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 October 2008
Commission File No. 000-30752
AETERNA ZENTARIS 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 /X/ Form 40-F / /
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 October 24, 2008: AEterna Zentaris Receives
Notification from Nasdaq Relating to Minimum Bid Price
AETERNA ZENTARIS
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. 1405 du Parc-Technologique Blvd.
Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1P 4P5 T 418 652-8525 F 418 652-0881
www.aezsinc.com
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
AETERNA ZENTARIS RECEIVES NOTIFICATION FROM NASDAQ RELATING TO MINIMUM BID PRICE
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, OCTOBER 24, 2008 - AEterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS;
TSX: AEZ), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and
oncology, today announced that it received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock
Market, notifying AEterna Zentaris that during the 30 consecutive business days
prior to October 16, 2008, the bid price of the Company's common shares had
closed below the US$1.00 minimum bid per share required for continued inclusion
on the Nasdaq Global Market under Marketplace Rule 4450(a)(5). However, the
letter states that given the current extraordinary market conditions, Nasdaq has
determined to suspend enforcement of the bid price and market value of publicly
held shares requirements through Friday, January 16, 2009. In that regard, the
letter states that on October 16, 2008, Nasdaq filed an immediately effective
rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the
suspension. According to Nasdaq, these rules will be reinstated on Monday,
January 19, 2009 and the first relevant trade date will be Tuesday, January 20,
2009.
Therefore, following the reinstatement of these rules, and in accordance with
Marketplace Rule 4450(e)(2), AEterna Zentaris will be provided 180 calendar days
from Tuesday, January 20, 2009, or until July 20, 2009, to regain compliance
with the US$1.00 minimum bid per share under Marketplace Rule 4450(a)(5). If, at
any time before July 20, 2009, including during the suspension period, the bid
price of the Company's common shares closes at US$1.00 per share or more for a
minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide written
notification that AEterna Zentaris has achieved compliance with Marketplace Rule
4450(a)(5).
If the Company is unsuccessful in meeting the minimum bid requirement by July
20, 2009, Nasdaq will provide notice to AEterna Zentaris that its common shares
will be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market. If the Company receives a
delisting notification, it may appeal to the Listing Qualifications Panel or
apply to transfer its common shares to the Nasdaq Capital Market if AEterna
Zentaris satisfies all criteria for initial listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market
in accordance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c), other than compliance with the
minimum closing bid price requirement. If the application to the Nasdaq Capital
Market is approved, then the Company will have an additional 180-day compliance
period in order to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement
while listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
AETERNA ZENTARIS
The Nasdaq letter has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company's common
shares. On October 16, 2008, the closing price of the Company's common shares
was US$0.60 per share.
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.aezsinc.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.
CONTACTS
INVESTOR RELATIONS MEDIA RELATIONS
Ginette Vallieres Paul Burroughs
Investor Relations Coordinator Director of Communications
(418) 652-8525 ext. 265 (418) 652-8525 ext. 406
gvallieres@aezsinc.com 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: October 27, 2008 By: /s/Dennis Turpin
---------------------- -------------------------------------------
Dennis Turpin
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer