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 June 2009
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 /X/ Form 40-F / /
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 AEterna Zentaris Receives US$10 Million from Institutional Investors
[AETERNA ZENTARIS LOGO]
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. 1405 du Parc-Technologique Blvd.
Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1P 4P5 T 418 652-8525 F 418 652-0881
www.aezsinc.com
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
AETERNA ZENTARIS RECEIVES US$10 MILLION FROM INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, JUNE 24, 2009 - AEterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS; TSX:
AEZ), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and
oncology, announced today that it has completed its previously announced
registered direct offering of US$10 million of units comprised of common shares
and common share purchase warrants to certain institutional investors. AEterna
Zentaris received net proceeds of approximately US$9.25 million after deducting
placement agent fees and other offering expenses. All of the common shares and
warrants were offered pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement.
Proceeds from the transaction will be used for general corporate purposes,
including clinical development of the Company's leading oncology and
endocrinology compounds.
Dr. Juergen Engel, Ph. D., President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris stated, "We are
very pleased with this vote of confidence from targeted specialized
institutional investors. In addition, completing this financing provides us with
additional funds that will help us to further strengthen our promising oncology
pipeline."
As of June 24, 2009 and after issuing 5,319,149 common shares at the closing of
the offering, the Company had 58,506,619 common shares issued and outstanding.
A shelf registration statement relating to the common shares and warrants issued
in the offering (and the common shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants)
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and has
been declared effective. A prospectus supplement relating to the offering was
filed with the SEC. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying
prospectus may be obtained directly from AEterna Zentaris Inc., 1405 du
Parc-Technologique Boulevard, Quebec City, Canada G1P 4P5. This announcement is
neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of AEterna
Zentaris' common shares or warrants. No offer, solicitation or sale will be made
in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.
Rodman & Renshaw, LLC, a subsidiary of Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc.,
(Nasdaq: RODM), acted as the exclusive placement agent for the transaction.
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.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. 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 by a
governmental authority or applicable law.
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Ginette Vallieres
Investor Relations Coordinator
(418) 652-8525 ext. 265
gvallieres@aezsinc.com
MEDIA RELATIONS
Paul Burroughs
Director of Communications
(418) 652-8525 ext. 406
pburroughs@aezsinc.com
-30-
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: June 24, 2009 By: /s/Dennis Turpin
------------------- -------------------------------------------
Dennis Turpin
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer