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Aeterna Zentaris Reports Third Quarter 2010 Financial and Operating Results

^{Published on 2010-11-09 09:46:32 - Market Wire}
 

QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS, TSX: AEZ) ("the Company") today reported financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.

The Company's lead oncology compounds, perifosine, in Phase 3 registration trials for multiple myeloma and advanced colorectal cancer as well as in other earlier-stage cancer trials, and AEZS-108 in Phase 2 trials in advanced ovarian and endometrial cancer, continued to make significant progress.

"We are proud of the progress we have made over the last quarter as these products demonstrate our commitment to improving oncology treatment through 'personalized medicine'," said Juergen Engel, Ph.D., Aeterna Zentaris' President and Chief Executive Officer. "We now look forward to the presentation of Phase 2 results for AEZS-108 in advanced endometrial cancer at the EORTC-NCI-AACR International Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics."

Third Quarter 2010 Highlights

(All amounts are in U.S. dollars)

• Perifosine received orphan-drug designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for the treatment of neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system affecting mostly children and infants (July 14, 2010).
• Dr. Jacek Pinski of the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health ("NIH") for a Phase 1/2 study in advanced refractory prostate cancer with AEZS-108 (August 5, 2010).
• An abstract on Solorel^TM, an oral synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist currently in Phase 3 as a diagnostic test for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency ("AGHD") was presented at the Seventh International Congress of Neuroendocrinology in Rouen, France. The data showed that Solorel's accuracy was at least equivalent to the current tests for AGHD (July 14, 2010).
• Interim Phase 3 data on Solorel demonstrating the potential to provide a simple, well tolerated and safe oral diagnostic test for AGHD was also presented at the Fifth International Congress of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the Insulin-like Growth Factors Society in New York City (October 5, 2010).

"Our financial position continues to be solid with $39.9 million in cash and cash equivalents at quarter-end and a current controlled burn rate of approximately $2 million per month," said Dennis Turpin, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aeterna Zentaris.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Revenues were $5.7 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to $8.6 million for the same period in 2009. The decrease is due mainly to the absence, in 2010, of amortization of an upfront license fee payment related to our agreement with sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, which was entered into in March 2009 and subsequently terminated, in connection with our now discontinued development program involving cetrorelix for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia ("BPH").

Research and development ("R&D") costs, net of tax credits and grants, were $4.1 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to $9.7 million for the same period in 2009. The comparative decrease in net R&D costs is primarily attributable to the winding down and termination of development activities related to cetrorelix in BPH.

Net loss was $10.1 million, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2010, compared to $11.3 million, or $0.19 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2009. The decrease in net loss is attributable largely to lower net R&D expenses and to lower SG&A expenses, despite both the comparative decrease in revenues and the comparative increase in foreign exchange losses.

Cash and cash equivalents totalled $39.9 million as at September 30, 2010.

Conference call

Management will be hosting a conference call for the investment community beginning at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time today, Tuesday, November 9, 2010, to discuss third quarter 2010 results. Individuals interested in participating in the live conference call by telephone may dial, in Canada, 514-807-9895 or 647-427-7450, from outside Canada, 888-231-8191 or may listen through the Internet at [ www.aezsinc.com ] in the Newsroom section. A replay will be available on the Company's website for 30 days following the live event.

About Aeterna Zentaris Inc.

Aeterna Zentaris is a late-stage oncology drug development company currently investigating potential treatments for various cancers including colorectal, ovarian and endometrial cancer as well as multiple myeloma. The Company's innovative approach of "personalized medicine" means tailoring treatments to a patient's specific condition and to unmet medical needs. Aeterna Zentaris' deep pipeline is drawn from its proprietary discovery unit providing constant and long-term access to state-of-the-art therapeutic options. For more information please visit [ www.aezsinc.com ].

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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, 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 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, unless required to do so by a governmental authority or by applicable law.

Attachment: Financial summary

Interim Consolidated Results of Operations
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)
(unaudited)

* Comprised mainly of deferred revenues and employee future benefits.