Aeterna Zentaris Begins Promotional Activities For EMD Serono's Saizen

(RTTNews) - Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (AEZS, AEZ.TO) announced that it has started promoting Saizen [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] in 25 territories in the United States, pursuant to its co-promotion agreement signed this past May with EMD Serono, the U.S. biopharmaceutical businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Saizen is a recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) registered in the U.S. for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and adults.

As per the agreement, Aeterna Zentaris details Saizen to designated medical professionals in addition to EMD Serono's current promotional activities. Payment to Aeterna Zentaris is based on new eligible patient starts on Saizen, above an agreed-upon baseline.

Saizen for Injection is a formulation of a recombinant human growth hormone. In the U.S., Saizen lyophilized product in 5 mg and 8.8 mg strengths is registered for the treatment of appropriate patients with pediatric and adult growth hormone deficiency.