SuperGen Announces Study of Novel Regimen Using Nipent® for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Published in Journal of Bone Marrow Transplantation

SuperGen Announces Study of Novel Regimen Using Nipent(R) for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Published in Journal of Bone Marrow Transplantation DUBLIN, Calif., May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SuperGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUPG) today announced publication of results from a study of a novel reduced intensity regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which incorporates its anticancer compound Nipent ® (pentostatin for injection). The study, which appears in the current issue of Bone Marrow Transplantation (Volume 33,pp. 881 -889), showed evidence of reduced incidence of graft -versus- host disease (GVHD). In the study, 55 patients at high risk or ineligible for conventional allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants received a regimen consisting of extracorporeal photopheresis, pentostatin, and reduced dose total body irradiation. The study showed that the treatment was well tolerated and associated with a low incidence of transplant -related mortality and acute GVHD. "We are encouraged by the results of this study, which indicate that Nipent can potentially be used both to induce immune suppression and facilitate hematopoietic stem cell transplantation," said Dr. James Manuso, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SuperGen. "Although this was a small, limited study, we believe that further investigation is warranted to better understand the role of pentostatin in preventing GVHD." About Nipent Nipent® is currently approved as a single -agent treatment for patients with hairy cell leukemia and is not approved as either a single agent or as part of a combination preparative regimen treatment for reduced -intensity bone marrow transplants. About SuperGen Based in Dublin, Calif., SuperGen is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the acquisition, rapid development and commercialization of therapies for solid tumors, hematological malignancies and blood disorders. The company's website can be reached at www.supergen.com. This press release contains "forward -looking" statements within the meaning of section 21A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Such forward -looking statements include statements regarding Nipent's potential use in the treatment of GVHD. Whether or not Nipent may be used in the treatment of GVHD will depend on a number of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to conducting and completing clinical trials in patients with GVHD, and whether the company will submit or receive regulatory approval for Nipent for the treatment of GVHD. References made to the discussion of the risk factors are detailed in the company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the report on Form 10 -Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. These forward - looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company disclaims any obligation to update or revise the information contained in any such forward -looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: SuperGen, Inc. Euro RSCG Life NRP Timothy L. Enns Sharon Weinstein (925) 560-0100 x111 (212) 845-4271 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE SuperGen, Inc. 05/21/2004 Web site: http://www.supergen.com

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