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 October 2007
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
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
----- -----
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
----- -----
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. Press release dated October 25, 2007: AEterna Zentaris to Further
Develop Three Follow-up Multi-targeted Cytotoxic Candidates to
AEZS-112 as Potential Novel Cancer Treatment
---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
AETERNA ZENTARIS
Aeterna Zentaris Inc.
1405 du Parc Technologique Blvd.
Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1O 4P5
T 418 652-8525 F 418 652-0881
www.aeternazentaris.com
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
AETERNA ZENTARIS TO FURTHER DEVELOP THREE FOLLOW-UP MULTI-TARGETED CYTOTOXIC
CANDIDATES TO AEZS-112 AS POTENTIAL NOVEL CANCER TREATMENT
NEW IN VITRO DATA PRESENTED AT AACR-NCI-EORTC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
MOLECULAR TARGETS AND CANCER THERAPEUTICS IN SAN FRANCISCO
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, OCTOBER 25, 2007 - AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq:
AEZS), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and
oncology, today presented an abstract outlining novel data generated from three
AEZS-112 (formerly ZEN-012) follow-up multi-targeted cytotoxic candidates at the
AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer
Therapeutics being held this week at the Moscone Convention Center in San
Francisco, California. Following encouraging results, the Company will pursue
further research aimed at selecting an AEZS-112 follow-up candidate for
preclinical development in cancer.
David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at
AEterna Zentaris commented, "These encouraging new results for our AEZS-112
follow-up compounds are further proof of the quality and depth of our internal
drug discovery engine, and we look forward to the continued development of these
compounds as potential novel oral cancer treatments."
RESULTS
The abstract #C218 entitled, "HIGHLY POTENT CYTOTOXIC COMPOUNDS WITH INHIBITORY
EFFECTS ON TUBULIN POLYMERIZATION AND TOPOISOMERASE II", reviewed results of a
pharmacological characterization of three follow-up compound candidates to
AEZS-112, AEterna Zentaris' multi-targeted cytotoxic compound currently in a
Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors and lymphoma. The analysis was aimed at
identifying compounds with either quantitative or qualitative variations in
either mode of action -- inhibition of tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase
activity as well as antiangiogenic properties -- and/or tumor specificity for
subsequent preclinical development.
AEZS-112 follow-up candidates were subjected to comprehensive IN VITRO profiling
with respect to mode of action, metabolic stability and interference with
clonogenic growth of human xenograft derived cell lines.
CONCLUSIONS
>> All three AEZS-112 follow-up candidates were equal to or more
efficient in exerting cytotoxic activity in tumor cell lines and
inhibiting tubulin polymerization than AEZS-112, whereas induction of
cell cycle arrest and apoptosis was slightly improved;
>> An interesting difference to the AEZS-112 profile is the inhibition of
topoisomerase I by compounds 2 and 3. Moreover, compound 2 displayed
significant higher potency for topoisomerase II inhibition than AEZS-112;
>> IN VITRO plasma and liver microsomal stability of the follow-up candidates
are comparable to AEZS-112, thus demonstrating suitability for IN VIVO
efficacy studies;
>> Interference with clonogenic growth of xenograft-derived cells revealed
variability in the response of the different tumor classes to AEZS-112 and
compound 1 treatment as a basis for selection of the most appropriate IN
VIVO efficacy models.
Based on their interesting IN VITRO profiles, all three follow-up candidates
will be subjected to human tumor xenograft IN VIVO models aimed at selecting an
AEZS-112 follow-up candidate for preclinical development.
THE POSTER PRESENTATION IS AVAILABLE IN THE INVESTOR SECTION OF THE COMPANY'S
WEBSITE UNDER "EVENTS AND WEBCASTS" AT WWW.AETERNAZENTARIS.COM.
ABOUT AEZS-112
AEZS-112 is a novel oral multi-targeted cytotoxic compound with inhibitory
effects on tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase II and angiogenesis. In January
2007, the Company initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors and
lymphoma; primary endpoints will focus on determining the safety and
tolerability of the compound.
AEZS-112 has shown potent IN VITRO anti-proliferative activity at nanomolar
concentrations against human tumor cell lines of different origin. The compound
is active in tumor cell lines which are resistant to cisplatin and doxorubicin
as well as to tubulin inhibitors such as vincristine and paclitaxel. Given
orally once or twice weekly, AEZS-112 proved to be a potent inhibitor of IN VIVO
tumor growth in different models including mammary, colon, skin, lung, renal and
leukemic cancers.
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 at WWW.AETERNAZENTARIS.COM.
-30-
CONTACTS
Jenene Thomas
Senior Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
(908) 938-1475
JENENE.THOMAS@AETERNAZENTARIS.COM
Paul Burroughs
Media Relations
(418) 652-8525 ext. 406
PAUL.BURROUGHS@AETERNAZENTARIS.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 ZENTARIS INC.
DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2007 By: /s/MARIO PARADIS
---------------- -----------------------------------------
Mario Paradis
Senior Vice President, Administrative and
Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary