Adherex Technologies Announces Extension of AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2002

Adherex Technologies Inc. (TSE:AHX), a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics based on cell adhesion technology, today announced the extension of its collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) and (NYSE:AZN), one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.

"During the past six months, Adherex and AstraZeneca have been collaborating on the development of our proprietary cancer compound, Exherin," said John Brooks, President and CEO of Adherex. "We have received excellent support and cooperation from AstraZeneca. We are excited about the future development of the technology."

"AstraZeneca aims to be the world leader in the treatment of cancer," said Les Hughes, VP global cancer research, AstraZeneca. "To achieve this, AstraZeneca is always looking to augment its own discovery pipeline with opportunities for licensing and collaboration. We are very pleased to be continuing to work with Adherex on this exciting project and hope that it will lead to an effective treatment for patients with cancer."

Besides the ongoing drug development work, both companies will be participating at the upcoming BIO 2002 conference in June, at a session entitled Vascular Targeting - A New Class of Cancer Therapeutic. This leading biotechnology conference is sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization and is expected to attract as many as 15,000 delegates from around the world.

About Adherex Technologies

Adherex Technologies Inc. (TSE:AHX) is an Ottawa-based biotechnology company that develops therapeutic drugs based upon its proprietary cell adhesion platform technology. The lead compound, Exherin, works to destroy the blood vessels that feed a cancerous tumor, essentially destroying the tumor's food supply. Adherex's unique cell adhesion platform has the potential for diverse applications, including drug delivery through the skin. For more information, please visit Adherex's Web site at www.adherex.com.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of $16.5 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. www.astrazeneca.com

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Certain information contained in this news release is forward-looking and is subject to unknown risks and uncertainties. The actual results, performance or achievements of the company may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements of the company expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.