Sunesis to Present at the 19th Annual Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNSS) today announced that Daniel Swisher, Chief Executive Officer of Sunesis, will be presenting at the 19th Annual Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 11:30 AM Eastern Time at The Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Sunesis website at http://ir.sunesis.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the "Calendar of Events" page in the Investors and Media section of the Sunesis 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.

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