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 May 2007
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
1405, Parc-Technologique Boulevard
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
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1. Press release dated May 7, 2007: AEterna Zentaris Bolsters Management Team
with Two Key Positions Named
o SVP, Business Operations and Chief Business Officer
o SVP, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
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AETERNA ZENTARIS
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 BOLSTERS MANAGEMENT TEAM WITH TWO KEY POSITIONS NAMED
O SVP, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER
O SVP, REGULATORY AFFAIRS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, MAY 7, 2007 -AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; NASDAQ:
AEZS), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and
oncology, today announced the filling of two key management positions,
strengthening the existing management team. The Company named Ellen McDonald,
MBA, Senior Vice President, Business Operations and Chief Business Officer as
well as Nicholas J. Pelliccione, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Regulatory
Affairs and Quality Assurance.
"We have reached a critical inflection point in the evolution of the Company and
the high-level expertise that Ellen and Nick bring to the team will prove to be
invaluable. Ellen brings proven leadership and business acumen and we will
benefit tremendously from her contributions from a strategic and operational
standpoint. We will clearly utilize her vast marketing and commercialization
experience preparing the groundwork for pre-launch and pre-marketing activities
for cetrorelix in BPH," stated David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and Chief
Executive Officer of AEterna Zentaris. "Nick's strong regulatory and drug
development expertise is essential as we advance our Phase 3 program for
cetrorelix in BPH, preparing for the expected filing of an NDA in 2009. His
expertise will also be pivotal in advancing additional priority compounds
through the pipeline into later-stage development and eventual registration."
Ellen McDonald has 18 years experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. She is
a proven executive with broad technical and managerial skills. Ms. McDonald
joins the Company from Chugai Pharma USA where she was the Senior Vice
President, Business Operations and led all company business operations with
specific responsibility and focus on Business Development, Strategic Alliances,
Marketing, and Corporate Planning. Prior to her position at Chugai, Ms. McDonald
was Senior Vice President, Cardiovascular Marketing and Medical at Bristol Myers
Squibb and held positions with increasing responsibility at Johnson and Johnson,
Inc. where, prior to leaving, she was the Vice President, Oncology Franchise of
Ortho Biotech Inc.
AETERNA ZENTARIS
Ms. McDonald holds a B.S. in General Engineering with a minor in International
Relations from the United States Military Academy, West Point New York and an
MBA, Executive Program from Columbia University, New York.
Dr. Pelliccione has demonstrated the ability to be a multi-faceted leader in the
areas of global Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Pharmaceutical
Development for more than 20 years. In previous roles, Dr. Pelliccione has been
responsible for the clinical/preclinical and CMC regulatory aspects of new drugs
in the oncology, anti-infectives, cytokines and cardiovascular therapy areas,
leading to several approvals. He joins the Company from Chugai Pharma USA where
he served as Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Prior to his experience at Chugai, Dr. Pelliccione spent more than 15 years at
Schering Plough Corporation holding positions with increasing responsibility
from Manager of Regulatory Affairs, Oncology to, prior to his departure, Vice
President, Global Regulatory Affairs, Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls.
Dr. Pelliccione holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Mount Sinai School of
Medicine, New York and a BS in Chemistry from Polytechnic University.
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.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.
Statements that are not historical facts, including statements preceded by,
followed by, or that include the words "believes", "anticipates", "intends",
"plans", "expects", "estimates", "will," "may", "should", "approximately", and
the negative or other variations of those terms or comparable terminology, are
forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management's current views,
intentions, strategies and plans and are based on certain assumptions.
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 ability of AEterna Zentaris to implement its business strategies,
the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful
and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of AEterna Zentaris 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.
AETERNA ZENTARIS
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CONTACTS:
SENIOR DIRECTOR, INVESTOR RELATIONS AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Jenene Thomas
(418) 655-6420
jenene.thomas@aeternazentaris.com
Paul Burroughs
Media Relations
(418) 652-8525 ext. 406
paul.burroughs@aeternazentaris.com
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: May 8, 2007 By: /s/ Mario Paradis
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Mario Paradis
Vice President, Finance & Administration and
Corporate Secretary