Maxim Remains Positive on Aeterna Zentaris (AEZS) as Another Partner Comes Aboard

Maxim affirms Aeterna Zentaris (Nasdaq: AEZS) at Buy with a price target of $11 after the company announced the signing of an exclusive license agreement between the Company and Cyntec Co., Ltd., an affiliate of OEP, for the Company’s lead anti-cancer compound, Zoptrex (zoptarelin doxorubicin), for the initial indication of endometrial cancer, for Taiwan and nine countries in Southeast Asia.

Analyst Jason Kolbert offered the following commentary on Friday:

• What makes Zoptrex unique is that it is not just another dox (i.e. J&J's Doxil). Zoptrex is a peptide-conjugated, new chemical entity that targets the doxorubicin payload directly to tumors expressing a specific receptor, which may be more effective (cancer killing) and safer (reduced toxicity, no cardiotoxicity). We see this as risk-mitigating the program.
• Conclusion. As pivotal data nears, Aeterna is now shifting towards commercialization. With a lack of data (data trough period) for many companies in 2016, we see Aeterna as an exception with two pivotal studies reading out in the short term (

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Æterna Zentaris click here. For more ratings news on Æterna Zentaris click here.

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