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 May 2007
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
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1405, Parc-Technologique Boulevard
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-_____
DOCUMENTS INDEX
DOCUMENTS DESCRIPTION
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1. Press release dated May 8, 2007: AEterna Zentaris Regains Exclusive
(ex-Japan) Rights from Solvay for Cetrorelix in Endometriosis Indication
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AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
1405 du Parc-Technologique Blvd.
Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1P 4P5
T 418 652-8525 F 418 652-0881
www.aeternazentaris.com
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
AETERNA ZENTARIS REGAINS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE (EX-JAPAN) RIGHTS FROM SOLVAY FOR
CETRORELIX IN ENDOMETRIOSIS INDICATION
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, MAY 8, 2007 - AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq:
AEZS), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and
oncology, today announced the termination of the License and Cooperation
Agreement for cetrorelix for all remaining indications, including endometriosis,
with its partner Solvay Pharmaceuticals (Solvay) (Euronext: SOLB), effective
immediately. AEterna Zentaris has regained exclusive worldwide (ex-Japan) rights
for its lead Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) antagonist, cetrorelix
in all indications, including endometriosis, without any financial compensation
payable to Solvay.
Solvay shifted its focus to newly defined therapeutic areas as a result of the
acquisition of Fournier Pharma, which was announced in March 2005. Consequently,
cetrorelix is no longer a priority for Solvay. AEterna Zentaris will conduct a
thorough analysis to determine the best strategy to complete the development of
cetrorelix in endometriosis.
"We are very pleased to have regained control of cetrorelix in endometriosis.
Now that we have the full rights to cetrorelix, excluding Japan, it is
imperative that we conduct an updated, comprehensive strategic analysis and
determine the best way to maximize the value of the compound," stated David J.
Mazzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris.
ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis is an abnormal growth of the endometrium and associated with many
symptoms with the most prevalent being pelvic pain and infertility. Contrary to
most of the current treatments for endometriosis, cetrorelix is not associated
with menopause-like side-effects such as hot-flashes and fatigue. Endometriosis
affects between 10% to 20% of women of child-bearing age which represents
approximately 26 million women. According to Datamonitor, in 2004, endometriosis
treatments represented a US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion market.
ABOUT CETRORELIX
Cetrorelix is part of AEterna Zentaris' LHRH antagonist therapeutic approach.
This peptide-based active substance was developed by the Company in cooperation
with Nobel Prize winner Professor Andrew Schally of the U.S. Veterans
Administration in Miami.
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
Cetrorelix is marketed under the brand name Cetrotide(R), the first LHRH
antagonist approved for therapeutic use as part of IN VITRO fertilization
programs (controlled ovulation stimulation/assisted reproductive technologies)
in Europe, the USA and Japan. It was launched on the market through Merck Serono
in the USA, Europe and in several other countries, as well as in Japan through
Shionogi.
Cetrorelix is also being studied in a Phase 3 program in Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH) conducted by AEterna Zentaris as well as in a Phase 2 program
in this same indication in Japan, sponsored by the Company's partner, Shionogi.
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
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.
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CONTACTS
Jenene Thomas
Senior Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
(418) 655-6420
jenene.thomas@aeternazentaris.com
Paul Burroughs
Media Relations
(418) 652-8525 ext. 406
paul.burroughs@aeternazentaris.com
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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 ZENTARIS INC.
Date: May 9, 2007 By: /s/ Mario Paradis
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Mario Paradis
Vice President, Finance & Administration and
Corporate Secretary