FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of January 2007
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
1405, boul. du Parc-Technologique
Quebec, Quebec
Canada, G1P 4P5
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F Form 40-F X
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes No X
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-
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DOCUMENTS INDEX
DOCUMENTS DESCRIPTION
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1. Press release dated January 3, 2007: AEterna Zentaris Completes
Distribution of Remaining Shares of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc.
[AETERNA ZENTARIS LOGO]
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. 1405 du Parc-Technologique Blvd.
Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1P 4P5 T 418 652-8525 F 418 652-0881
www.aeternazentaris.com
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
AETERNA ZENTARIS COMPLETES DISTRIBUTION OF REMAINING SHARES OF
ATRIUM BIOTECHNOLOGIES
AETERNA ZENTARIS EMERGES AS A PURE PLAY BIOPHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC (CANADA), JANUARY 3, 2007 -- AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX:
AEZ; NASDAQ: AEZS), a growing global biopharmaceutical company focused on
endocrine therapy and oncology, announced that it has completed the special
distribution in kind of all of the 11,052,996 subordinate voting shares of the
capital of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc. (TSX: ATB) previously held by AEterna
Zentaris by way of return of capital that was approved at the Company's special
meeting of shareholders held on December 15, 2006.
Gilles Gagnon, AEterna Zentaris President and CEO commented, "Over the past
year, not only did we successfully advance our pipeline to late-stage
development, but we also set the stage to become a pure play biopharmaceutical
company by spinning off Atrium. We are now extremely motivated and confident as
we are more focused on building solid endocrinology and oncology franchises."
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of
an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
ABOUT AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a growing global biopharmaceutical company focused on
endocrine therapy and oncology with proven expertise in drug discovery,
development and commercialization.
News releases and additional information are available at
www.aeternazentaris.com.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the U.S. Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Statements that are not historical facts, including statements preceded by,
followed by, or that include the words "believes", "anticipates", "intends",
"plans", "expects", "estimates", "will," "may", "should", "approximately", and
the negative or other variations of those terms or comparable terminology, are
forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management's current views,
intentions, strategies and plans and are based on certain assumptions.
[AETERNA ZENTARIS LOGO]
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 ability of AEterna Zentaris to complete the special distribution in
the manner described herein, whether AEterna Zentaris will be able to implement
its business strategies, the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D
projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability
of AEterna Zentaris to take advantage of business opportunities in the
pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and
general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult the Company's
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.
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CONTACTS
Jenene Thomas
Senior Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
(418) 655-6420 or (908) 996-3154
jenene.thomas@aeternazentaris.com
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Paul Burroughs
Media Relations
(418) 652-8525 ext. 406
paul.burroughs@aeternazentaris.com
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AETERNA ZENTARIS INC.
DATE: JANUARY 5, 2007 By: /s/ Mario Paradis
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Mario Paradis
Vice President, Finance & Administration
and Corporate Secretary