Hana Biosciences to Present Talotrexin (PT-523) Phase I Clinical Trials in Solid Tumors and Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) at ASCO.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Hana Biosciences (NASDAQ:HNAB), a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing cancer care, announced that Phase I trials in solid tumors and non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Talotrexin (PT-523) will be presented at the upcoming 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Atlanta, Georgia. Details on the presentations are as follows:

--Abstract #7142: "A Phase I Study of Talotrexin (PT-523) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)." General Poster Session (Board # P10) in Bldg B, Level 1, Hall B5 on Sunday, June 4th from 8:00am-12:00pm.

--Abstract #2052: "Pharmacokinetics of PT-523, A Novel Aminopterin Analogue, in Patients with Solid Tumors." General Poster Session (Board #B5) in Bldg B, Level 1, Hall B5 on Sunday, June 4th from 2:00-6:00pm.

About Talotrexin

Talotrexin (PT-523) is a novel antifolate drug candidate under development for treatment of various types of tumors. Talotrexin has demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity in a broad spectrum of cancer models by targeting the enzyme DHFR to prevent DNA synthesis in tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth. Preclinical studies suggest that Talotrexin, as compared to methotrexate, the most widely used antifolate, enters into cells up to 10 times more efficiently and demonstrates 10- to 100-fold more potency in overcoming polyglutamation, a well-established mechanism of antifolate resistance. Talotrexin also binds more tightly to its anti-tumor target DHFR, which we believe may further inhibit tumor growth. Hana commenced a Phase I clinical trial in solid tumors in February 2005, a Phase I/II clinical trial in NSCLC in March 2004, and a Phase I/II clinical trial in ALL in May 2005. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted orphan drug designation for Talotrexin in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 1.2 million cases worldwide of lung and bronchial cancer each year, causing approximately 1.1 million deaths annually. It is estimated that more than 173,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States in 2005. According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer is the single largest cause of cancer deaths in the United States and is responsible for nearly 30 percent of cancer deaths in this country. NSCLC is the most common form of the disease and accounts for more than 80 percent of all lung cancers. Despite recent therapeutic advances in NSCLC, the overall survival remains poor and there is a need for improved treatments.

About Hana Biosciences, Inc.

Hana Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:HNAB) is a South San Francisco, CA-based biopharmaceutical company that acquires, develops, and commercializes 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.

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, including those recently licensed from INEX, 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hana assumes no obligation to update these statements, except as required by law.