QUEBEC CITY, QC, CANADA (Press Release) - May 19, 2009

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq: AEZS), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced that results supporting the evaluation of its targeted cytotoxic peptide conjugate compound, AEZS-108, in prostate cancer, will be presented as a poster at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, to be held May 29 through June 2, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

AEZS-108

Results presented are important for the expansion of potential indications for AEZS-108. While clinical investigations so far focused on gynaecological indications, the new results show continued expression of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) receptors in prostate cancer specimens after prolonged use of LHRH agonists; these data provide further support to the investigation of the drug in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, a major genitourinary cancer indication in male patients.

Abstract selected for presentation is as follows:

Genitourinary Cancer
Sunday, May 31, 2009:

# 5103: Expression of LHRH receptors in prostate cancer cells prior to therapy, following castration, or following treatment with LHRH agonists

Lead Author: Stephen Liu, MD
Poster Session: 2 pm - 6 pm (Level 2, West Hall C)

Perifosine

Additionally, AEterna Zentaris' partner, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, announced yesterday that it will present four posters on the Akt-inhibitor compound, perifosine, during the ASCO meeting. Keryx is currently developing perifosine in multiple Phase 2 trials for various types of cancer. All of the clinical data presented demonstrate the potential efficacy of perifosine, both as a single agent and in combination with other approved agents, in the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer and GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors).

Abstracts selected for presentation are as follows:

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
Friday, May 29, 2009

#5034: Phase 2 study of perifosine in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progressing after prior therapy (Rx) with a VEGF receptor inhibitor.

Lead Author: Nicholas Vogelzang, MD
Poster Discussion: 5 pm - 6 pm (Level 2, West Hall F5)
Sunday, May 31, 2009

#5101: A Phase 2 trial of perifosine in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), who have failed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI).

Lead Author: Daniel Cho, MD

Poster Session: 2 pm - 6 pm (Level 2, West Hall C)

Colorectal Cancer
Sunday, May 31, 2009

#4081: Randomized Phase 2 study of perifosine in combination with capecitabine versus capecitabine alone in patients with second- or third-line metastatic colon cancer.

Lead Author: Sasha Vukelja, MD
Poster Session: 8 am - 12 pm (Level 2, West Hall C)

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Sunday, May 31, 2009:v

#10563: A randomized Phase 2 study of perifosine (P) plus imatinib for patients with imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

Lead Author: Anthony Conley, MD
Poster Session: 2 pm - 6 pm (Level 2, West Hall C)

Copies of all of these abstracts are currently available and can be viewed on-line through the ASCO website: http://www.asco.org/.

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.aezsinc.com.

AEterna Zentaris Inc.

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