AEterna Zentaris to Present Data Supporting Evaluation of AEZS-108 in Prostate Cancer...

AEterna Zentaris to Present Data Supporting Evaluation of AEZS-108 in Prostate
Cancer at Upcoming ASCO Meeting

Partner Keryx to present Phase 2 data on perifosine for multiple cancers

QUEBEC CITY, May 19 /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:

#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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties,
which could cause the AEterna Zentaris' actual results to differ materially
from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties
include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D
projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the
ability of the Company to take advantage of business opportunities in the
pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and
general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult the Company's
quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions
for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the
forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to rely on these
forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these
forward-looking statements and disclaims any obligation to update any such
factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events
or developments, except if we are requested by a governmental authority or
applicable law.
SOURCE AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.

Investor Relations: Ginette Vallieres, Investor Relations Coordinator, (418)
652-8525 ext. 265, gvallieres@aezsinc.com; Media Relations: Paul Burroughs,
Director of Communications, (418) 652-8525 ext. 406, pburroughs@aezsinc.com