Benzinga | Mar 11, 2021 08:15AM EST

Aeterna Zentaris Initiates Preclinical Program For Potential Treatment Of Primary Hypoparathyroidism; Co. Obtains Exclusive Patent From University of Sheffield For 100,000 Plus Milestones

-- Company obtains an exclusive license from The University of Sheffield, UK to intellectual property relating to parathyroid hormone (PTH) fusion polypeptides covering the field of human use which will initially be studied by Aeterna for the potential therapeutic treatment of primary hypoparathyroidism

-- Continued execution on growth strategy to establish a diversified, yet focused, pipeline of development assets leveraging the Company's expertise and experience

CHARLESTON, S.C., March 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ:AEZS) (TSX:AEZS) through its wholly-owned subsidiary Aeterna Zentaris GmbH, ("Aeterna" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company commercializing and developing therapeutics and diagnostic tests, today announced that it is continuing to expand its development pipeline by initiating a preclinical development program to develop parathyroid hormone fusion polypeptides (PTH) with delayed clearance based on proprietary intellectual property exclusively licensed by Aeterna from The University of Sheffield, UK (the "University").

Primary hypoparathyroidism, the first indication to be pursued, is an orphan indication in the field of endocrinology. It is an uncommon condition in which the body produces abnormally low levels of PTH. PTH is a key regulating hormone essential for calcium homeostasis and renal phosphate clearance for maintaining a balance of those two minerals in the body. Untreated, primary hypoparathyroidism will cause, among others effects, renal dysfunction, muscle cramping, twitching, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Approximately 23 to 37 in every 100,000 individuals in Europe and the U.S. are estimated to suffer from hypoparathyroidism.

Aeterna will collaborate with Prof. Dr. Richard J. Ross and his laboratory at the University to continue to advance this exciting potential new therapeutic treatment option being studied for chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults. It uses a proprietary fusion protein consisting of a modified growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) linked to PTH1-34 with the goal of providing PTH1-34 with a delayed clearance of one or two weeks. This new therapy approach has the potential to be self-administered via a pharmaceutical pen and help patients maintain normal serum calcium and phosphate levels during chronic use. Working with the University, the Company will undertake certain additional confirmatory research studies prior to initiating formal pre-clinical toxicology and GMP studies and finalizing plans for the potential initiation of human clinical trials.

"We are continuing to advance on our stated goal of expanding our pipeline beyond diagnostics with multiple development programs in potentially high-value indications. With our well-established knowledge and expertise in the endocrinology space, we are executing on our goal of adding synergistic assets to our pipeline to execute on our pipeline expansion strategy. We look forward to combining the expertise of the Aeterna scientific team with The University of Sheffield and Prof. Dr. Ross as we work towards our common goal of helping patients suffering from hypoparathyroidism while also potentially unlocking significant value in this proprietary asset," commented Dr. Klaus Paulini, Chief Executive Officer of Aeterna.

Prof. Dr. Richard J. Ross of the University of Sheffield added, "We are excited about the opportunity to work with Aeterna Zentaris to further research on this new concept of delayed clearance PTH molecules and potential therapeutic treatment options. We look forward working with Aeterna to further the development of PTH fusion polypeptides which I believe have the potential to address an existing unmet medical need in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism and may also have the potential in certain other conditions such as osteoporosis."

Aeterna continues to strive to balance risks and secure growth opportunities by re-establishing a diversified, yet focused, development pipeline which we believe best leverages the Company's expertise and experience. The Company remains focused on utilizing its network with researchers in Europe and the U.S. to seek opportunities to access innovative development candidates, with a focus on rare or orphan indications and potential for pediatric use.