YMB YM Bio.'b'ser1

    YM BioSciences Strengthens Program Management of Lead Drugs

    Appointment of John Waterfall, Ph.D.

    MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 3 /CNW/ - YM BioSciences Inc. (AMEX:YMI, TSX:YM,
AIM:YMBA), an oncology company that identifies, develops and commercializes
differentiated products for patients worldwide, today announced the
appointment of Dr. John Waterfall as interim Head of Program Management,
effective immediately. In addition, Dianne Harris has been appointed
Consulting Project Manager for the AeroLEF(TM) program. The objective behind
these appointments is to formalize program management systems at the Company.
    "The addition of these internationally recognized industry executives not
only enhances our current management structure, but also highlights our
commitment to clearly define and execute the optimal pathways for the
development of both nimotuzumab and AeroLEF(TM)," said David Allan, Chairman
and CEO of YM BioSciences. "John has planned and led successful development
programs for numerous drugs and has guided products through to FDA approval
and partnering. His extensive drug development experience will enable him to
play a key role in driving YM's products forward as they enter the critical
stages in their clinical development. We expect Dianne's expertise in the
development of drug/device combinations for acute and chronic pain indications
to prove invaluable in her oversight of the development of the AeroLEF(TM)
program.
    Dr. Waterfall was Divisional Vice-President, Global Project Management at
Hoffman La-Roche Inc. with leadership responsibility through NDA filings and
certain of the approvals for Xeloda(TM), Fortovase(TM), Zenapax(TM),
Xenical(TM). He held senior posts at Roche between 1985 and 1999. He
subsequently held the role of Research and Development Director at
British-based Xenova Group plc where he was responsible for its portfolio of
biologics and small molecules with a therapeutic focus on cancer. John holds a
Ph.D. from the University of London, Institute of Cancer Research.
    "I believe that both nimotuzumab and AeroLEF(TM) represent compelling
opportunities for YM BioSciences, each having the potential to significantly
improve patient care in its respective indication," said John Waterfall. "As
such, I look forward to formalizing the project management system within YM
BioSciences that will facilitate the rapid approval of these important drugs."
    Dianne Harris has substantial experience in the development of drugs,
medical devices and drug-device combinations to treat both chronic and acute
pain indications. Until 2003, she held the position of General Manager at Elan
Medical Technologies where she was responsible for the design of R&D programs
to achieve commercial milestones and progressed 16 new therapies into clinical
evaluation. Her 20 years of experience includes program management across
several therapeutic areas from her work at Glaxo and Wyeth as well as Elan.

    About YM BioSciences
    YM BioSciences Inc. is an oncology company that identifies, develops and
commercializes differentiated products for patients worldwide. The Company has
two late-stage products: nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that
targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is approved in several
countries for treatment of various types of head and neck cancer; and
AeroLEF(TM), a unique, inhaled-delivery composition of free and
liposome-encapsulated fentanyl in development for the treatment of moderate to
severe pain, including cancer pain.

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect
the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause
actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any
future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to,
changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical
studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive
products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the
regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time to time in the
Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting. Certain of the assumptions
made in preparing forward-looking statements include but are not limited to
the following: that nimotuzumab will continue to demonstrate a competitive
safety profile in ongoing and future clinical trials; and that YM and its
various partners will complete their respective clinical trials within the
timelines communicated in this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.

For further information: Enquiries: Thomas Fechtner, The Trout Group LLC,
Tel. (212) 477-9007 x31, Fax (212) 460-9028, Email:
tfechtner(at)troutgroup.com; James Smith, the Equicom Group Inc., Tel. (416)
815-0700 x 229, Fax (416) 815-0080, Email: jsmith(at)equicomgroup.com
(YMBA)

 



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