Aeterna Zentaris Selects Charleston County For New US Operations

$1 Million Investment Expected To Create 60 New Jobs

CHARLESTON, SC – May 5, 2014 – Aeterna Zentaris Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments in oncology and endocrinology, has selected Charleston County for the company’s newest North American business and global commercial operations. The $1 million investment is expected to create 60 new jobs.

The company, which is based in Quebec, Canada, plans to begin operations in the SCRA Applied Research Center on International Blvd. in North Charleston. In locating to the Charleston region, Aeterna Zentaris plans to establish strategic partnerships with MUSC and other clinical and research facilities in the area as part of the company’s ongoing research and development activities.

Over the next five years, Aeterna expects to expand its staff to support the areas of commercial operations, business development, regulatory and quality assurance, manufacturing management, clinical and product development, as well as various administrative functions.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.

“Charleston is one of the most thriving and exciting business communities in the United States and we are looking forward to becoming a part of it. We want to thank the leadership within the SCRA, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the CRDA and the team at MUSC, all of whom contributed to this significant decision for our corporation. Finally, we wish to thank Governor Nikki Haley, who personally conveyed the state’s commitment to assisting companies such as Aeterna Zentaris in successfully developing the bio-industry throughout South Carolina,” saidDavid Dodd, president and CEO of Aeterna Zentaris.

“Today’s announcement by Aeterna Zentaris adds to South Carolina’s biotechnology industry, which represents a rapidly growing sector of the state’s innovation economy.  We look forward to welcoming this innovative company at their new operations in Charleston,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Our congratulations go out to Aeterna Zentaris on its new North American operations in Charleston County. Aeterna Zentaris is giving our Charleston life sciences community a vote of confidence, and we look forward to the company growing with the help of MUSC, our other innovation resource agencies and the burgeoning research talent base growing in our area.  We look forward to partnering with Aeterna Zentaris as that Company continues to develop its business well into the future,” said Chairman of Charleston County Council Teddie Pryor.

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Aeterna Zentaris Inc. has selected Charleston County as its newest location for the company’s North American business and global commercial operations.
• $1 million investment is expected to create 60 new jobs.
• Aeterna Zentaris anticipates transitioning to a commercial-stage operation over the next year.
• The company plans to begin operations in the SCRA Applied Research Center on International Blvd.
• In locating to the Charleston region, Aeterna Zentaris plans to establish strategic partnerships with MUSC and other clinical and research facilities.

About Aeterna Zentaris Inc.:

 Aeterna Zentaris is a specialty biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel treatments in oncology and endocrinology. The Company’s pipeline encompasses compounds at various stages of development.