Press Releases

Study in Cell by Magen BioSciences Co-Founder David E. Fisher Identifies
New Roles in Skin Cancer Prevention for Key Tumor Suppressor Protein

-- Protein Also Encourages Sun-Seeking Behavior in Humans --

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., -- March 8, 2007 -- Magen BioSciences, Inc., a specialty
dermatology company, today announced the publication of a paper in the March 9, 2007 issue of the journal Cell by its co-founder and board member, David E. Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., that identifies two new functions for an important protein, p53, in the
pigmentation of skin. Fisher’s study shows that in addition to its function as a tumor
suppressor in other cancers in the body, p53 also plays a key role in prompting the skin to tan in response to ultraviolet light from the sun. By promoting tanning, p53 deters the development of the skin cancer melanoma, which is increasing in incidence faster than any other cancer in the world.

Fisher’s research also shows that p53 causes the production of an endorphin after
ultraviolet exposure, and this may modulate sensation in the skin in a manner that
influences behaviors, possibly including sun-seeking behaviors.

For Magen BioSciences, the study in Cell provides important proof of concept for the
company’s approach to identify and develop therapeutic treatments for pigmentation
disorders.

"We know that people who tan easily or have dark pigmentation are far less likely to
develop melanoma," said David Fisher, with the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute. " This
study suggests that p53, one of the best-known tumor-suppressor proteins in our body, goes into action when skin cells experience UV exposure, prompting the skin to tan as a defensive mechanism against DNA damage and at the same time creating endorphins that may alter sensation or even behavior.”

“Dr. Fisher’s discovery of this new function for a well-known protein sheds new light on
the mechanism and function of tanning,” said Brian Gallagher, Ph.D., Magen’s president and chief executive officer. “This discovery will help Magen BioSciences identify lead compounds and develop therapeutic treatments for disfiguring dermatological pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo, melasma, solar lentigos and post-inflammation hyperpigmentation.”

About Magen BioSciences
Magen BioSciences is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing
proprietary medical therapies for the dermatology market. Magen was co-founded in
March 2006 by Richard Aldrich, David Fisher, M.D. Ph.D., Phillip Sharp, Ph.D., David
Shaw, Christopher Walsh, Ph.D. and Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D. Investors
include Alexandria Real Estate, ARCH Venture Partners, Highland Capital Partners,
IDG Ventures, Lux Capital, QVT Financial LP, TVM Capital and Venrock Associates.

Contact for this release:
Kathryn Morris, 845-635-9828
Kathryn@kmorrispr.com
www.magenbiosciences.com