ZIOPHARM Presents Positive ZIO-101 Myeloma Data at ASH

ZIOPHARM Presents Positive ZIO-101 Myeloma Data at ASH 12.7 KB ORLANDO, Fla., Dec 11, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZIOP), presented phase I data yesterday from an ongoing phase I/II trial of its novel organic arsenic, ZIO-101 in patients with advanced multiple myeloma. The trial is being conducted by Drs. Berenson (Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Institute), Hussein (Moffitt Cancer Center), Boccia (The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders), Belch (Cross Cancer Institute) and colleagues and the data was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Of 14 evaluable patients with progressive myeloma, 6 (43%) responded with disease stabilization after having failed a median of eight prior therapies. Treatment was generally well tolerated, and there was no clinically relevant QT interval prolongation as associated with inorganic arsenic, arsenic trioxide. Enrollment in the phase II portion of the study is ongoing. Preclinical data presented independently today support the observation of clinical benefit in multiple myeloma. In these mouse studies with human multiple myeloma cells that originated from patients with melphalan or bortezumib (Velcade(R)) resistance, ZIO-101 clearly demonstrated anti-myeloma activity. These data indicate that ZIO-101 is active against myeloma cells and may be effective for patients who have disease that is resistant to other commonly used myeloma treatments. "We have nicely demonstrated clinical activity with ZIO-101 in patients with advanced multiple myeloma," commented Dr. Mohamad Hussein. "This activity was present in a very heavily pre-treated population, and these clinical findings, when combined with the newly presented preclinical mechanism data, provide a solid rationale for the expanded phase II testing of ZIO-101 as a single agent." About ZIO-101 ZIO-101 is a proprietary small molecule organic arsenic licensed from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Texas A&M University. ZIO-101 induces cell cycle arrest and cell death by targeting several cellular pathways essential for cell survival. Exposure to ZIO-101 has a direct as well as indirect effect on mitochondrial functions, resulting in depletion of energy supply to the cell and induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Increase in intra-cellular Reactive Oxygen Species enhances this effect on mitochondrial functions and consequently the activation of the signal transduction pathway leading to apoptosis. In addition, ZIO-101 interrupts the cell cycle at the G2/M phase of tumor cells inducing cell death through this pathway as well. About ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. 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 risks related to the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property and its 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. ZIOP-G SOURCE: ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. ZIOPHARM Investor Relations Investors Suzanne McKenna, 646-214-0703 [email protected] or Rx Communications Media Tina Posterli, 917-322-2565 [email protected] Copyright Business Wire 2006 News Provided by COMTEX

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