Aeterna Zentaris Inc. entered into a collaboration agreement with Ventana Medical Systems Inc., a member of the Roche Group, to develop a companion diagnostic for the immunohistochemical determination of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor expression, for the Company’s doxorubicin LHRH targeted conjugate compound, AEZS-108. In humans, LHRH receptors are expressed in a significant proportion of endometrial, ovarian, breast, bladder, prostate and pancreatic tumors. AEZS-108 specifically targets LHRH receptors and therefore, could prove to be more efficient in treating patients with these types of LHRH-receptor positive cancers. Phase 2 trials with AEZS-108 for LHRH-receptor positive advanced endometrial and ovarian cancer have recently been completed.

Juergen Engel, PhD, President and CEO of Aeterna Zentaris, stated, "We are very pleased with the collaboration with Ventana, because of their expertise in the development and commercialization of companion diagnostic tools. AEZS-108 is a promising anticancer compound as demonstrated by the positive final Phase 2 results in LHRH-receptor expressing endometrial and ovarian cancer. The Ventana companion diagnostic tool will allow us to develop improved methods for the selection of patients to be treated with AEZS 108, in order to enhance the efficiency of our clinical trials and help us with the future successful development of AEZS-108 in a number of different LHRH-expressing cancers."

Mara G. Aspinall, President of Ventana Medical Systems, added, "We are pleased to be the companion diagnostic partner of choice for Aeterna Zentaris to collaborate on this important project. The plan to develop a companion diagnostic for AEZS-108 shows that our companies are well aligned with a clear commitment to advancing personalized healthcare to improve the lives of patients afflicted with cancer."

-Richard Park