UPDATE 2-Aeterna seeks partner for BPH treatment

(Adds details from conference call)

By Scott Anderson

TORONTO, Oct 2 (Reuters) - A new management team at AEterna Zentaris (AEZ.TO: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) (AEZS.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) put its stamp on the Canadian biotechnology company on Tuesday, unveiling a strategic plan that includes commercialization of its key Cetrorelix drug and the sale of some non-core assets.

The company has seen a major management overhaul in the past year, including the appointment of a new president and chief executive, David Mazzo.

It said it will seek a commercialization partner for Cetrorelix, its treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the increase in the size of the prostate in middle-aged and elderly men.

AEterna Zentaris expects to launch Cetrorelix, which is currently in Phase 3 trials, as a BPH treatment by 2011.

Mazzo said during a conference call that the preferred partner would be a global pharmaceutical company with an established presence in the United States and a specialty in men's health.

AEterna estimates that Cetrorelix has a BPH market potential of about $500 million in the United States alone.

Mazzo said he expects a deal to be firmed up at least 18 months before the 2011 launch.