Appointments to AEterna's Board of Directors QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna Laboratories Inc. (TSX: AEL; Nasdaq: AELA) today announced the appointment to its Board of Directors of Henri A. Roy, Chairman of the Board, President and General Manager of the Societe generale de financement du Quebec (SGF). Mr. Roy takes over the seat left vacant on AEterna's Board, after Francis Bellido's departure from the SGF last October. However, Mr. Bellido, now President and CEO of Biomundis, rejoins AEterna's Board, replacing Jean-Claude Gonneau, Managing Director SG Cowen, Europe SAS, who had been a board member since the Company's early beginnings in 1995. "We are delighted to be able to count on Mr. Roy and Mr. Bellido as members of our Board," stated Dr. Eric Dupont, Chairman of the Board of AEterna Laboratories. "Because of their respective experience in the development and marketing of pharmaceutical products as well as in the private and public business sectors, these experts will prove to be significant assets in our growth strategy. On the other hand, I would like to thank Mr. Gonneau for his valuable work during the past few years and for his contribution to AEterna's expansion at the international level." Henri A. Roy, MBA, Chairman of the Board, President and General Manager, SGF Henri A. Roy is a seasoned executive with considerable experience in directing and taking charge of challenging corporate situations. He also has extensive investment expertise of private and public capital markets. Mr. Roy has held executive positions in several key industrial sectors, both in North America and overseas. He has held senior executive management positions with a number of major North American companies, including Telesystem, Trizec, BCE, Cambior, Provigo and Standard Oil as well as being an active member of the boards of numerous companies, such as Domtar, Quebecor, Laurentian Bank, BCE Mobile, Cambior, Provigo and IA Pacific. Mr. Roy holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from McGill University. Francis Bellido, PhD, President and CEO, Biomundis Mr. Bellido has acquired more than 15 years experience in fields such as business development, strategy, marketing, regulatory affairs and scientific research. Mr. Bellido holds a doctorate degree in medical microbiology and a master degree in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Geneva. For close to 10 years, he worked for the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly as Head of Regulatory Affairs, Director of the Infectious Disease Department as well as Head of Strategy and Business Development. He then joined the Societe generale de financement (SGF) du Quebec, where he was, until recently, President and COO of SGF Sante. About AEterna Laboratories AEterna Laboratories is a biopharmaceutical company with an extensive portfolio of marketed and development-stage products in oncology, endocrinology and infectious diseases. In oncology, Neovastat(R) is in a Phase III trial for non-small cell lung cancer. In endocrinology, Cetrotide(R) is sold in the U.S. and Europe to the in vitro fertilization market, and is in Phase II clinical trials for endometriosis, uterus myoma and enlarged prostate (BPH). A further seven clinical programs are underway with various compounds. AEterna owns 100% of the biopharmaceutical company, Zentaris GmbH, based in Frankfurt, Germany. Zentaris generated more than $30 million in revenues and was cash flow positive in 2002. In addition, AEterna owns 62% of Atrium Biotechnologies, a profitable and growing developer, distributor and marketer of active ingredients, fine chemicals, cosmetic and nutritional products with sales exceeding $100 million in 2002. AEterna shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (AEL) and the NASDAQ National Market (AELA). News releases and additional information about AEterna are available on its Web site at http://www.aeterna.com/. To find out more about the current Phase III trial in non-small cell lung cancer, call 888-349-3232. DATASOURCE: AETERNA LABORATORIES INC. CONTACT: AEterna Laboratories: Media Relations, Paul Burroughs, (418) 652-8525 ext. 406, ; Investor Relations: Jacques Raymond, (418) 652-8525 ext. 360, ; U.S. Investor Relations: Lippert-Heilshorn & Associates, Kim Golodetz, (212) 838-3777, or Bruce Voss, (310) 691-7100,

Copyright