Adherex Initiates U.S. Phase Ib/II Trial with ADH-1.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- Adherex Technologies Inc. (AMEX:ADH) (TSX:AHX), a biopharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of oncology products under development, today announced that it has initiated a Phase Ib/II clinical trial of ADH-1 (Exherin(TM)) at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas in advanced cancer patients who express the tumor molecular target N-cadherin. This study will explore a "daily x 5" dosing schedule with daily dosing Monday through Friday every three weeks.

The study, the Company's second Phase Ib/II trial with ADH-1, is designed to define the maximum tolerated dose and to evaluate the safety, tolerability and anti-tumor activity of repeated and ascending doses of ADH-1. The effect of the drug on tumor vasculature will be assessed in some patients through dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. The trial is expected to enroll approximately 40 patients whose tumors express N-cadherin.

"ADH-1 has a single molecular target, N-cadherin, which is present on certain tumor cells and tumor vessels," said William P. Peters, M.D. Ph.D., Adherex Chairman and CEO. "In addition to assessing the anti-tumor activity of ADH-1, we wish to investigate the drug's impact on blood flow to the tumor. By doing so, we hope to gain important information for future clinical studies, for example, the optimal schedule for administering our drug in combination with other anti-cancer drugs."

In addition to this trial, Adherex is currently conducting a Phase Ib/II trial in Europe investigating a weekly dosing schedule as well as a Phase II trial in Canada evaluating an every three week dosing schedule. The goals of the Phase Ib/II and Phase II programs are threefold: i) to determine the optimal dose and schedule for administration of our drug, ii) to estimate the level of anti-tumor activity in the selected tumor types, and iii) to identify the tumor types most suitable for future Phase III trials.

ADH-1 is a molecularly targeted anti-cancer drug that selectively targets N-cadherin, a protein that plays a major role in holding together and stabilizing cells that make up blood vessels and certain tumor cells. In the Phase I trial, ADH-1 has been shown to be generally well tolerated and has displayed evidence of anti-tumor activity in certain patients.

About Adherex Technologies

Adherex Technologies Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics. We aim to be a leader in developing innovative treatments that address important unmet medical needs in cancer. We currently have four products in the clinical stage of development including ADH-1 (Exherin(TM)) and sodium thiosulfate (STS). ADH-1, our lead biotechnology compound, selectively targets N-cadherin, a protein present on certain tumor cells and established blood vessels that feed solid tumors. STS, a drug from our specialty pharmaceuticals pipeline, protects against the disabling hearing loss that can often result from treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. With a diversified portfolio of unique preclinical and clinical-stage cancer compounds and a management team with expertise in identifying, developing and commercializing novel cancer therapeutics, Adherex is emerging as a pioneering oncology company. For more information, please visit our website at www.adherex.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. The actual results, performance or achievements of the Company might differ materially from the results, performance or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those regarding the clinical development plans of the Company, and the expected timing and results. We can provide no assurance that the clinical development will proceed as currently anticipated or that the expected timing or results will be realized. We are subject to the risks inherent in the biopharmaceutical industry, including the early stage of our product candidates, the uncertainties of clinical trials and regulatory review, and our history of losses. For a more detailed discussion of related risk factors, please refer to our public filings available at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov.

Adherex Technologies Inc. (TSX:AHX) (AMEX:ADH)