Aeterna Zentaris, Inc. - AEZS STOCK NEWS

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) reported a consolidated net loss of $1.4 million for Q1 2021, compared to a net income of $0.8 million in Q1 2020. Total revenue decreased to $0.6 million, driven by a lack of product sales. However, the company raised $34.2 million through a bought deal offering and received $20 million from warrant exercises. A pivotal Phase 3 study for macimorelin diagnostic is set to begin in Q2 2021. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with $73.4 million in cash, expected to fund operations beyond 2023.

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) has appointed Dr. Michael Teifel as Senior VP, Non-Clinical Development, and CSO. Dr. Teifel brings over 20 years of experience in endocrinology and oncology, previously contributing to the development of macimorelin, an FDA-approved oral test for adult growth hormone deficiency. His expertise will aid Aeterna's diversified portfolio, which includes developing macimorelin for childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency and other therapeutic areas. The company is expanding its pipeline, focusing on unmet medical needs and developing a COVID-19 vaccine.

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) has announced its Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held virtually on May 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. ET, due to COVID-19. Shareholders as of March 30, 2021, can listen, ask questions, and vote during the meeting. They are encouraged to read the management proxy circular dated April 5, 2021, and to vote in advance via telephone or Internet. Aeterna's lead product, macimorelin, is the only FDA-approved test for adult growth hormone deficiency and is marketed under the tradename Macrilen.

Aeterna Zentaris reported its financial results for Q4 and the full year 2020, with a reported net loss of $1.3 million for Q4, compared to $1.0 million in Q4 2019. Total revenue for 2020 increased to $3.7 million from $0.5 million in 2019, driven by product sales and licensing agreements. The company also initiated a pivotal Phase 3 study for its macimorelin product and secured $34.2 million in a common share offering. Aeterna regained compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements and expanded its pipeline through various university partnerships for therapeutics.

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) has announced that it has regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share as of March 22, 2021. This follows a notice received on July 29, 2020, indicating non-compliance. The company had been granted an extension until January 26, 2021, to rectify this situation. With compliance restored, Nasdaq has confirmed that this matter is now closed. Aeterna's lead product, macimorelin, is the only FDA-approved oral test for the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency.

Aeterna Zentaris (NASDAQ: AEZS) has exercised its option for an exclusive license to develop an orally active bacterial vaccine platform targeting COVID-19. This agreement with the Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg allows Aeterna to explore a vaccine that may improve immune responses against mutating strains of the virus.

The company plans further preclinical studies to ensure efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Aeterna will pay an upfront fee of €140,000, alongside milestone payments based on developmental progress. The technology aims to offer a more convenient storage solution than existing vaccines.

Aeterna Zentaris has obtained an exclusive license from The University of Sheffield for intellectual property related to parathyroid hormone (PTH) fusion polypeptides. This initiative aims to develop a therapeutic treatment for primary hypoparathyroidism, a rare endocrine disorder. The collaboration with renowned experts will support preclinical studies and potential clinical trials. The licensing agreement includes an upfront payment of £100,000, milestone payments, and low single-digit royalties on net sales. This strategic move contributes to Aeterna's growth strategy and diversification of its development pipeline.

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) announced that Dr. Klaus Paulini, CEO, will present at the H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference on March 9-10, 2021. The event will feature a video webcast available on-demand starting March 9 at 7:00 AM ET. Aeterna is known for its lead product, macimorelin, the only FDA and European Commission approved oral test for adult growth hormone deficiency. The Company is also working to commercialize macimorelin in various markets, including Europe and Israel.

Aeterna Zentaris (NASDAQ: AEZS) announced the closure of a public offering of 20,509,746 common shares at $1.45 per share, generating approximately $29.7 million in gross proceeds. H.C. Wainwright & Co. served as the sole book-running manager, with an option for additional shares. The proceeds will support general corporate purposes, including expanding the therapeutic uses of Macrilen™ and funding a pediatric clinical trial in the U.S. and EU. Aeterna's shares are also listed on the TSX, leveraging exemptions for interlisted issuers.