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[eisbaer24]

AEterna: Verbesserung in der PASI-Auswertung bei Patienten mit Schuppenflechte, die in einer Versuchsreihe der Phasen I/II mit AE-941/Psovascar behandelt wurden
(ots) - Die AEterna Laboratories Inc. (ME, TSE: AEL) präsentierte auf dem 57. Jahrestreffen der American Academy of Dermatology in New Orleans und der IBC 5th Annual International Conference - Angiogenesis Novel Therapeutic Development
in Boston die Ergebnisse einer klinischen Studie der Phase I/II mit zufällig ausgesuchten Patienten, in der die Verabreichung von AE-941/Psovascar zur Behandlung von Patienten mit Schuppenflechte untersucht wurde.
Die Ergebnisse ergaben, daß AE-941/Psovascar einen statistisch erheblichen positiven Effekt auf den Zustand der Patienten hat, die an Schuppenflechte leiden, was die PASI-Auswertung angeht (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index - Index für das Ausmaß und die Schwere der Schuppenflechte).
Die PASI-Auswertung der behandelten Patienten zeigte eine dosisabhängige Wirkung: Die Patienten, die die höchste Dosis erhalten hatten, wiesen die größte Verbesserung in der PASI-Auswertung auf. Außerdem gaben 70% der Patienten, die die zwölf Behandlungswochen abgeschlossen hatten, in Selbsteinschätzungen an, daß ihr Zustand sich aufgrund der Verabreichung von AE-941/Psovascar verbessert habe.
Dosisabhängiger Effekt von AE-941/Psovascar
Gruppe1 2 3 4
Dosis (ml/Tag) 30 60120240
Anzahl der Patienten 10 1211 11 prozentuale Verbesserung in der PASI-Auswertung größer oder gleich 20%0 4 56
größer oder gleich 30%0 1 23
größer oder gleich 50%0 0 12

"Die Erhöhung der Dosis von AE-941/Psovascar verbesserte den Zustand der behandelten Patienten, was die Symptome und die Schwere des Schuppenflechtebefalls angeht", sagte Dr. Joel DeKoven, Program Director, Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, und leitender Forscher der Studie.
In den Phasen I/II der Studie wurden 49 Patienten, die an moderatem Schuppenflechtebefall litten, zufällig in vier gleich große Gruppen aufgeteilt. Die Patienten aller Gruppen wurden über einen Zeitraum von zwölf Wochen mit AE-941/Psovascar behandelt, wobei jede Patientengruppe eine andere Dosis erhielt. In den darauffolgenden zwölf Wochen wurden sie beobachtet. Der Zustand der Patienten war zu Beginn der Studie ähnlich, und bei keiner der verabreichten Dosen wurden ernsthaft nachteilige Nebenwirkungen festgestellt.
"AE-941/Psovascar bewies, daß die Verwendung eines Angiogenesis-Inhibitors bei der Behandlung der Schuppenflechte einen vielversprechenden therapeutischen Lösungsansatz darstellt," sagte Dr. Daniel Sauder, Leiter der Dermatologie der University of Toronto und des Sunnybrook and Women`s College Health Sciences Centre. "AE-941/Psovascar unterscheidet sich von anderen oral verabreichten Behandlungsweisen durch die Abwesenheit toxischer Stoffe. Aufgrund seiner Charakteristika kann AE-941/Psovascar eine vielversprechende Behandlungsalternative für Schuppenflechte-Patienten sein", fügte Dr. Sauder hinzu.
Psoriasis ist eine verbreitete Hautkrankheit. In Nordamerika leiden über 6 Millionen Menschen an Schuppenflechte. Jedes Jahr kommen bis zu 250.000 neue Fälle hinzu. Die derzeitigen systemischen Behandlungen der Schuppenflechte beinhalten erhebliche Nebenwirkungen, die dazu führen können, daß die Behandlung abgebrochen werden muß. Die Kosten für die Behandlung der Schuppenflechte in den USA werden insgesamt auf jährlich 3 bis 5 Milliarden US-Dollar geschätzt.
"In zwei klinischen Studien der Phasen I/II zur Untersuchung therapeutischer Anwendungsbereiche in der Onkologie und in der Dermatologie wies AE-941 einen dosisabhängigen Effekt im Hinblick auf klinische Vorteile und einen anerkannten Bewertungsindex wie die PASI-Auswertung auf", bemerkte Dr. Eric Dupont, President und Chief Executive Officer von Aeterna Laboratories. "Der Beginn der entscheidenden Versuchsreihe der Phase III über Lungenkrebs in Kooperation mit dem NCI kennzeichnet den Eintritt von AE-941/Neovastat in die Schlußphase der Entwicklung in der Onkologie. Mit den vorliegenden Resultaten von AE-941/Psovascar sind wir in einer guten Position, um unser Entwicklungsprogramm in der Dermatologie im Jahre 1999 fortsetzen zu können", fügte Dr. Dupont hinzu.
AEterna Laboratories Inc. ist eine biopharmazeutische Firma mit Schwerpunkt auf der Entwicklung neuer Therapien für bisher nicht befriedigten medizinischen Bedarf, hauptsächlich Krebs. Der führende Wirkstoff von Aeterna, AE-941, ist ein Angiogenesis-Inhibitor, der derzeit für drei Hauptanwendungsbereiche untersucht wird: Onkologie, Dermatologie und Augenheilkunde. AE-941/Neovastat tritt in die entscheidende Versuchsreihe der Phase III ein, die vom U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) zur Behandlung von Lungenkrebs finanziell unterstützt wird.

[wis]

hallo Eisbär,
danke für den ausführlichen beitrag. es ist der erste eintrag den ich gefunden habe. offensichtlich scheint sich niemand für die aktie zu interessieren. bin seit längerem investiert und hoffe auf weitere erfolge. in deutschland wird (noch) kaum gehandelt. heute wurden 600 stck. in berlin und 260 stck. in frankfurt umgesetzt.
bin auf weitere ergebnisse gepannt.
ciao wis

[eisbaer24]

AEterna Presents the Status of the Ongoing Phase III Trial on its Antiangiogenic Drug AE-941/Neovastat in Renal Cell Carcinoma Indication at the European Society for Medical Oncology Conference
MONTREAL, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ - Dr. Bernard Escudier, the principal investigator in Europe, presented today the status of the Phase III trial on AEterna Laboratories (NASDAQ: AELA, TSE: AEL) antiangiogenic drug Neovastat/AE- 941 in renal cell carcinoma indication. The Neovastat Phase III trial for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma is underway in the United States, Canada, and several countries in Europe. Patient recruitment is ongoing and should be completed by summer 2001 and final results on survival are expected by summer 2002.
Dr. Bernard Escudier, Head of Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France, and Principal Investigator in Europe, presented the communication at the 25th European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Hamburg, Germany. "Neovastat has been shown to block two angiogenesis regulators, both VEGF and MMPs. This multiple mechanism of action, together with a clinical benefit and an excellent safety profile lead us to consider testing this drug in renal cell carcinoma patients. Response has been enthusiastic among individual investigators who are eager to participate, and we are confident that the Neovastat trial will be completed as planned," said Dr. Bernard Escudier.
Mr. Yves Rosconi, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AEterna, said "the encouraging international interest to the Phase III kidney cancer trial is another example of AEterna`s steady progress as one of the leaders among companies moving toward delivering antiangiogenic treatments to market. As another indication of our progress, we expect to commence a third oncology trial on Neovastat soon. This will broaden AEterna`s reach in successfully implementing our early-to-market strategy for Neovastat," Yves Rosconi added. ABOUT THE TRIAL
This randomized, Phase III clinical trial, double-blind, placebo- controlled, involves up to 60 sites across North America and Europe, and evaluates the efficacy of Neovastat as treatment for patients with progressive renal cell carcinoma who have failed to respond to standard therapies. Approximately 280 patients are to be recruited for this study.
The principal investigator in Europe is Dr. Bernard Escudier of the Institut Gustave Roussy in France. In North America, the principal investigators are Dr. Ronald Bukowski, Director of Experimental Therapeutics Program, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center in the US, and Dr. Francois Patenaude, Assistant Professor of Medicine at McGill University and The Montreal Jewish General Hospital, in Canada. Covance, the clinical research organization which has been charged with monitoring this trial on behalf of AEterna, is one of the world`s largest and most comprehensive drug development services companies.
For further information regarding the trial, please contact our toll-free patient information line at 1-888-349-3232. UNDERSTANDING ANGIOGENESIS
Angiogenesis, a scientific term for the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial to the development of cancer and other diseases that require the development of new blood vessels to supply them with essential nutrients for growth. Angiogenesis-dependent diseases form new blood vessels by sending out certain proteins, such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), that cause endothelial cells within existing nearby blood vessels to proliferate and migrate, secreting enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases or MMPs, which create an opening in the surrounding matrix, enabling these endothelial cells to form new blood vessels that reach out to the disease. NEOVASTAT - UNIQUE MECHANISM OF ACTION
Neovastat, is a novel orally bioavailable naturally occurring antiangiogenic product that has a unique multiple mechanism of action. Neovastat blocks two of the regulators of angiogenesis, VEGF and MMPs. Most tumors secrete VEGF, which binds to specific receptor sites on the wall of blood vessels and triggers the growth of new blood vessels. Neovastat contains active components that specifically block the receptors where VEGF binds. Preclinical studies also show that Neovastat regulates the VEGF-induced proliferation of endothelial cells that is thought to be necessary in the growth of new blood vessels. In addition, Neovastat has been shown to selectively inhibit MMPs 2, 9 and 12, which are involved in breaking down the surrounding tissue and creating an opening for the formation of new blood vessels. ABOUT RENAL CELL CARCINOMA
There are about 34,000 new cases of renal cell carcinoma in North America each year and about 38,000 new cases in Europe. The five-year mortality rate for this disease is approximately 90%. The therapies currently available achieve an efficacy of less than 20% and are associated with a large number of serious side effects. ABOUT AETERNA
AEterna Laboratories is a leader in the field of antiangiogenesis with its lead compound, AE-941/Neovastat, in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of lung cancer and kidney cancer.
AEterna Laboratories Inc. is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new therapies to treat a variety of conditions, principally cancer. AEterna`s lead compound, Neovastat, is an angiogenesis inhibitor being investigated in three major therapeutic areas: oncology, dermatology and ophthalmology. The Company also owns 64% of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc., specialized in the development of active ingredients used in cosmetics and nutrition products.
The Company is listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AEL and the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol AELA.
AEterna`s news releases and additional information are available on its Web site at www.aeterna.com. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are 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 the business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult the Company`s ongoing 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 Reports Third Quarter Results
QUEBEC, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ - AEterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL, NASDAQ: AELA) reported today its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2000. Results are reported in Canadian dollars.
FOR THE THIRD QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000

- Sales increased 17% to $2 million from $1.7 million for the same
quarter last year.
- R&D expenses were $5.2 million, compared to $2.9 million for the same
quarter last year. This increase is attributable to the costs
associated with two ongoing pivotal Phase III clinical trials in lung
and kidney cancer.
- R&D tax credits and grants were $1.6 million compared to $0.2 million
for the same period a year ago. This increase is attributable to
contributions obtained from the Canadian federal government`s
Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) program.
- AEterna also reported a consolidated net earnings for the period of
$2.2 million ($0.07 per share), compared to a net loss of $1.7 million
($0.07 per share) for the same quarter last year. This is mainly a
result of a gain on dilution of $4.3 million. This gain resulted from a
second investment of $10 million by SGF Soquia Inc., Fonds de
solidarite FTQ and Fonds d`investissement bioalimentaire in exchange
for an additional 14% equity in Atrium Biotechnologies Inc.
- The Company`s financial position remains strong with $71.3 million in
cash and short-term investments at the end of the third quarter. In
addition, AEterna also has access to a Technology Partnerships Canada
contribution of now up to $22.5 million, and to an indirect
contribution from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) of
approximately $5 million.

"We continued to make progress on our business and clinical development goals during the third quarter, and I believe that we will see continued progress in the last quarter of this year," said Dr. Eric Dupont, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEterna Laboratories. "We are aggressively pursuing an early-to-market strategy with our lead compound Neovastat, and feel, with the announcement of an additional indication in oncology shortly, that we will continue to strengthen our strong position."
OVERVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER ACTIVITIES:

- AEterna issued additional shares for gross proceeds of $2.1 million
from the exercise of an over-allotment option of the underwriters from
the previous May 8, 2000 bought deal.
- SGF Soquia Inc., Fonds de solidarite FTQ and Fonds d`investissement
bioalimentaire acquired an additional 1,000,000 common shares in Atrium
Biotechnologies Inc., for a cash consideration of $10 million. AEterna
maintains its position as a majority shareholder with 77.8% of the
voting rights and 64% in share capital.
- Gilles Gagnon was appointed to the position of Vice President, Business
Development. Mr. Gagnon, who spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical
and healthcare industries, will be a key member of AEterna`s team
involved in making strategic alliances.

AEterna Laboratories is a leader in the field of antiangiogenesis with its lead compound, AE-941/Neovastat, in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of lung and kidney cancer.
AEterna Laboratories Inc. is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new therapies to treat a variety of conditions, principally cancer. AEterna`s lead compound, Neovastat, is an angiogenesis inhibitor being investigated in three major therapeutic areas: oncology, dermatology and ophthalmology.
The Company also owns 64% of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc., specialized in the development of active ingredients used in cosmetics and nutrition products. The Company is listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AEL and the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol AELA.
AEterna`s news releases and additional information are available on its Web site at www.aeterna.com.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are 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 the business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult the Company`s ongoing 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 Laboratories Inc. ( TSE: AEL, Nasdaq: *!AELA!*)
Financial summary
(expressed in Canadian dollars)



Quarters ended Nine months ended
September 30 September 30
------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS 2000 1999 2000 1999
------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $

Sales 2,036,000 1,741,000 6,074,000 4,507,000

Operating expenses (870,000) (712,000) (2,342,000) (2,535,000)
-----------------------------------------------

Earnings before the
following 1,166,000 1,029,000 3,732,000 1,972,000

Research and development 5,196,000 2,860,000 15,529,000 8,556,000
Research tax
credits and grants (1,605,000) (237,000) (4,752,000) (873,000)
Depreciation and
amortization 330,000 304,000 976,000 812,000
------------------------------------------------
Loss before other
items (2,755,000)(1,898,000) (8,021,000) (6,523,000)

Financial income 1,114,000 188,000 2,583,000 873,000
Gain on dilution of
investment 4,295,000 - 11,673,000 -
Non-controlling
interest (417,000) - (995,000) -
-------------------------------------------------

Net earnings (loss)
for the period 2,237,000 (1,710,000) 5,240,000 (5,650,000)
--------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss)
per share

Basic 0.07 (0.07) 0.18 (0.22)
--------------------------------------------------
Fully diluted 0.07 (0.07) 0.16 (0.22)
--------------------------------------------------


As at September 30
---------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 2000 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $

Cash position 71,330,000 24,005,000
Working capital 75,827,000 25,388,000
Total assets 95,849,000 45,036,000
Long-term debt 4,000,000 3,349,000
Non-controlling
interest 9,235,000 -
Shareholders`
equity 78,832,000 38,625,000
Deficit (953,000) (7,666,000)


STOCK EXCHANGE INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2000

Issued shares
Multiple voting right 4.9 million
Subordinate voting right 25.1 million
----
30.0 million
----


Fully diluted shares 32.5 million
Market capitalization $ 360 million
Average daily transactions (9 months) 87,958 shares


As of September 30, 2000 the exchange rate was: $ 1 CA equals $ 0.66 US

>>




AEterna Announces A Second Investment Of $10 Million By SGF Soquia And Fonds De Solidarite FTQ In Its Subsidiary Atrium Biotechnologies
QUEBEC CITY, Quebec, Sept.6 /CNW-PRN/ - AEterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL, NASDAQ: AELA) today announced that SGF Soquia Inc., Fonds de solidarite FTQ and Fonds d`investissement bio-alimentaire have acquired an additional 1,000,000 common shares in Atrium Biotechnologies Inc., its privately-owned subsidiary, for a total cost of $10,000,000. ``This second financing places Atrium in an excellent financial position with more than $22 million in liquidity to make acquisitions and pursue its growth strategy,`` commented Dr. Eric Dupont, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEterna Laboratories and Chairman of the Board of Atrium Biotechnologies. SGF Soquia acquires 600,000 common shares of Atrium while the Fonds de solidarite FTQ and Fonds d`investissement bio-alimentaire acquire 400,000 common shares. ``We are pleased to have taken advantage of this business opportunity because it represents a continuation of our initial investment. Since Atrium`s financial targets have been met and surpassed, we decided to increase our participation in this business, which has a high growth potential,`` stated Mr. Raymond Bachand, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fonds de solidarite FTQ. AEterna Laboratories will maintain its position as majority shareholder with 77.8% of the voting rights and 64% in share capital. ``This second investment demonstrate the confidence in the management team and its ability to make Atrium a leader in the development and marketing of active ingredients in the cosmetics and nutrition industries,`` said Mr. Claude Blanchet, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of SGF. Atrium Biotechnologies Inc. specializes in the development of active ingredients used in cosmetics and nutrition products. Fonds de solidarite FTQ is an investment fund, with net assets of over $3.3 billion, which calls upon contributions from Quebecers, more specifically through its registered retirement savings plan, in order to being involved in the creation and preservation of jobs in companies and to participate in the economic development of Quebec. Presently, Fonds de solidarite FTQ has 420,000 shareholders and it participated, either solely or with other financial partners, in the creation, preservation and support of over 80,000 jobs. SGF Soquia is a subsidiary of SGF. The mission of Societe generale de financement du Quebec is to carry out economic development projects, in cooperation with partners and in accordance with accepted requirements of profitability, particularly in the industrial sector. Since its restructuring in 1998, SGF has generated approximately $2 billion in investments, resulting in the creation of 9,000 direct and indirect jobs during the operational phase, over and above thousands of jobs created during the construction phase. At December 31, 1999, SGF`s consolidated assets totalled $2 billion. SGF is associated with 40 international partners conducting business operations in Quebec. AEterna Laboratories is a leader in the field of antiangiogenesis with its lead compound, AE-941/Neovastat, in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of lung cancer and kidney cancer. AEterna`s news releases and additional information are available on its Web site at www.aeterna.com.
Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are 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 the business
opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the
regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions. Investors
should consult the Company`s ongoing 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.

[wis]

Firmenstrategie - Aeterna

Das kanadische Biotechnologie-Unternehmen Aeterna Laboratories besteht seit 1991 und betätigt sich vor allem in der Krebsforschung. Die Firma hat eine Börsenkapitalisierung von 190 Millionen Dollar.
Aeternas Ziel ist es, sich über die kommenden Jahre zu einem internationalen Biotech-Unternehmen zu entwickeln. Dazu sollen strategische Allianzen mit anderen Pharmaunternehmen eingegangen werden, vor allem, um Kanäle zur effektiven Vermarktung für das Krebsmittel Neovastat zu finden. Bis Mitte 2002 werden endgültige Resultate über die klinischen Tests des Mittels erwartet.

Weiterhin strebt Aeterna die Akquisition von Unternehmen an, die bereits medizinische Substanzen in der ersten oder zweiten klinischen Testphase haben, also solche Firmen, bei denen in absehbarer Zeit mit einer abgeschlossenen Neuentwicklung zu rechnen ist. Dennoch sollten Anleger nicht vergessen, dass die Zeiträume zur Entwicklung einer neuen Substanz zwischen 10 und 15 Jahren liegen.

Für Anleger ist das Unternehmen von Interesse, da es eine sehr produktorientierte Entwicklung anstrebt. Aeterna verfolgt dies mit Hilfe von gezielten Akquisitionen, durch welche die bestehende Unternehmensstrategie sowohl unterstützt als auch ausgebaut wird.

[puhvogel]

Bis vor kurzem kannte ich das Unternehmen gar nicht.
Beim kurzen Überfliegen des Profiles sieht es sehr spannend aus, baer trotzdem, typisch kanadisch, sehr billig.
Bei Gelegenheit werde ich mir den Wert mal näher anschauen.
Der Puhvogel

[Donkosak]

Hallo an Alle(Hallo Puhvogel schön Dich wieder zutreffen)

Die Fa.Aeterna hat mit Ihrem Neovastat wirklich eine kleine Perle in der Hand.Das Wirkprinzip ist einfach und trotzdem genial.Ich werde die Fa. weiter beobachten und für News auf dem Board sorgen.Noch bin ich stark bei VPHM drin wenn die die 50,0 erreicht haben möchte ich umschichten und das hier hört sich alles nicht schlecht an.

Euer Donkosak-Grischka

[Donkosak]

hallo nochmal finde es nicht gut das Board vollzumüllen aber ich denke das gehört hier rein









Æterna’s Lead Product, Neovastat, Significantly Increases Survival Time in Phase I/II Patients with Kidney Cancer

New Orleans, Louisiana, March 26, 2001 – Æterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL, NASDAQ: AELA) presented today clinical data from a Phase I/II clinical trial, demonstrating a statistically significant two-fold increase (p<0.01) in median survival time for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) patients refractory to standard treatments and who were administered a higher dose of its lead product, Neovastat/Æ-941. The median survival time of patients treated with a dose of 30mL twice a day was 7.1 months, compared to 16.3 months for patients receiving a dose of 120mL twice a day. For a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who does not respond to standard treatments, the expected survival time is approximately 8 months.

Analysis of the results was presented at the 92nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research by the principal investigator, Dr. Gerald Batist, Director of the McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer and Professor at the Department of Oncology and Medicine at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. “Æterna continues to generate highly credible results with Neovastat, which strongly support their current development program in oncology,” stated Dr. Batist, who was part of a reviewing committee along with the principal investigators of the ongoing Phase III trial in renal cell carcinoma indication; Dr. Ronald Bukowski, Director of Experimental Therapeutics Program at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center in the United States, and Dr. Bernard Escudier, Head of Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit at the Institut Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France, in Europe. “This new data is also very encouraging when we consider that the objective of Æterna’s current Phase III pivotal trial in renal cell carcinoma is to increase patient survival time by at least four months,” concluded both Dr. Bukowski and Dr. Escudier.

“As was evidenced in the Phase I/II study in non-small-cell lung cancer, this Phase I/II study in renal cell carcinoma shows a statistically significant increase in median survival time,” added Dr. Claude Hariton, Vice President, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs of Æterna. “This constitutes striking information on Neovastat and reaffirms its position as a frontrunner in a new promising therapeutic class of drugs.”

“These promising clinical results definitely put Neovastat in an enviable and unique position in the field of angiogenesis inhibitors,’’ commented Gilles Gagnon, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Æterna. ‘’These findings, along with the new data regarding Neovastat’s multiple mechanisms of action, become very significant attributes for our pharmaceutical partners.”

More on the Phase I/II renal cell carcinoma trial

This Phase I/II trial was conducted in patients with solid tumors refractory to standard treatment such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Survival was a prospective end-point and has been analyzed in 22 patients with refractory metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving only Neovastat. Since it was one of the first safety trial to be conducted with Neovastat, two doses have been studied; 30 mL twice a day (60mL) and 120mL twice a day (240mL). On the basis of the results of two Phase I tolerability studies, the dose has been increased from 60 mL/day to 240 mL/day for all patients in the trial, including those already treated with 60 mL/day.

About AACR

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), a scientific society of over 15,000 laboratory and clinical cancer researchers, was founded in 1907 to facilitate communication and dissemination of knowledge among scientists and others dedicated to the cancer problem; to foster research in cancer and related biomedical sciences; to encourage presentation and discussion of new and important observations in the field; to foster public education, science education, and training; and to advance the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment throughout the world. The 92nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research is presently being held in New Orleans, Louisiana, until March 28.











Æterna Laboratories: Research Results Confirm Additional Mechanism of Action of its Lead Compound, Neovastat/Æ-941
New Orleans, Louisiana, March 27, 2001 - Æterna Laboratories Inc., (TSE: AEL, NASDAQ: AELA) today announced new results showing that its lead product, Neovastat/Æ-941, specifically activates apoptosis (programmed cell death) of endothelial cells. Previous research had also shown that Neovastat has two other mechanisms of action inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs 2, 9, 12) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF-R2), all aimed at stopping a cancerous tumor’s growth, by blocking the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Neovastat is presently used in pivotal Phase III clinical studies for lung and kidney cancer, as well as in a pivotal Phase II for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
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Æterna’s Lead Product, Neovastat, Significantly Increases Survival Time in Phase I/II Patients with Kidney Cancer
New Orleans, Louisiana, March 26, 2001 – Æterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL, NASDAQ: AELA) presented today clinical data from a Phase I/II clinical trial, demonstrating a statistically significant two-fold increase (p<0.01) in median survival time for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) patients refractory to standard treatments and who were administered a higher dose of its lead product, Neovastat/Æ-941. The median survival time of patients treated with a dose of 30mL twice a day was 7.1 months, compared to 16.3 months for patients receiving a dose of 120mL twice a day. For a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who does not respond to standard treatments, the expected survival time is approximately 8 months.
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Æternas führendes Produkt, Neovastat, trägt deutlich zur Erhöhung der Überlebenszeit von Phase-I/II-Patienten mit Nierenkrebs bei
New Orleans, Louisiana, 26. März 2001 – Æterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL, NASDAQ: AELA) hat heute die Daten einer klinischen Studie der Phase I/II vorgestellt. Daraus geht hervor, dass die Verabreichung des führenden Produkts Neovastat/AE-941 in einer höheren Dosis die mittlere Überlebenszeit von Patienten mit metastasierendem hypernephroidem Nierenkarzinom (Nierenkrebs), die auf die Standardbehandlungsverfahren nicht reagieren, statistisch verdoppelt (p<0,01). Die mittlere Überlebenszeit von Patienten, die zweimal am Tag eine Dosis von 30 ml erhielten, betrug 7,1 Monate, verglichen mit 16,3 Monaten bei Patienten, die zweimal am Tag eine Dosis von 120 ml bekamen. Patienten mit metastasierendem hypernephroidem Nierenkarzinom, die auf die Standardbehandlungsverfahren nicht ansprechen, haben eine erwartete Überlebenszeit von ungefähr 8 Monaten.
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Æterna reiterated short-term "Outperform" at Gruntal
(March 26, 2001) Æterna Laboratories was reiterated short-term and long-term "outperform" by analyst Jeffrey J. Kraws at Gruntal & Co. The short-term price target is US $10 and long-term price target is US $14.


United States Patent and Trademark Office grants Æterna Laboratories another key patent
Quebec City, March 6, 2001 – Æterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL; NASDAQ: AELA) announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted the Company an additional key patent, valid until 2018. Patent 6,168,807 covers a new process involved in the isolation of bioactive components from cartilage, thus broadening the protection and exclusivity of the Company’s lead compound, Neovastat. Consequently, this fifth patent enlarges Æterna’s patent portfolio which now includes 150 claims issued in the United States, with three other patents pending.
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Æterna signs first two strategic alliances in Europe for the commercialization of Neovastat for cancer
Exclusive rights granted to two pharmaceutical companies from Germany and Spain

Quebec City, Quebec, February 15, 2001 - Æterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE: AEL; Nasdaq: AELA) announced today the signing of agreements for the commercialization of Neovastat for the European market with Grupo Ferrer Internacional, S.A., one of the largest Spanish pharmaceutical companies based in Barcelona, and Medac GmbH from Hamburg, the German oncology business unit of the multinational Schering AG.
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January 2001 - Dundee Securities Analyst Claude Camire initiates coverage on Æterna with a BUY rating and a 12-month price target of C$20.

[Donkosak]

Und weil es so schön war


Æterna Laboratories: Research Results Confirm Additional Mechanism of Action of its Lead Compound, Neovastat/Æ-941


New Orleans, Louisiana, March 27, 2001 - Æterna Laboratories Inc., (TSE: AEL, NASDAQ: AELA) today announced new results showing that its lead product, Neovastat/Æ-941, specifically activates apoptosis (programmed cell death) of endothelial cells. Previous research had also shown that Neovastat has two other mechanisms of action inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs 2, 9, 12) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF-R2), all aimed at stopping a cancerous tumor’s growth, by blocking the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Neovastat is presently used in pivotal Phase III clinical studies for lung and kidney cancer, as well as in a pivotal Phase II for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.


Results from these new studies were presented at the 92nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) by Professor Richard Béliveau, from Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal, Canada.

"Apoptosis is a very complex process that inevitably leads to cell death," said Dr. Richard Béliveau. "The induction of apoptosis by Neovastat is specific to endothelial cells and was correlated with a marked increase in caspase-3 and -8 activities. These activities are crucial for apoptosis since an inhibitor of these enzymes completely reverses the activity of Neovastat on apoptosis," concluded Dr. Béliveau.

"The elucidation of this new mechanism of action supports the presence of different biologically active molecules in Neovastat and reinforces its position as a unique multifunctional antiangiogenesis product in late stage clinical research," added Dr. Pierre Falardeau, Vice President, Scientific Affairs at Æterna.

Additional results on Neovastat’s multiple mechanisms of action presented at AACR

Dr. William D. Figg of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, Maryland, presented research results indicating that Neovastat also blocks VEGF-induced microvessel sprouting, thus supporting previous data showing that Neovastat is able to block VEGF signaling pathway. A third presentation made by Professor François Berger of the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Grenoble, France, showed that Neovastat is able to increase survival of mice with human glioblastoma xenograft (brain cancer).

About AACR

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), a scientific society of over 15,000 laboratory and clinical cancer researchers, was founded in 1907 to facilitate communication and dissemination of knowledge among scientists and others dedicated to the cancer problem; to foster research in cancer and related biomedical sciences; to encourage presentation and discussion of new and important observations in the field; to foster public education, science education, and training; and to advance the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment throughout the world. The 92nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research is presently being held in New Orleans, Louisiana, until March 28.

About Æterna and Neovastat/Æ-941

Æterna Laboratories Inc. is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company and a frontrunner in the field of antiangiogenesis to treat a variety of conditions. Its lead compound, Neovastat, is an angiogenesis inhibitor being investigated in three major therapeutic areas: oncology, dermatology and ophthalmology.

Neovastat is currently used in two Phase III pivotal clinical trials for the treatment of lung and kidney cancer as well as in a Phase II pivotal trial for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

Æterna is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AEL and on Nasdaq under the symbol AELA. Æterna’s news releases and additional information are available on its Web site at www.aeterna.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are 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 the business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult the Company’s ongoing 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.

[akmad]

Hat noch keiner was gemerkt?

Bin wohl der einzige in ganz Deutschland, der in Aeterna investiert ist....

Naja dann gehe ich halt wieder auf das stockhouse.com board in Kanada

An alle - die die Chance ihres Lebens verpassen

akmad

[puhvogel]

Ein interessanter Wert, mit dem ich liebäugel, aber warum soll ich mir den jetzt kaufen, wenn die Ergebnisse erst Ende 2002 herauskommen?

[akmad]

Du mußt garnichts!!

Aber in Deiner Sprache zu sagen:

DER FRÜHE VOGEL FÄNGT DEN WURM......


Gruß akmad