Aeterna Zentaris Affirms Focus on Targeted Oncology During 2016 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
January 13 2016 - 2:00PM
Business Wire
Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS; TSX: AEZ) (the
“Company”) today affirmed its focus on targeted oncologic therapies
during the 2016 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, where interest
in such therapies remains very strong.
Dr. Richard Sachse, the Company’s Chief Scientific Officer,
characterized the interest expressed by oncology companies
attending the conference as “intense”, stating as follows:
“Immuno-oncology/targeted oncology has been one of the key areas of
innovation over the last few years. That is certainly still true
today as evidenced by the number of companies presenting
developments in this area at J.P. Morgan. We have been at the
vanguard of this innovation with our portfolio of targeted oncology
compounds, which includes Zoptrex™ (zoptarelin doxorubicin) and our
Disorazol Z cytotoxic conjugate, AEZS-138.”
The Company provided an update regarding its progress with
Zoptrex™, noting that it recently received DSMB recommendation to
continue the ZoptEC Phase 3 clinical program to completion
following review of the final interim efficacy and safety data and
that the compound met its Phase 2 Primary Endpoint in men with
heavily pretreated castration- and Taxane-resistant prostate cancer
in an investigator-sponsored study. Commenting on the development
status of Zoptrex™, Dr. Sachse stated, “ZoptEC is a fully enrolled
Phase 3 study, which we expect to conclude in the second half of
2016. We believe that we are, therefore, a good bit ahead of many
of the immune-oncology products that are in development. I would
add that Zoptrex™ is a targeted cytotoxic therapy using a peptide
as the targeting agent.”
Zoptrex™ is a complex molecule that combines a synthetic peptide
carrier with doxorubicin, a well-known chemotherapy agent. The
synthetic peptide carrier is D-Lys6-LHRH, a modified natural
hormone with affinity for the LHRH receptor. The design of the
compound allows for the specific binding and selective uptake of
the cytotoxic conjugate by LHRH receptor-positive tumors. Potential
benefits of this targeted approach include enhanced efficacy and a
more favorable safety profile with lower incidence and severity of
side effects as compared to doxorubicin.
The Company is also in the early stages of developing compounds
based on another cytotoxic agent that would follow Zoptrex™. The
follow-on cytotoxic compound is Disorazol Z, a novel natural
compound with outstanding cytotoxic activity that is isolated from
the mycobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. Disorazol Z exhibits potent
inhibition of tubulin polymerization and has pro-apoptotic
properties. It has been shown to arrest cancer cells in G2M stage
of the cell cycle at sub-nanomolar concentrations.
“We are focusing on Disorazol Z,” Dr. Sachse explained, “because
it is an ideal compound for the formation of cytotoxic conjugates
with peptides, proteins and antibodies to selectively target cancer
cells. We have one cytotoxic conjugate, AEZS-138, in preclinical
development. It is a conjugate based on Disorazol Z and the LHRH
receptor agonist that is utilized in Zoptrex™. We believe that the
peptide directs the compound specifically to LHRH receptor
expressing tumor cells, and mediates binding and uptake via
endocytosis. Within the cancer cell, the conjugates are cleaved and
Disorazol Z can deploy its potent anti-proliferative activity.”
The Company has patented the cytotoxic agent Disorazol Z in 35
countries, including the United States, Japan, Europe, China,
Russia, Korea and Taiwan. This patent protection expires in 2026.
The conjugate of Disorazol Z and the LHRH receptor agonist as a
targeted cytotoxic agent is patented in 15 countries, including the
United States, Japan, China, Russia, Korea and Taiwan. This patent
protection expires in 2027. The Company expects the European patent
to be granted in the near future.
Mr. David A. Dodd, Chairman, President and CEO of the Company
commented on the Company’s business development efforts, saying
“With the recent DSMB recommendation that we complete our ZoptEC
Phase 3 study of Zoptrex™, we have seen greatly increased interest
from companies in commercializing the product in markets outside
the United States for its current indication and follow-on
indications. Several of these companies are also interested in
evaluating Disorazol Z. While much work remains to be done, we are
hopeful that we can bring one or more transactions to
conclusion.”
About Aeterna Zentaris Inc.
Aeterna Zentaris is a specialty biopharmaceutical company
engaged in developing and commercializing novel treatments in
oncology, endocrinology and women’s health. We are engaged in drug
development activities and in the promotion of products for others.
We are now conducting Phase 3 studies of two internally developed
compounds. The focus of our business development efforts is the
acquisition of licenses to products that are relevant to our
therapeutic areas of focus. We also intend to license out certain
commercial rights of internally developed products to licensees in
territories where such out-licensing would enable us to ensure
development, registration and launch of our product candidates. Our
goal is to become a growth-oriented specialty biopharmaceutical
company by pursuing successful development and commercialization of
our product portfolio, achieving successful commercial presence and
growth, while consistently delivering value to our shareholders,
employees and the medical providers and patients who will benefit
from our products. For more information, visit www.aezsinc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the US Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may
include, but are not limited to statements preceded by, followed
by, or that include the words “expects,” “believes,” “intends,”
“anticipates,” and similar terms that relate to future events,
performance, or our results. Forward-looking statements involve
known and unknown risks and uncertainties that 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 and clinical trials, the successful and timely
completion of clinical studies, the risk that safety and efficacy
data from any of our Phase 3 trials may not coincide with the data
analyses from previously reported Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 clinical
trials, the ability of the Company to efficiently commercialize one
or more of its products or product candidates, the ability of the
Company to take advantage of business opportunities in the
pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory
process, the ability to protect our intellectual property, the
potential of liability arising from shareholder lawsuits and
general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult
the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and US
securities commissions for additional information on risks and
uncertainties relating to forward-looking statements. Investors are
cautioned not to place undue reliance 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, unless required
to do so by a governmental authority or by applicable law.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160113006176/en/
Aeterna Zentaris Inc.Philip Theodore, Senior Vice
President843-900-3223ir@aezsinc.comwww.aezsinc.com
Aeterna Zentaris (NASDAQ:AEZS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Aeterna Zentaris (NASDAQ:AEZS)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024