Aeterna Zentaris to Present Proof of Concept for Disorazol Z Cytotoxic Conjugates such as AEZS-125 in Ovarian Cancer Mouse Model at Upcoming ENA Symposium

QUÉBEC CITY, Nov. 1, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZ) (the "Company") today announced that its Director of Preclinical Development, Babette Aicher, PhD, will be making a poster presentation on preclinical results for disorazol Z cytotoxic conjugates, such as AEZS-125, in ovarian cancer, at the upcoming 24^th EORTC-NCI-AACR (ENA) Symposium on "Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics", which will be held November 6-9, 2012 in Dublin, Ireland. The study is funded through a grant from the German Ministry of Education and Research.

Abstract #330:	"Highly Potent Cytotoxic Conjugates of Disorazol Z Linked to a LHRH-Receptor Targeting Peptide, such as AEZS-125, Interfere with Cell Cycle Progression in Human Cancer Cell Lines and Suppress Tumor Growth in a LHRH Receptor Positive Ovarian Cancer Xenograft Model ", B. Aicher, T. Schuster, L. Blumenstein, P. Schmidt, H. Irschik, R. Jansen, R. Mueller, E. Guenther, M. Teifel.
Session:	Monoclonal Antibodies and Targeted Toxins/Nuclides
Poster Board:	080
Date& Time:	Thursday, November 8, 2012, from 12 noon to 2:15 pm (local time)
Venue:	Convention Centre Dublin

About Disorazol Z cytotoxic conjugate, AEZS-125

AEZS-125 is a disorazol Z (AEZS-137) cytotoxic conjugate linked to a Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH)-receptor targeting peptide. Disorazol Z is a novel natural compound isolated from myxobacterium Soranglium cellulosum with outstanding cytotoxic activity. Disorazol Z is a macrocyclic polyketide which is available via fermentation in high yield and purity. Besides tubulin binding, disorazol Z has pro-apoptotic properties and arrested cancer cells in G2 stage of the cell cycle at subnanomolar concentrations. Disorazol Z is an ideal partner for the formation of cytotoxic conjugates with peptides and proteins to selectively target cancer cells.

About Aeterna Zentaris

Aeterna Zentaris is an oncology and endocrinology drug development company currently investigating treatments for various unmet medical needs. The Company's pipeline encompasses compounds at all stages of development, from drug discovery through to marketed products. For more information please visit www.aezsinc.com.

SOURCE: AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.

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