Aeterna Zentaris Submits New Drug Application to FDA for Macimorelin Acetate (AEZS-130) for Evaluation of AGHD

QUEBEC, Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZS) (the "Company") today announced that it has submitted a New Drug Application ("NDA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for its ghrelin agonist, macimorelin acetate (AEZS-130). Phase 3 data have demonstrated that the compound has the potential to become the first orally-approved product that induces growth hormone release to evaluate adult growth hormone deficiency ("AGHD"), with accuracy comparable to available intravenous and intramuscular testing procedures.

David Dodd, President and CEO of Aeterna Zentaris, commented, "The submission of the NDA to the FDA is another major milestone in our strategy to bring macimorelin acetate to market as the first approved oral product for AGHD evaluation. We are also looking at potential expansion into traumatic brain injury victims and pediatrics which would represent significant growth opportunities for the Company. Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank all those involved in our drug development and regulatory affairs departments for this exciting accomplishment."

About Macimorelin Acetate (AEZS-130)

Macimorelin acetate, a ghrelin agonist, is a novel orally-active small molecule that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone. The Company has completed a Phase 3 trial for use in evaluating AGHD, and has submitted a NDA to the FDA in this indication. Macimorelin acetate has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for use in AGHD. Furthermore, macimorelin acetate is in a Phase 2 trial as a treatment for cancer-induced cachexia. Aeterna Zentaris owns the worldwide rights to this novel patented compound.

About AGHD

AGHD affects about 75,000 adults across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Growth hormone not only plays an important role in growth from childhood to adulthood, but also helps promote a hormonally-balanced health status. AGHD mostly results from damage to the pituitary gland. It is usually characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density, lean mass, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life.

About Aeterna Zentaris

Aeterna Zentaris is a specialty biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel treatments in oncology and endocrinology. The Company's pipeline encompasses compounds from drug discovery to regulatory approval. For more information, visit www.aezsinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's 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 risk that safety and efficacy data from any of our Phase 3 trials may not coincide with the data analyses from previously reported Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 clinical trials, 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 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. We disclaim 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, unless required to do so by a governmental authority or by applicable law.

SOURCE Aeterna Zentaris Inc.