Description

Aeterna Zentaris Inc., established in 1990 and based in Summerville, South Carolina, is a specialized biopharmaceutical company focused on innovating and commercializing therapeutic drugs and diagnostic tests. Its flagship product is Macrilen, scientifically known as macimorelin. This orally administered peptidomimetic ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) agonist functions by activating the GHSR-1a receptor, thereby stimulating the secretion of growth hormone. Macimorelin is utilized for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in both adults and children, and is also under investigation for various oncology applications. The company engages in a range of strategic licensing agreements. Through a partnership with the University Wuerzburg, Aeterna Zentaris is involved in the research, development, manufacturing, and potential sale of a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the development and commercialization of a treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. This collaboration also encompasses the creation of human 3D intestinal tissue models for infection biology studies and preclinical development toward a potential Parkinson's disease treatment. Additionally, Aeterna Zentaris holds licensing agreements with Consilient Health Ltd., Novo Nordisk Health Care AG, and NK MEDITECH Ltd. for the development and commercialization of macimorelin in the United States and Canada. Another alliance with The University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of parathyroid hormone fusion polypeptides intended for treating primary hypoparathyroidism.