ZIOPHARM Presents ZIO-201/202/203 Preclinical Data at AACR

ZIOPHARM Presents ZIO-201/202/203 Preclinical Data at AACR 74 KB ZIOPHARM Presents ZIO-201/202/203 Preclinical Data at AACR WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 3, 2006 - ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. (OTC BB: ZIOP) announced data from preclinical studies of the activity of ZIO-201 and two halogenated analogs, ZIO-202 and ZIO-203, during the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in Washington, D.C. These data show ZIO-201 is active against cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant leukemia cells. ZIO-201 and cisplatin had similar activity in leukemia cells (P388) sensitive to cisplatin but ZIO-201 had about an eight-log cell kill greater anti-leukemia activity against cisplatin-resistant cells. The data also show that anti-cancer activities of ZIO-201, ZIO-202, and ZIO-203 are similar in human pancreas and prostate cancer xenografts and that many schedules were active. The data were presented by Robert F. Struck, Ph.D., and co-authors from Southern Research Institute. ZIO-201 is the Company's proprietary alkylating drug and the active metabolite of ifosfamide. It is currently in a phase I/II clinical trial in advanced sarcoma. The Company expects to initiate additional phase II studies in the near future with a pivotal registration trial in 2007. ZIO-202 and ZIO-203 will be further differentiated in preclinical studies. About ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of a diverse, risk-sensitive portfolio of in-licensed cancer drugs to address unmet medical needs. The Company applies new insights from molecular and cancer biology to understand the efficacy and safety limitations of approved and developmental cancer therapies and identifies proprietary and related molecules for better patient treatment. For more information, visit www.ziopharm.com . Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements for ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company'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 assurance that any of the Company's development efforts relating to its product candidates will be successful, or such product candidates will be successfully commercialized. Other risks that affect forward-looking information contained in this press release include the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of the Company's product candidates, the risk that the results of clinical trials may not support the Company's claims, and the Company's reliance on third parties to develop its product candidates. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Contact: Kelly Luethje Manager, Investor Relations/Communication 617-259-1975

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