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 September 2004 AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. ------------------------------------------ (Formerly named AEterna Laboratories 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 ------ ------ 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 ----- ----- If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-________ DOCUMENTS INDEX Documents Description -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Press release dated September 7, 2004 - AEterna Zentaris to Present at Orion Healthcare Conference September 13 in Toronto -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AEterna Zentaris Inc. 1405 du Parc-Technologique Blvd. AEterna Zentaris Quebec (Quebec) Canada G1P 4P5 T 418 652-8525 F 418 652-0881 PRESS RELEASE For immediate release AETERNA ZENTARIS TO PRESENT AT ORION HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 13 IN TORONTO QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 - AEterna Zentaris Inc. (TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq: AEZS) announced today that Gilles Gagnon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, will present a corporate update at Orion Securities' 9th Annual Healthcare Conference, at 9:00 a.m. ET, on Monday, September 13, 2004, which will be held at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto. ABOUT AETERNA ZENTARIS INC. AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused in oncology and endocrine therapy. Its extensive portfolio, from drug discovery to marketed products, includes perifosine, an orally-active AKT inhibitor in several Phase II trials for multiple cancers, and cetrorelix, an LHRH antagonist already marketed for IN VITRO fertilization under the brand name Cetrotide(R), and also in advanced clinical development for the treatment of uterine myoma, endometriosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). AEterna Zentaris also owns 62% of Atrium Biotechnologies Inc., which develops, distributes and markets active ingredients, specialty fine chemicals, cosmetic and nutritional products for the cosmetics, chemical, pharmaceutical and nutritional industries. News releases and additional information about AEterna Zentaris are available on its new Web site www.aeternazentaris.com. 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. 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 availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of the Company 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. -30- CONTACTS: MEDIA RELATIONS INVESTOR RELATIONS Paul Burroughs Jacques Raymond (418) 652-8525 ext. 406 (418) 652-8525 ext. 360 paul.burroughs@aeternazentaris.com jacques.raymond@aeternazentaris.com U.S. INVESTOR RELATIONS EUROPE Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates Matthias Seeber Kim Golodetz +49 69 42602 3425 (212) 838-3777 matthias.seeber@zentaris.de kgolodetz@lhai.com 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: September 8, 2004 By: /s/ Mario Paradis ------------------------ ------------------------------- Mario Paradis Senior Director, Finance and Corporate Secretary