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 September 2004
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
------------------------------------------
(Formerly named AEterna Laboratories Inc.)
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
------ ------
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
----- -----
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-____
DOCUMENTS INDEX
DOCUMENTS DESCRIPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Press release dated September 23, 2004 - AEterna Zentaris to Present at
Upcoming Scientific and Investment Conferences
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. 1405 du Parc-Technologique Blvd.
Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1P 4P5 T 418 652-8525 F 418 577-7697
www.aeternazentaris.com
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
AETERNA ZENTARIS TO PRESENT AT UPCOMING
SCIENTIFIC AND INVESTMENT CONFERENCES
Data on Perifosine at the Strategic Research Institute's 2nd Annual
Angiogenesis Conference
Corporate Update at UBS Global Life Sciences Conference
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 - AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ;
Nasdaq: AEZS) announced today that Dr. Jurgen Engel, Executive Vice-President,
Global Research & Development and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, will
make a presentation on perifosine, an oral, first-in-class AKT inhibitor
currently in Phase II trials for multiple types of cancer, on Monday, September
27 at 2:45 p.m. ET, during the Strategic Research Institute's 2nd Annual
Angiogenesis Conference at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge Hotel in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Furthermore, on Thursday, September 30, Gilles Gagnon, AEterna Zentaris'
President and Chief Executive Officer will present a corporate update at the UBS
Global Life Sciences Conference at 2:00 p.m. ET, which will be held at the Grand
Hyatt Hotel in New York City. A live webcast of the presentation will be
available on the Company's website at www.aeternazentaris.com in the Investors
section. A replay of the webcast will be available through October 30, 2004 at
the same address.
ABOUT AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused in oncology and
endocrine therapy. Its extensive portfolio, from drug discovery to marketed
products, includes perifosine, an orally-active AKT inhibitor in several Phase
II trials for multiple cancers, and cetrorelix, an LHRH antagonist already
marketed for IN VITRO fertilization under the brand name Cetrotide(R), and also
in advanced clinical development for the treatment of uterine myoma,
endometriosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
AEterna Zentaris also owns 62% of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc., which develops,
distributes and markets active ingredients, specialty fine chemicals, cosmetic
and nutritional products for the cosmetics, chemical, pharmaceutical and
nutritional industries.
[LOGO]
News releases and additional information about AEterna Zentaris are available on
its new Web site 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.
-30-
Contacts:
MEDIA RELATIONS INVESTOR RELATIONS
Paul Burroughs Jacques Raymond
(418) 652-8525 ext. 406 (418) 652-8525 ext. 360
paul.burroughs@aeternazentaris.com jacques.raymond@aeternazentaris.com
U.S. INVESTOR RELATIONS EUROPE
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates Matthias Seeber
Kim Golodetz +49 69 42602 3425
(212) 838-3777 matthias.seeber@zentaris.de
kgolodetz@lhai.com
2
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: SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 By: /S/MARIO PARADIS
----------------------------------------------
Mario Paradis
Senior Finance Director and Corporate Secretary