Sunesis to Host Conference Call on May 15th to Discuss First Quarter Financial Results and Recent Highlights

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNSS) today announced that it will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss corporate updates and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

The call can be accessed by dialing [phone] (U.S. and Canada) or [phone] (international), and entering passcode 91964294.

To access the live audio webcast, or the subsequent archived recording, visit the "Investors and Media - Calendar of Events" section of the Sunesis website at www.sunesis.com. The webcast will be recorded and available for replay on the company's website for two weeks.

About Sunesis Pharmaceuticals

Sunesis is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of new oncology therapeutics for the treatment of solid and hematologic cancers. Sunesis has built a highly experienced cancer drug development organization committed to advancing its lead product candidate, vosaroxin, in multiple indications to improve the lives of people with cancer. For additional information on Sunesis, please visit http://www.sunesis.com.

SUNESIS and the logo are trademarks of Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=8773

CONTACT: Investor and Media Inquiries:
         David Pitts
         Argot Partners
         212-600-1902
         
         Eric Bjerkholt
         Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
         650-266-3717