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FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of December 2007
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
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1405, boul. du Parc-Technologique
Quebec, Quebec
Canada, G1P 4P5
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F Form 40-F X
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes No X
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-
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DOCUMENTS INDEX
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DOCUMENTS DESCRIPTION
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1. Press Release dated December 3, 2007: AEterna Zentaris Sells Echelon
Biosciences to Frontier Scientific
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[AETERNA ZENTARIS LOGO]
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. 1405 du Parc-Technologique Blvd.
Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1P 4P5 T 418 652-8525 F 418 652-0881
www.aeternazentaris.com
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
AETERNA ZENTARIS SELLS ECHELON BIOSCIENCES TO FRONTIER
SCIENTIFIC
ALL AMOUNTS ARE IN US DOLLARS
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, DECEMBER 3, 2007 -AEterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS; TSX:
AEZ;), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and
oncology, today announced it has completed the sale of all issued and
outstanding shares of its wholly-owned Salt Lake City, Utah-based subsidiary,
Echelon Biosciences Inc., to Frontier Scientific Inc. The transaction represents
$3.2 million, including $2.6 million upfront and payable immediately with a $0.6
million in contingent consideration.
David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris Inc. stated, "We
are very pleased to have finalized the transaction with Frontier Scientific for
the sale of Echelon. It is our intention to divest our remaining non-core assets
as they provide additional non-dilutive sources of funds that we will dedicate
to advance our lead development programs, specifically our ongoing Phase 3
program with cetrorelix for the treatment of BPH."
Dr. Jerry Bommer, President of Frontier Scientific commented, "Frontier
Scientific and Echelon Biosciences both have outstanding personnel and
complementary markets, technologies, facilities, and operations. The acquisition
will lead to new technology development and growth opportunities."
On October 2, 2007, the Company announced its intention to divest its non-core
assets, including Echelon Biosciences.
ABOUT ECHELON BIOSCIENCES INC.
Echelon Biosciences Inc., a Salt Lake City based biotechnology company with 20
employees, is engaged in furthering the science of lipid cell signalling and
critical metabolic enzymes, which provide new and viable targets for the
development of potential drugs and diagnostics for cancer, diabetes,
inflammation, infections, and cardiovascular disease. The focus is also on small
molecule agonists and antagonists to lipid-protein signalling interactions which
are new and important therapeutic targets. Furthermore, Echelon markets chemical
reagents.
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[AETERNA ZENTARIS LOGO]
ABOUT FRONTIER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
Frontier Scientific Inc. (FSI) is a chemical developer, manufacturer and custom
research services provider to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, industrial
chemical, government, and academic sectors. FSI specializes in the development
of chemical compounds and processes related to porphyrins, phthalocyanines and
boronic acids. FSI is a privately-held corporation established in 1975 and
headquartered in Logan, Utah.
ABOUT AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
AEterna Zentaris Inc. is 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
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 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 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. 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 except if we are requested by a
governmental authority or applicable law.
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CONTACTS
Jenene Thomas
Senior Director,
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
(908) 938-1475
jthomas@aezsinc.com
Paul Burroughs
Media Relations
(418) 652-8525 ext. 406
pburroughs@aezsinc.com
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
Date: December 4, 2007 By: /s/ Mario Paradis
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Mario Paradis
Senior Vice President, Administrative
and Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary