Sunesis to Join Panel Discussion at the RBC Capital Markets' Healthcare Conference

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNSSD) a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of new oncology therapeutics for the treatment of solid and hematologic cancers, today announced that Daniel Swisher, Chief Executive Officer of Sunesis, will be participating in a panel discussion titled "Phase III and Beyond" at the upcoming RBC Capital Markets' Healthcare Conference on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Time at the New York Palace Hotel.

A live webcast of the panel discussion 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.

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

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

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