described in note 24 of our 2005 annual consolidated financial statements are expected.


3.     Business acquisition

Amisol Company Ltd. and Douglas Laboratories of Canada

On May 1, 2006 and September 7, 2006, Atrium acquired the assets of Amisol Company Ltd. ("Amisol") and 2000610 Ontario Limited, doing business as Douglas Laboratories of Canada ("DL Canada"), for a total consideration of $9,929,000 (CAN$10,998,000), including all acquisition-related costs, of which an amount of $8,291,000 (CAN$9,186,000) was paid cash, $329,000 (CAN$364,000) was accrued as acquisition-related costs and $1,309,000 (CAN$1,448,000) as a balance of purchase price. An amount of $1,291,000 (CAN$1,430,000) was paid on the balance of purchase price during the third quarter of 2006. The acquisition of DL Canada is also subject to future payments based on the achievement of certain results. Amisol has been marketing personal care products in Canada since 1974. DL Canada has been marketing Douglas Laboratories products in Canada since 2000.

Both acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method and the results of operations have been included in the statement of operations from the date of acquisition. The total consideration was allocated based on management's preliminary assesment as to the estimated fair value at the acquisition date. These preliminary assesments are subject to change upon receipt of independant valuation reports and the final determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The allocated values of the net assets acquired are as follows:

 
  $
Assets    
Current assets   3,276
Property, plant and equipment   105
Intangible assets   1,270
   
    4,651
   
Liabilities    
Current liabilities   1,345
   
Net identifiable assets acquired   3,306
Goodwill   6,623
   
Purchase price   9,929
   

Goodwill and intangible assets from Amisol are included in the Active Ingredients & Specialty Chemicals segment and are deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill and intangible assets from DL Canada are included in the Health & Nutrition segment and are deductible for income tax purposes.

4.     Convertible term loans

On February 14 and 17, 2006, the Solidarity Fund QFL (the "Fund") and SGF Santé Inc. ("SGF") have respectively exercised their right to early convert the entirety of their convertible term loans in the principal amount of CAN$12.5 million each that they had extended to the Company in April 2003 and that were to mature on March 31, 2006. In accordance with the terms of the convertible term loans, and additional arrangements between the Company, the Fund and SGF, Æterna Zentaris has issued to each of the loan holders 3,477,544 of its common shares upon conversion of their loans, representing the principal and interest due to the stated maturity date under the loans, based on the conversion price that had been agreed upon in the loan agreement.

For accounting purposes, the convertible term loans are bifurcated between debt and equity, the equity portion representing the value of the holders' conversion options. As a consequence of this transaction, the Company recorded a loss of settlement of long-term debt amounting to $599,190. An amount of $280,000 has been recorded in the Statement of Deficit and the remainder is a charge in the Statement of Operations and included in the accretion of convertible term loans in the Statement of Cash Flows.


5.     Statements of cash flows and additional information

 
  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

 
Change in non-cash operating working capital items                  
  Accounts receivable   (1,841 ) 3,430   5,350   3,677  
  Inventory   614   (634 ) 3,522   (1,583 )
  Prepaid expenses   (188 ) 641   (321 ) 182  
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   5,239   (2,113 ) (3,318 ) (353 )
  Income taxes   (2,153 ) (975 ) (1,297 ) (449 )
   
 
 
 
 
    1,671   349   3,936   1,474  
   
 
 
 
 
Employee future benefit expense for defined benefit plans   176   185   443   455  
   
 
 
 
 

6.     Share capital

Authorized

Unlimited number of shares of the following classes:

Common: Voting and participating, one vote per share

Preferred: First and second ranking, issuable in series, with rights and privileges specific to each class

Issued Common Shares
  Number
  Amount
  Other Capital
 
 
   
  $

  $

 
Balance — December 31, 2004   45,670,909   127,585   6,059  
Issued pursuant to the stock option plan for cash   25,000   130    
Issued pursuant to the acquisition of Echelon Biosciences Inc.   443,905   2,737    
Conversion option related to convertible term loans       2,129  
Share issue expenses     (108 )  
Stock based compensation costs       2,286  
   
 
 
 
Balance — December 31, 2005   46,139,814   130,344   10,474  
   
 
 
 

Conversion of convertible term loans (see note 4)

 

6,955,088

 

37,786

 


 
Issued pursuant to the stock option plan              
  For cash   13,500   44    
  Ascribed value from Other Capital     24   (24 )
Issued pursuant to the acquisition of a patent from a senior officer   28,779   175    
Issued pursuant to the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of
    Echelon Biosciences Inc.
  23,789   163    
Conversion option related to convertible term loans       (6,339 )
Share issue expenses     (112 )  
Stock based compensation costs       1,678  
   
 
 
 
Balance — September 30, 2006   53,160,970   168,424   5,789  
   
 
 
 

7.     Net loss per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share:

 
  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

 
Net earnings (loss)   (6,505 ) (3,759 ) (10,647 ) 9,635  
Impact of assumed conversion of dilutive stock options in a subsidiary   (186 ) (97 ) (754 ) (472 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss), adjusted for dilution effect   (6,691 ) (3,856 ) (11,401 ) 9,163  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding   52,692,065   46,139,814   51,900,754   46,139,814
Effect of dilutive stock options   348,423   257,342   489,455   319,186
   
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding   53,040,488   46,397,156   52,390,209   46,459,000
   
 
 
 

Items excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share because the exercice price was greater than the average market price of the common shares or their anti-dilutive effect.

 
  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

Stock options   1,924,833   701,038   1,920,275   2,094,735
Common shares which would be issued following the conversion of the convertible term loans     6,582,495     6,582,495

For the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, as well as for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, the diluted net loss per share was the same as the basic net loss per share since the dilutive effect of stock options and convertible term loans was not included in the calculation; otherwise, the effect would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, the diluted net loss per share for these periods was calculated using the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding.


8.     Segment information

Æterna Zentaris' organizational structure is based on a number of factors that management uses to evaluate, view and run its business operations which include, but are not limited to, customer base, homogeneity of products and technology. The business segments disclosed in the interim consolidated financial statements are based on this organizational structure and information reviewed by Æterna Zentaris' management to evaluate the business segment results.

The Company manages its business and evaluates performance based on three operating segments, which are the Biopharmaceutical segment, the Active Ingredients & Specialty Chemicals segment and the Health and Nutrition segment. The accounting principles used for these three segments are consistent with those used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements.

 
  Quarters ended September 30,
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
  2006
  2005
  2006
  2005
 
 
  $

  $

  $

  $

 
Revenues                  
Biopharmaceutical   10,630   9,024   28,761   32,931  
Active Ingredients and Specialty Chemicals   44,992   37,007   137,721   120,621  
Health and Nutrition   28,290   7,002   85,853   21,884  
Consolidated adjustments   (19 ) (154 ) (575 ) (548 )
   
 
 
 
 
    83,893   52,879   251,760   174,888  
   
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from operations for the period                  
Biopharmaceutical   (5,756 ) (4,360 ) (17,312 ) (7,596 )
Active Ingredients and Specialty Chemicals   3,478   2,626   11,134   10,041  
Health and Nutrition   6,671   2,698   20,399   8,478  
Consolidated adjustments     22     22  
   
 
 
 
 
    4,393   986   14,221   10,945  
   
 
 
 
 

9.     Comparative figures

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

10.   Subsequent event

On September 19, 2006, the Company has entered into an agreement providing for the sale on a bought-deal basis and distribution to the public of 3,485,000 subordinate voting shares held by it in its subsidiary, Atrium Biotechnologies Inc. (Atrium), representing 24% of the Company's ownership interest in Atrium, at a price of CAN$15.80 per share. The closing of this offering was on October 18, 2006.

The Company realized net proceeds of approximately $46 million from this sale of a significant portion of its ownership interest in Atrium and will use the net proceeds from this offering to advance its development pipeline and for general corporate purposes. The gain on sale of this investment is approximately $30 million.

As a consequence of this sale, the Company's ownership in Atrium is now 36%. Since the Company have no longer a controlling interest in Atrium, any future interest in Atrium results of operations will be included in the Statement of Operations as a share in the results of Atrium. In addition, Atrium will subsequently be presented as an equity investment in the Company's balance sheet.


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.

    ÆTERNA ZENTARIS INC.

Date: November 14, 2006

 

By:

 

/s/  
MARIO PARADIS      
Mario Paradis
Vice President, Finance, Administration and
Corporate Secretary



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Æterna Zentaris Inc. Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars, except share/option data and per share/option data and as otherwise noted)