Canada-based Aeterna Zentaris Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments in oncology and endocrinology, selected Charleston County, South Carolina, for the company's newest North American business and global commercial operations center. 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.

"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 South Carolina Research Authority, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and the team at the Medical University of South Carolina, 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,” David Dodd, President/CEO of Aeterna Zentaris.

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.

"We are excited Aeterna Zentaris chose Charleston to be the home of their new North American business and global commercial operations - further proof that South Carolina is attracting cutting-edge research and development. We celebrate their decision to invest $1 million and to create 60 new jobs," said Governor Haley. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.

"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 added.

"We are pleased to welcome Aeterna Zentaris to the region. MUSC, SCRA, the Horizon Redevelopment Project, our world-class lifestyle attributes and our region's concentration of health care professionals and research scientists were critical factors in Aeterna Zentaris' decision to locate here. This company will be a tremendous asset to our growing biomedical community,” Bob Whitten, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board chairman said.