DUBLIN, Calif., July 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASTX), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics, today announced that its board member, Peter Fellner, PhD, was presented with the 2012 European Mediscience Award for Most Significant Contribution to the Mediscience Sector.

"We are extremely proud of the deserved recognition of Dr. Fellner, our vice chairman, by the European Mediscience Awards Committee, said James S.J. Manuso, PhD, chairman and chief executive officer of Astex. "Peter has made significant contributions to not only Astex but also many other biotech companies, and is regarded as one of the leading figures in the European Life sciences sector."

The Most Significant Contribution to the Mediscience Sector Award is presented annually to an individual, a company, a government department, or research council which has made the single, biggest, most significant contribution to the sector.

About Peter Fellner, PhD

Dr. Peter Fellner currently serves as vice chairman of Astex. Additionally, he serves as chairman of two medical technology companies, Consort Medical plc and Optos plc. He also serves as chairman of two biotechnology companies, Vernalis plc and Biotie Therapies Corp. Dr. Fellner is also a director of UCB SA and is a member of the Novo A/S Advisory Group. He was previously chairman of Celltech Group from 2003 to 2004, having served as its chief executive officer from 1990 onwards. Prior to Celltech, he was chief executive officer of Roche UK. More recently he has served on the boards of Evotec AG and Acambis plc, where he was chairman from 2006 until its acquisition in 2008. He was also a member of the UK Medical Research Council from 2000 to 2007.

About Astex Pharmaceuticals

Astex Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics with a focus on oncology. The Company is developing a proprietary pipeline of novel therapies and is creating de-risked products for partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies. Astex Pharmaceuticals developed Dacogen® (decitabine) for Injection and receives significant royalties on global sales.

For more information about Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., please visit http://www.astx.com.

The Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12273

CONTACT: Timothy L. Enns
         Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
         Senior Vice President
         Corporate Communications & Marketing
         Tel:  +1 (925) 560-2810
         E-mail:  tim.enns@astx.com
         
         Alan Roemer
         The Trout Group
         Managing Director
         Tel:  +1 (646) 378-2945
         E-mail: aroemer@troutgroup.com
         
         Susanna Chau
         Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
         Manager
         Investor Relations
         Tel:  +1 (925) 560-2845
         E-mail:  susanna.chau@astx.com
         
         Melanie Toyne-Sewell (Europe)
         Rebecca Skye Dietrich (US)
         College Hill
         Tel: +44 20 7866 7866
         Tel: +1 (857) 241-0795
         E-mail: astex@collegehill.com