Research Update

    YM BIOSCIENCES ANNOUNCES PRESENTATIONS FOR TWO OF ITS ANTI-CANCER DRUGS AT
AACR ANNUAL MEETING

    MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 11 /CNW/ - YM BioSciences Inc. (AMEX: YMI, TSX:
YM, AIM: YMBA), an oncology company that identifies, develops and
commercializes differentiated products for patients worldwide, today announced
that posters describing research conducted on two of its anti-cancer drugs,
nimotuzumab and tesmilifene, will be presented at the American Association for
Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting held from April 12-16, 2008 in San
Diego, California.
    The first poster, entitled "Pharmacokinetic study of the humanized
anti-EGF receptor monoclonal antibody nimotuzumab in infant and adult
patients" is scheduled to be presented on Sunday, April 13, 2008, 8:00 am to
12:00 pm. (Abstract No.211, Poster Section: 8, Post Board Number: 6, Exhibit
Hall B-F, Session: Phase 1 Clinical Trials and Clinical Pharmacology 1/Novel
Trial Designs).
    The research concluded that there is no interaction between nimotuzumab
and gemcitabine. YM's licensee in Europe is currently conducting a Phase II
/III randomized trial in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer comparing
gemcitabine alone to gemcitabine plus nimotuzumab."
    The second poster, entitled "Clustering of anthracycline-containing
lysosomes in drug-resistant MCF-7 cells in response to tesmilifene" is
scheduled to be presented on Monday April 14, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
(Abstract No. 3223, Poster Section: 28, Post Board Number: 26, Exhibit Hall
B-F, Session: Drug Resistance 3: Cell Death).
    The research concluded that tesmilifene-induced clinical potentiation of
drug cytotoxicity in doxorubicin-resistant (MCF-7(DOX-2)) cells was
independent of P-glycoprotein status and associated with clustering of
lysosomes around the nucleus. This is a hallmark feature of necrosis,
suggesting that tesmilifene may induce necrotic death in drug-resistant tumour
cells. Genomic studies have shown that two tesmilifene-dependent genes in
MCF-7(DOX-2) cells were found to be related to lysosome function.
    "This is an important finding suggesting that tesmilifene can target
cells that are normally resistant to chemotherapy and may have clinical
utility in treating patients with refractory/chemotherapy resistant tumors,"
said David Allan, Chairman and CEO of YM BioSciences. "YM previously announced
termination of clinical development of tesmilifene, however, academic work
focused on determining the mechanism of action of this unique molecule
continues in order to support potential partnering opportunities."

    About YM BioSciences

    YM BioSciences Inc. is an oncology company that identifies, develops and
commercializes differentiated products for patients worldwide. The Company has
two late-stage products: nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that
targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is approved in several
countries for treatment of various types of head and neck cancer; and
AeroLEF(TM), a proprietary, inhaled-delivery composition of free and
liposome-encapsulated fentanyl in development for the treatment of moderate to
severe pain, including cancer pain.

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect
the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause
actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any
future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to,
changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical
studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive
products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the
regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time to time in the
Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting. Certain of the assumptions
made in preparing forward-looking statements include but are not limited to
the following: that nimotuzumab will continue to demonstrate a competitive
safety profile in ongoing and future clinical trials; that AeroLEF- will
continue to generate positive efficacy and safety data in future clinical
trials; and that YM and its various partners will complete their respective
clinical trials within the timelines communicated in this release. We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.

For further information: Enquiries: Thomas Fechtner, the Trout Group LLC,
Tel. [phone], Email: tfechtner(at)troutgroup.com; James Smith, the
Equicom Group Inc., Tel. [phone] x 229, Email:
jsmith(at)equicomgroup.com; Nominated Adviser, Canaccord Adams Limited, Ryan
Gaffney, Tel. [phone]
(YM. YMI YMBA)



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