AEterna Zentaris, Inc.

A. Company Profile

AEterna Zentaris (NASDAQ:AEZS) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapeutic treatments for cancer.

B. Products

1. AEZS-108

AEZS-108 is a targeted cytotoxic peptide conjugate which is a hybrid molecule composed of a synthetic peptide carrier and a well-known cytotoxic agent, doxorubicin. The design of this product allows for the specific binding and selective uptake of the cytotoxic conjugate by the LHRH receptor-positive tumors. The binding of conjugate molecule AEZS-108 to cancerous cells that express these receptors results in its accumulation in the malignant tissue. This binding is followed by internalization and retention of the cytotoxic drug, doxorubicin, in the cells. Therefore, since they target specific cells, cytotoxic conjugates are postulated to be more effective and have less side-effects than the respective non-conjugated/non-linked cytotoxic agents in inhibiting tumor growth.

2. AEZS-112

AEZS-112 is the first anticancer drug in development involving two mechanisms of action, tubulin and topoisomerase II inhibition. AEZS-112 expresses different modes of action such as, pro-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic properties.

3. OZARELIX

Ozarelix is a highly modified luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist which is a linear decapeptide sequence. It is the 4th generation LHRH antagonist aiming for properties that are particularly suitable for tumor therapy.

4. Neovastat

Neovastat is a naturally occuring antiangiogenic compound, extracted from cartilage, with multiple antiangiogenic mechanisms of action that provide broad therapeutic potential for a number of diseases. While most antiangiogenic agents target only one mechanism of the complicated angiogenic process, Neovastat acts on multiple fronts: blocking Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) binding, inhibiting MMPs (strong inhibition of gelatinolytic and elastinolytic activities for MMP (Matrix Metallproteinase)-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12, induction of endothelial cell specific apoptosis, and increase in the level of angiostatin.

5. Perifosine

Perifosine is an alkyphosphocholine with structural similarity to phospholipids that are main constituents of cellular membranes. It targets AKT/protein kinase B activity and exerts cytotoxic effect.