"NOV-002, a Glutathione Disulfide Mimetic, as a Modulator of Cellular Redox Balance"

Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB: NVLT - News), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapeutics to treat cancer and hepatitis, today announced that Novelos’ peer reviewed article, based on the collaboration with Dr. Kenneth Tew and Dr. Danyelle Townsend of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), has been published in Cancer Research 68: (8) April 15, 2008. This article describes findings in cellular and animal model systems that demonstrate the ability of NOV-002 to influence redox balance in and around cells, resulting in a constellation of effects on redox-sensitive cell processes and functions. NOV-002 is the subject of an ongoing pivotal Phase 3 trial for non-small cell lung cancer under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) and Fast Track, and is in Phase 2 trials for other oncology indications.

“We are very pleased to have our first peer reviewed publication in Cancer Research, with the body of evidence supporting cellular redox modulation as the fundamental mechanism of action of NOV-002 continuing to grow,” said Christopher Pazoles, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Development of Novelos. “This article strengthens the connection between NOV-002 and an emerging literature that has established redox status as a key regulator of signal pathway activation, cell proliferation, cytoskeleton changes and other cell functions that may relate to NOV-002’s unique therapeutic profile.”

The article is available at www.novelos.com ‘Our Products’, ‘NOV-002’ section.

About Novelos Therapeutics, Inc.

Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company commercializing oxidized glutathione-based compounds for the treatment of cancer and hepatitis. NOV-002, the lead compound currently in Phase 3 development for lung cancer under a SPA and Fast Track, acts together with chemotherapy as a chemoprotectant and an immunomodulator. NOV-002 is also in Phase 2 development for chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer and early-stage breast cancer. NOV-205 acts as a hepatoprotective agent with immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties. NOV-205 is in Phase 1b development for chronic hepatitis C non-responders. Both compounds have completed clinical trials in humans and have been approved for use in the Russian Federation where they were originally developed. For additional information about Novelos please visit www.novelos.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are valid only as of today, and we disclaim any obligation to update this information. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk. Factors that might cause such a material difference include, among others, uncertainties related to the ability to attract and retain partners for our technologies, the identification of lead compounds, the successful preclinical development thereof, the completion of clinical trials, the FDA review process and other government regulation, our pharmaceutical collaborators’ ability to successfully develop and commercialize drug candidates, competition from other pharmaceutical companies, product pricing and third-party reimbursement.