Hana Biosciences to Present Talvesta(TM) (Talotrexin) For Injection Completed Phase I Clinical Trial in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer at The EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Hana Biosciences (NASDAQ:HNAB), a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing cancer care, will present additional data from the completed Phase I trial results for Talvesta[TM] (talotrexin) for Injection in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the 18th Annual EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium on "Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics," in Prague, Czech Republic. Abstract #464: "Pharmacokinetics of talotrexin (PT-523), a novel aminopterin analogue, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer" will be presented on Friday, November 10th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm.

About Talvesta[TM] (talotrexin) for Injection

Talvesta is a novel nonpolyglutamable antifolate drug which targets DHFR under development for the treatment of various types of cancers. Talvesta has demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity in a broad spectrum of preclinical studies by targeting the enzyme DHFR to prevent DNA synthesis in tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth. These studies suggest that Talvesta, as compared to other antifolates, enters into cells up to ten times more efficiently and demonstrates 10- to 100-fold more potency in overcoming polyglutamation, a well-established mechanism of antifolate resistance. Talvesta also binds more tightly to its anti-tumor target DHFR, which Hana believes may further inhibit tumor growth. In May 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted orphan drug designation for Talvesta in patients with ALL. Talvesta is also being studied in a Phase II in ALL, Phase I in solid tumors and a Phase I/II in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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, 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 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.

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 Marqibo and 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, including Marqibo, 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 quarter ended June 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hana assumes no obligation to update these statements, except as required by law.