Adherex Technologies Promotes Robin Norris, M.D. to President.

Business Editors

OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 2002

Adherex Technologies Inc. (TSX:AHX), a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics based on cell adhesion technology, today announced the promotion of Dr. Robin Norris to President and Chief Operating Officer of Adherex Technologies.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are very pleased with the work Robin has done since he joined us in January," said John Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of Adherex Technologies. "He has demonstrated an ability to think strategically and mobilize effectively in leading our drug development programs. His promotion to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer reflects his accomplishments to date and the increasing significance his work will take on as we move into clinical trials," Mr. Brooks added.

Dr. Norris joined Adherex Technologies in January 2002 as the company's Chief Operating Officer. "Robin has been instrumental with our Exherin(TM) development plan and Phase I clinical protocols, which will be the focus of our meeting with Health Canada on July 9th," Mr. Brooks added. "I am grateful for the confidence expressed in me by the Board," said Dr. Norris. "I believe that Adherex Technologies is developing a compelling new approach to treating cancer. As vascular targeting takes on added importance within the scientific and medical communities, I look forward to contributing to the leading role Adherex will continue to play in this field. We have demonstrated the proof of concept for Exherin and look forward to identifying the appropriate dosage and tolerability through the clinical trials expected to begin later this year."

Besides being promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Norris will be nominated to the Board of Directors at the company's next annual general meeting.

Prior to joining Adherex Technologies, Dr. Norris served as Chief Operating Officer of transdermal drug delivery companies Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:NOVN) and PowderJect Pharmaceuticals Plc (London:PJP). He also served as Corporate Vice President, New Product Assessment and Planning at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer (now Aventis, NYSE:AVE). He has brought to Adherex his considerable experience in moving products into human trials, management of scientific programs and business development/licensing.

About Adherex Technologies

Adherex Technologies 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.

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.