AEterna signs collaborative deal with sanofi-aventis

Quebec City-based AEterna Zentaris Inc has entered a major collaborative agreement with sanofi-aventis to develop, commercialize and license Cetrorelix — its drug compound for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. The terms of the agreement are for the US market, where more than 20 million men suffer from the affliction. Sanofi-aventis will pay AEterna $30 million up front with the potential for an additional $135 million if certain regulatory and commercial milestones are achieved. AEterna is also entitled to escalating double-digit royalties on future net sales. Cetrorelix is currently in Phase 3 trials and sanofi-aventis may perform future Phase 3b and Phase 4 clinical trials. The first efficacy results of the Phase 3 trials are expected in Q3/09 with an NDA filing planned for 2010….