Aeterna Zentaris Presents Promising Results for Disorazol Z Cytotoxic Conjugates

Aeterna Zentaris

today presented encouraging preclinical results for disorazol Z cytotoxic conjugates, such as AEZS-125, in ovarian cancer. Results showed the compound's high potential for the treatment of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor positive tumors. Data were presented by the Company's Director of Preclinical Development, Babette Aicher, PhD, during a poster presentation at the 24th EORTC-NCI-AACR (ENA) Symposium on "Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics", currently held in Dublin, Ireland. The study is funded through a grant from the German Ministry of Education and Research. Juergen Engel, PhD, Aeterna Zentaris President and CEO stated, "Disorazol Z cytotoxic conjugates such as AEZS-125, are an extension of our AEZS-108 innovative LHRH receptor targeted platform in oncology. These encouraging results presented at the ENA Symposium will enable us to select a specific drug candidate for further preclinical development expected to start in the first quarter of 2013." Conclusions All conjugates of D-Lys6 -LHRH and disorazol Z analyzed, demonstrated high potential regarding the treatment of LHRH-receptor positive tumors; For all conjugates, including AEZS-125, proof-of-concept could be demonstrated in an LHRH-receptor positive A2780 ovarian cancer xenograft model; Experiments are currently under way addressing: Correlation of tumor LHRH-receptor expression and treatment efficacy; Evaluation