SNUS Sonus Pharmaceuticals (MM)

Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:SNUS) today announced the issuance of a patent for its second oncology product candidate, TOCOSOL� Camptothecin. The newly issued patent, United States Patent No. 7,223,770 entitled �Tocopherol-Modified Therapeutic Drug Compounds,� is directed to tocopherol-linked prodrugs of camptothecin and camptothecin derivatives. TOCOSOL Camptothecin is in a Phase 1 clinical trial that was initiated in September 2006. Formulated with Sonus� proprietary vitamin-E based TOCOSOL technology, TOCOSOL Camptothecin is a novel camptothecin compound that is a conjugate of SN-38. SN-38 is the active ingredient in irinotecan, a marketed camptothecin analog. Preclinical data suggest that TOCOSOL Camptothecin may be more effective and better tolerated than irinotecan, and will be easier and more convenient to administer. �The granting of this patent for our second drug candidate is an important milestone as we continue to execute our strategy of becoming a multiple product oncology company,� said Michael A. Martino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sonus Pharmaceuticals. �With pivotal Phase 3 data expected in the third quarter of 2007 for TOCOSOL Paclitaxel, our lead product candidate, coupled with the potential for TOCOSOL Camptothecin and additional preclinical pipeline opportunities, we are continuing our commitment to build a portfolio of innovative drugs that will provide added benefits for cancer patients.� The full text and claims of the TOCOSOL Camptothecin patent may be found by conducting a patent number search utilizing the U.S. Patent Office�s web site at www.uspto.gov/patft/. About Sonus Pharmaceuticals Located near Seattle, Washington, Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of cancer drugs that are designed to provide better efficacy, safety and tolerability, and are more convenient to use. The Company�s lead product candidate, TOCOSOL Paclitaxel, is currently in a Phase 3 pivotal trial for the potential treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Adjudicated data from the Phase 3 trial are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2007. TOCOSOL Paclitaxel is an injectable, ready-to-use formulation of paclitaxel that may reduce treatment-limiting side effects and improve anti-tumor activity. In addition to the continuing development of TOCOSOL Paclitaxel, Sonus moved its second product candidate, TOCOSOL Camptothecin, into a Phase 1 clinical trial in September 2006. For additional information on Sonus, including past news releases, please visit www.sonuspharma.com. Safe Harbor Certain statements made in this press release are forward-looking such as those, among others, relating to the development, safety and efficacy of therapeutic drugs and potential applications for these products. As discussed in Sonus Pharmaceuticals' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2006 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the following factors, among others:�the Company's products will require extensive clinical testing and approval by regulatory authorities; such approvals are lengthy and expensive and may never occur; risks that the Company will not be able to complete the Phase 3 clinical trial for TOCOSOL Paclitaxel; risks that clinical studies with TOCOSOL Paclitaxel will be delayed or will not be successful; risks that the FDA may not approve the TOCOSOL Paclitaxel New Drug Application; risks that the Phase 1 clinical trial for TOCOSOL Camptothecin will not be successful; risks of successful development of therapeutic drugs; and risks that the Company may not be successful in obtaining funding from third parties or completing a financing necessary to support the costs and expenses of clinical studies as well as research and development activities. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.