Feasibility of Ganetespib Combination Therapy Demonstrated in Three Investigator-Sponsored Trials

STA-12-8666 Results in Pediatric Sarcoma Models Highlighted in Poster Discussion Session

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2015-- Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NASDAQ: SNTA) today announced that Phase 1 clinical results from three investigator-sponsored trials evaluating ganetespib combination therapy in ALK-positive lung cancer, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, and rectal cancer will be presented at the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting taking place May 29-June 2 in Chicago. Ganetespib, a next-generation inhibitor of the chaperone protein Hsp90 critical for the activation of numerous proteins that control malignant tumor growth, is currently in Phase 3 evaluation in non-small cell lung cancer.

The Company also announced that preclinical results for its lead HDC candidate, STA-12-8666, in pediatric sarcoma will be presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting. STA-12-8666 is a conjugate of an Hsp90 inhibitor and SN-38, the active metabolite of the widely used drug irinotecan.

Details of the poster presentations are provided below:

Part I of GANNET53: A multicenter phase I/II trial of the Hsp90 inhibitor ganetespib combined with weekly paclitaxel in women with high-grade serous, high-grade endometrioid, or undifferentiated, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.

Abstract #: 5578
Date and Time: Saturday, May 30, 1:15-4:45 PM CT
Location: S Hall A2
Presenter: Isabelle Ray-Coquard, M.D., Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France

Activity of Hsp90 inhibitor drug conjugate (HDC) STA-12-8666 in preclinical models of pediatric sarcoma.

Abstract #: 10025
Date and Time: Sunday, May 31, 8:00-11:30 AM CT (Poster); 11:30AM-12:45PM CT (Discussion)
Location: S Hall A2 (Poster); S504 (Discussion)
Presenter: Christine Heske, M.D., Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD

Phase I study of ganetespib, capecitabine, and radiation in rectal cancer.

Abstract #: 3596
Date and Time: Monday, June 1, 8:00-11:30 AM CT
Location: S Hall A2
Presenter: Bassel F. El-Rayes, M.D., Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA

A phase 1 study of crizotinib and ganetespib (STA-9090) in ALK positive lung cancers.

Abstract #: 8064
Date and Time: Monday, June 1, 8:00-11:30 AM CT
Location: S Hall A2
Presenter: Gregory J. Riely, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

About Synta Pharmaceuticals

Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. is an innovative, agile biopharmaceutical company focused on research, development and commercialization of novel oncology medicines that have the potential to change the lives of cancer patients. Synta’s lead oncology drug candidate, ganetespib, a novel heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor, is currently being evaluated in several clinical trials including the pivotal GALAXY-2 Phase 3 trial in non-small cell lung cancer. Building on its extensive expertise in the science of Hsp90, Synta also has a novel proprietary Hsp90 inhibitor Drug Conjugate (HDC) small molecule drug development program. IND enabling studies have commenced for the first clinical candidate from the HDC program, STA-12-8666, and preclinical evaluation of additional HDC candidates is ongoing. For more information, please visit www.syntapharma.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This media release may contain forward-looking statements about Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "would", "should", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "may", "estimates", "predicts", "projects", or similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect Synta’s current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including those described in "Risk Factors" of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Synta undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Source: Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp.

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