SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 11, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Hana Biosciences (Nasdaq:HNAB), a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing cancer care, will present preclinical data for Talvesta(tm) (talotrexin) for Injection at the American Association for Cancer Research 100th Annual Meeting April 14-18, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.
Abstract No. 2210: "Combining talotrexin (PT-523) with paclitaxel in A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) athymic nude mice xenografts" will be presented in a poster session on Monday, April 16, 2007 from 8:00am to 12:00pm PDT, in Poster Section 23, Tumor Biology 15, in the Exhibit Hall. Board No. 8.
About Talvesta(tm) (talotrexin) for Injection
Talvesta(tm) is a novel nonpolyglutamable antifolate drug under development for the treatment of various types of cancers. Talvesta has demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity in a broad spectrum of preclinical studies by targeting the enzyme DHFR to prevent DNA synthesis in tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth. These studies suggest that Talvesta, as compared to methotrexate, enters into cells up to ten times more efficiently and demonstrates 10- to 100-fold more potency in overcoming polyglutamation, a well-established mechanism of antifolate resistance. Talvesta also binds more tightly to its anti-tumor target DHFR, which Hana believes may further inhibit tumor growth. In May 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted orphan drug designation for Talvesta in patients with ALL.
About Hana Biosciences, Inc.
Hana Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:HNAB) is a South San Francisco, CA-based biopharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing, and commercializing innovative products to advance cancer care. The company is committed to creating value by building a world-class team, accelerating the development of lead product candidates, expanding its pipeline by being the alliance partner of choice, and nurturing a unique company culture. Additional information on Hana Biosciences can be found at www.hanabiosciences.com.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Hana's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "believes," "intends," and similar words or phrases. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Among other things, there can be no assurances that any of Hana's development efforts relating to Talvesta or its product candidates will be successful. Other risks that may affect forward-looking information contained in this press release include the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of Hana's product candidates, the risk that the results of clinical trials may not support Hana's claims, Hana's reliance on third-party researchers to develop its product candidates, and its lack of experience in developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products. Additional risks are described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hana assumes no obligation to update these statements, except as required by law.