New Animal Study Featured in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Supports Rexahn's Archexin(TM) as Potent Inhibitor of Human Cancer Cell Growth

AKT Pathway is an Important Therapeutic Target for Cancer Drug Discovery

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex: RNN), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company commercializing potential best in class oncology and central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics, today announced the results of an animal study that further demonstrates the company's Phase II oncology drug, Archexin(TM), as having the potential to target and treat multiple life-threatening cancers.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Texas Christian University and Rexahn discovered that AKT1 antisense oligonucleotide (AKT1 AO), the primary compound in Rexahn's Archexin, significantly reduced the expression of AKT1 and inhibited the growth of human cancer cells at the cellular level and in in-vivo models. AKT1 is known to promote cell survival and is therefore implicated in tumor growth in a wide range of cancers.

The study to be published in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry on November 1, 2009 (Volume 108, pages 832-838 in Issue 4), also found that the combined treatment of AKT1 AO with cytotoxic drugs showed even greater anti-tumor activity in human renal carcinoma cell line. The findings of the study suggest that AKT1 AO, alone or in combination with other clinically approved anticancer agents, should be further explored and progressed into clinical studies as a potential novel therapeutic agent.

"Archexin is a first-in-class, potent AKT protein kinase inhibitor with the potential to inhibit cancer cell survival and proliferation, angiogenesis and drug resistance," said Dr. Deog Joong Kim, a key author of the publication and R&D Director of Rexahn. "In March 2009, we initiated Archexin's Phase II Pancreatic Cancer clinical trial and we expect to receive the preliminary data in humans in 2010."

About Pancreatic Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be 37,680 new cases of pancreatic cancer in the U.S. this year. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death overall and its five-year survival rate is 4%, according to the American Cancer Society. Fewer than 10% of patients' tumors are confined to the pancreas at the time of diagnosis; in most cases, the malignancy has already progressed to the point where surgical removal is impossible. High unmet needs still exist, while current treatment approaches include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

About Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to commercializing first in class and market leading therapeutics for cancer, CNS disorders, sexual dysfunction and other unmet medical needs. For more information please visit www.rexahn.com

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Rexahn's actual results may differ materially from anticipated results, and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements, as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including Rexahn's lack of profitability, and the need for additional capital to operate its business to develop its product candidates; the risk that Rexahn's development efforts relating to its product candidates may not be successful; the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of Rexahn's product candidates; the risk that the results of clinical trials may not be completed on time or support Rexahn's claims; demand for and market acceptance of Rexahn's drug candidates; Rexahn's reliance on third party researchers and manufacturers to develop its product candidates; Rexahn's ability to develop and obtain protection of its intellectual property; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Rexahn assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    Source: Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Released October 22, 2009