Lorus Therapeutics Appoints Director Of Clinical Research.

Business Editors

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 2001

New Position Will Prepare the Company for Increased Clinical Trial

Activity

Lorus Therapeutics Inc. (OTCBB:LORFF)(TSE:LOR.) announced today the appointment of Linda Kasprzak to the position of director, clinical research and drug safety.

As the Company prepares to expand its clinical pipeline and initiate more clinical trials, Ms. Kasprzak's extensive drug development experience will help with the success of these programs.

"Ms. Kasprzak brings a wealth of global drug development expertise to our clinical team," said Dr. Jim A. Wright, president, Lorus Therapeutics Inc. "Never before has Lorus been in the position to have at least four clinical trials on-going involving our immunotherapeutic product Virulizin(R) and our antisense drugs GTI-2040 and GTI-2501. Ms. Kasprzak's knowledge and capability in this area is a definite asset to the Company at this exciting time in our development."

Ms. Kasprzak's portfolio includes significant experience in exploratory drug research, notably in immunology and pharmacology, before moving into drug development. She has been involved in drug development programs in Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Most recently, Ms. Kasprzak was director, clinical affairs, Global R&D with Pharmacia Canada Inc. where she was responsible for all new drug development, phase I-IV, in Canada. Prior to this role, she worked with Zeneca PLC as medical manager, clinical research, in which her responsibilities included drug development for all primary care products. She has also spent a number of years with Fisons Corporation, both in England and in Canada.

Ms. Kasprzak obtained her B.A. in Molecular Biology and a Masters in Business Administration in England and is currently working towards a Doctorate degree. Ms. Kasprzak is an active lecturer and presenter on drug development, and is a previous Medical R&D Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada (PMAC) committee member.

Lorus Therapeutics Inc. is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company specialising in the research, development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products and technologies for the management of cancer. Lorus currently has three anti-cancer therapies in clinical trial programs and a number of others in research and pre-clinical studies. The Company's product Virulizin(R) is a potent and unique activator of human macrophages and has shown potential in the immunotherapy of cancer patients. The company plans to have the product in a Phase III clinical trial with pancreatic cancer patients later this year. Lorus' antisense drugs, including GTI-2040 and GTI-2501, are proving their low toxicity and are demonstrating their potential to work against many different cancers. GTI-2040 is expected to be in multiple Phase II clinical trials by mid-year 2001 and a Phase I clinical trial for GTI-2501 recently received FDA approval. For more detailed information about Lorus, please visit our website at www.lorusthera.com.

Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing quarterly filings, annual reports and 40-F filings.

Lorus Therapeutics Inc.'s press releases are available through the Company's Internet site: www.lorusthera.com.