Cellona Therapeutics, Inc. and Duke University Announce Exclusive License Agreement and Collaboration to Develop Novel Cancer Drugs

COLUMBIA, MD (September 14, 2010) -- Cellona TherapeuticsTM, a pharmaceutical company focused on development and commercialization of novel targeted cancer drugs, today announced the execution of an exclusive license and collaboration agreement with Duke University for evaluation and development of a series of patented and well-published geranylgeranyl transferase (GGTase) inhibitor compounds. The GGTase inhibitors, including lead compound CT-10, are currently in preclinical development as targeted, small molecule drugs for treatment of human cancers. The development of CT-10 provides a foundation for external partnering and successful execution of Cellona's strategic plans to commercialize novel new medicines.

"We are excited to partner with Duke, one of the nation's premier cancer research institutions, and with professor Dr. Patrick Casey who is a leader in cancer biology research on prenylated protein inhibitors and signaling pathways." said Brad Fackler, chief executive officer of Cellona Therapeutics. "Our team is pleased to continue progress towards clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors with targeted therapeutics that selectively inhibit RAS family members and offer a compelling therapeutic opportunity to serve serious unmet needs."

Patrick J. Casey, Ph.D., James B. Duke professor of pharmacology and cancer biology and Director of the Center for Chemical Biology, has pioneered several cancer research advances in the past two decades. His laboratory was among the first to unravel how prenylation pathway enzymes and proteins modify the RAS family of onco-proteins critical to cancer genesis and growth. Dr. Casey has established foundational expertise in the research of G-protein transmembrane signaling, and cancer protein function and activity. He also serves as Chairman of the Cellona scientific advisory board.

About Cellona TherapeuticsTM

Cellona Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing targeted therapeutics to improve survival paradigms in cancer patients. Our oncology compounds target novel signaling pathways, and have potential indications in large therapeutic markets with considerable unmet needs. Cellona Therapeutics is developing a new class of cancer drug to inhibit the RAS family of cancer proteins. Mutation and hyperactivity of RAS family members occurs in, and is a driver of, most human cancers. Our compounds offer selective inhibition of these onco-proteins that mediate and control cancer genesis and growth. For more information visit http://www.cellonatherapeutics.com

Contact:

Cellona Therapeutics, Inc. Wendy Tsai, Vice President, tsaiw@cellonatherapeutics.com

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