Aeterna Zentaris presents results of orally active compounds with anti-tumor effects at EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ:  AEZS, TSX: AEZ), ("the Company") today presented posters on encouraging preclinical results for AEZS-129 and AEZS-132, two novel orally active compounds with anti-tumor effects. Data shows that AEZS-129 and AEZS-132 block important signalling pathways (PI3K/Akt and Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk) which contribute to the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. Targeting these multiple signalling pathways could result in improved treatment efficacy for such cancers as lung, colon, prostate, breast, endometrial cancer and melanoma. Both posters were presented by Irene Seipelt, Associate Director, Discovery and Preclinical Development at Aeterna Zentaris, during the 22^nd EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics currently held at the Berlin Estrel Hotel and Convention Centre in Berlin, Germany.

Juergen Engel, Ph.D., President and CEO of Aeterna Zentaris stated, "Data from the studies on AEZS-129 and AEZS-132 presented today, demonstrate that these two novel orally active anti-cancer compounds can inhibit the growth of tumor cells without critical safety issues. They are also prime examples of our innovative drug development programs in oncology, using molecules that work by using a targeted approach in order to tailor the treatment to a patient's specific condition and tumor characteristics. Although still in preclinical development, we believe AEZS-129 and especially the first-in-class dual PI3K/Erk inhibitor, AEZS-132, could be part of the next generation of cancer treatments."