AEterna Zentaris Regains Exclusive Worldwide (ex-Japan) Rights from Solvay for Cetrorelix in Endometriosis Indication
QUEBEC CITY, May 8 - AEterna Zentaris Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced the termination of the License and Cooperation Agreement for cetrorelix for all remaining indications, including endometriosis, with its partner Solvay Pharmaceuticals (Solvay) (Euronext: SOLB), effective immediately. AEterna Zentaris has regained exclusive worldwide (ex-Japan) rights for its lead Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) antagonist, cetrorelix in all indications, including endometriosis, without any financial compensation payable to Solvay.
Solvay shifted its focus to newly defined therapeutic areas as a result of the acquisition of Fournier Pharma, which was announced in March 2005. Consequently, cetrorelix is no longer a priority for Solvay. AEterna Zentaris will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the best strategy to complete the development of cetrorelix in endometriosis.
"We are very pleased to have regained control of cetrorelix in endometriosis. Now that we have the full rights to cetrorelix, excluding Japan, it is imperative that we conduct an updated, comprehensive strategic analysis and determine the best way to maximize the value of the compound," stated David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris.
About Endometriosis
Endometriosis is an abnormal growth of the endometrium and associated with many symptoms with the most prevalent being pelvic pain and infertility. Contrary to most of the current treatments for endometriosis, cetrorelix is not associated with menopause-like side-effects such as hot-flashes and fatigue. Endometriosis affects between 10% to 20% of women of child-bearing age which represents approximately 26 million women. According to Datamonitor, in 2004, endometriosis treatments represented a US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion market.
About Cetrorelix
Cetrorelix is part of AEterna Zentaris' LHRH antagonist therapeutic approach. This peptide-based active substance was developed by the Company in cooperation with Nobel Prize winner Professor Andrew Schally of the U.S. Veterans Administration in Miami.
Cetrorelix is marketed under the brand name Cetrotide®, the first LHRH antagonist approved for therapeutic use as part of in vitro fertilization programs (controlled ovulation stimulation/assisted reproductive technologies) in Europe, the USA and Japan. It was launched on the market through Merck Serono in the USA, Europe and in several other countries, as well as in Japan through Shionogi.
Cetrorelix is also being studied in a Phase 3 program in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) conducted by AEterna Zentaris as well as in a Phase 2 program in this same indication in Japan, sponsored by the Company's partner, Shionogi.
About AEterna Zentaris Inc.
AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology with proven expertise in drug discovery, development and commercialization. News releases and additional information are available at www.aeternazentaris.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
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