Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Hana Biosciences to Present Data On Two Products and Debut Proprietary OPTISOME Platform At the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting

Home > Press > Hana Biosciences to Present Data On Two Products and Debut Proprietary OPTISOME Platform At the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting

Abstract:
Hana Biosciences (Nasdaq:HNAB), a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing cancer care, today announced that it will be presenting data and debuting its OPTISOME(tm) Technology Platform at the upcoming 43rd Annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting taking place June 1-5, 2007, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

Hana Biosciences to Present Data On Two Products and Debut Proprietary OPTISOME Platform At the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA | Posted on May 26th, 2007

Hana Biosciences will present data in two general poster sessions:

Poster #NN1, Abstract #9124: "Steroids and immunosuppressive agents potentiate the cytotoxicity of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib (E) in human skin keratinocytes whereas Vit K3 exerts a protective effect: implications for the management of the skin rash" will be presented on Saturday, June 2, 2007 from 2:00-6:00pm CDT, in the Patient and Survivor Care section in S Hall A2.

Poster #T6, Abstract #8575: "A pharmacokinetic comparison of the Marqibo 3- and 5- vial injection kits in metatastic melanoma patients" will be presented on Sunday, June 3, 2007 from 2:00-6:00pm CDT, in the Melanoma section in S Hall A2.

In addition to these presentations, Hana will debut its proprietary OPTISOME(tm) Nanoparticle Technology at the company's booth, #19105. Optisomes are a new generation of unique sphingomyelin/cholesterol-based nanoparticles designed to encapsulate cell cycle-specific chemotherapeutics. Optisomes are approximately 100 nanometers in diameter and able to encapsulate and transport cancer drugs more selectively to the tumor site. Due to their size, Optisomes are too large to pass across blood vessel walls in normal, but are deposited in the more "leaky" vasculature of the tumor, resulting in higher concentrations of drugs at tumor sites than in normal tissue, which may lead to enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Optisomes' unique sphingomyelin-cholesterol composition is particularly well suited to cell cycle-specific agents such as vincristine, vinorelbine and topotecan. The relative rigidity of the Optisomes' outer shell results in a long circulating half-life and sustained drug release at the tumor site, which greatly improves the probability that tumor cells in the most vulnerable phases of cell division are exposed to these cell cycle-specific agents. In addition, Optisomes can protect cell cycle-specific drugs from clearance by the immune system. Combined, these factors are key to the Optisome advantage as longer exposure times to cell cycle-specific drugs lead to significant increases in tumor cell killing. Thus, the use of Optisomes to provide sustained drug release at tumor sites may result in marked improvements in efficacy. Hana's Optisome pipeline includes Marqibo(r) (vincristine), Alocrest(tm) (vinorelbine) and topotecan.

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About Hana Biosciences
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 http://www.hanabiosciences.com .

About Marqibo(r) (vincristine sulfate liposomes injection)

Marqibo, a novel, targeted, Optisomal formulation of vincristine, has shown promising anti-cancer activity in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) several trials. Vincristine, a microtubule inhibitor, is FDA-approved as a single agent and in combination regimens for the treatment of hematologic malignancies such as lymphomas and leukemias. Vincristine kills cancer cells when they enter a very specific point in the cell cycle - and its efficacy is concentration- and time-dependent. Marqibo extends circulation time of vincristine in the bloodstream and increases targeting of the drug to the tumor site. Marqibo allows for a significant increase in dose vs. conventional vincristine. Marqibo has received U.S. Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult ALL.

About Menadione

Menadione, a small organic molecule, has been shown to activate the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway by inhibiting phosphatase activity. EGFR inhibitors or EGFRIs are currently used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic, colorectal, and head & neck cancer. Approximately seventy-five percent of patients taking EGFRIs develop an associated skin rash. Loss of EGFR signaling has been hypothesized as a mechanism of skin toxicity in patients receiving EGFRIs. In vitro studies have suggested that topically-applied Menadione may restore EGFR signaling, specifically in the skin of patients treated systemically with EGFRIs. Currently, there are no FDA-approved products or therapies available to treat these skin toxicities. Preclinical studies on Menadione are to be completed and Hana plans to submit an Investigational New Drug application with the FDA by the end of 2007.

The Hana Biosciences, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3290

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 forward-looking statements include without limitation, statements regarding the timing, progress and results of the clinical development, regulatory processes, potential clinical trial initiations, potential IND and NDA filings and commercialization efforts of Hana's product candidates, including its Optisomal product candidates and Menadione. 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 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 other product candidates will be successful, that Hana will be able to obtain regulatory approval of any of its product candidates, and that the results of clinical trials will support Hana's claims or beliefs concerning the effectiveness of its product candidates. Additional risks that may affect such forward-looking statements include Hana's need to raise additional capital to fund its product development programs to completion, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hana assumes no obligation to update these statements, except as required by law.

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Contacts:
Hana Biosciences
Investor & Media Contact:
Remy Bernarda, Director, Investor Relations
(650) 228-2769
Fax: (650) 588-2787

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