HBX Hana Biosciences

Hana Biosciences (AMEX:HBX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing cancer care, announced today the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 6,989,386 on January 24, 2006, from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Patent No. 6,989,386 is directed to Talotrexin compositions and methods of using Talotrexin compositions. The Company believes the patent significantly strengthens its Talotrexin intellectual property estate. "We are thrilled to have a very strong patent position for our lead product, Talotrexin, and expect additional patents to issue, positioning us with a very firm intellectual property estate," commented Mark Ahn, PhD., President & Chief Executive Officer. About Talotrexin Talotrexin (PT-523) is a novel nonpolyglutamatable antifolate drug which has demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity in a broad spectrum of cancers by targeting DHFR to prevent DNA synthesis and inhibit tumor growth. Compared to currently available antifolates such as methotrexate or pemetrexed (Alimta(R); Eli Lilly) in preclinical studies, Talotrexin enters into cells up to 10-times more efficiently, demonstrated 10 to 100 fold more potency by overcoming resistance by remaining active in tumors by not requiring polyglutamation, and binds more tightly to its anti-tumor target DHFR which enhances efficacy. Thus, a Phase I trial in solid tumors, Phase I/II in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer), and a Phase I/II in ALL (acute lymphocytic leukemia) are ongoing. Phase II trials in cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers are forthcoming. About Hana Biosciences, Inc. Hana Biosciences, Inc. (AMEX:HBX) 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 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 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 pharmaceutical products. Additional risks are described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended Dec. 31, 2004. Hana assumes no obligation to update these statements, except as required by law.