SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 14, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Hana Biosciences (Nasdaq:HNAB), a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing cancer care, today announced the appointment of Steven R. Deitcher, M.D. as its Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.
"Dr. Deitcher will significantly strengthen our development capabilities through his demonstrated scientific excellence and clinical collaboration in hematology and medical oncology," stated Mark Ahn, Ph.D., President and CEO. "We look forward to his contributions and leadership in moving our pipeline forward for patients and building value for investors."
Dr. Deitcher most recently served as Vice President, Chief Medical Scientist at Nuvelo where he was responsible for clinical development and medical affairs. Dr. Deitcher also brings more than 15 years of experience as a practicing physician in hematology, medical oncology and vascular medicine. Dr. Deitcher was formerly the head of the section of hematology and coagulation medicine in the department of hematology/oncology and director of research in the department of vascular medicine at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. While at The Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Deitcher was hematology medical director for the Network for Oncology Communication and Research. Prior to that, he spent four years at The University of Tennessee in positions including associate chairman, department of medicine; director, combined pediatric and adult thrombosis clinic; and director, special coagulation laboratory.
Dr. Deitcher earned his B.S. and M.D. in the Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern University Medical School. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital and completed his fellowship training in hematology and medical oncology at New England Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Deitcher is a member of several medical societies, including The American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology and the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, and is a fellow of the Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology. He has published more than 185 journal papers, abstracts and book chapters and has made more than 35 scientific conference presentations. He was the founding editor-in-chief of the journal Current Hematology Reports.
Hana also reported that Greg Berk, M.D., former VP and Chief Medical Officer, will be leaving the company to pursue other interests.
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 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, risks that Hana's timelines for development of its product candidates may not occur as planned, 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.