Manhattan Pharmaceuticals Names Mary C. Spellman, M.D. as Head of Dermatology and Drug Development Alan Harris Departs to Pursue Other Business Opportunities NEW YORK, NY DEC 27, 2007 - Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (A

Pharmaceuticals Names Mary C. Spellman,

as Head of Dermatology and Drug Development

Harris Departs to Pursue Other Business Opportunities

YORK, NY DEC 27, 2007

Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: MHA) today announced the appointment

Mary C. Spellman, M.D. as its consultant Head of Dermatology and Drug

Development. Dr. Spellman will oversee all aspects of clinical operations

related to the development of Manhattan Pharmaceuticals' product

delighted to have Dr. Spellman join our team at this pivotal time in the

organization," stated Douglas Abel, president and chief executive officer. "We

are particularly delighted by her comprehensive expertise in clinical

dermatology and immunology research and regulatory affairs, as well as her

first-hand dermatology practice experience. As we advance our dermatology

immunology focused pipeline, this highly relevant expertise adds significant

value to the organization and makes her well-suited to provide clinical insight

and strategic direction as part of our senior management team."

joining Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Spellman served as Chief Medical Officer

and Senior Vice President, Development for Revance Therapeutics, Inc. where

was responsible for clinical and nonclinical research and development for

topical, aesthetic and medical, dermatologic therapeutics. Prior to Revance,

was Senior Director, Medical Research, Immunology at Biogen Idec, Inc. where

led all phases of global immunology clinical trials in indications including

psoriasis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and Crohn's disease among others. Dr.

Spellman also held clinical dermatology positions at Connetics Corporation

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and was a practicing medical dermatologist

for over seven years. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College

Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University of Chicago.

Dr. Spellman is joining the company as an independent contractor and will

continue to have other clients at this time.

Spellman replaces Alan G. Harris, M.D., Ph.D. who is leaving the company

pursue other business opportunities in the endocrinology field.

Harris has made a number of key contributions to Manhattan Pharmaceuticals

including providing valuable assistance in growing and advancing our product

pipeline. We thank him for his efforts and wish him great success in his

endeavors," added Douglas Abel.

Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that acquires and develops

novel, high-value drug candidates primarily for the treatment of dermatologic

and immune disorders. With a pipeline consisting of four clinical stage product

candidates, Manhattan Pharmaceuticals is developing potential therapeutics

large, underserved patient populations seeking superior treatments for

conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), head lice, and

http://www.manhattanpharma.com)

Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve

and uncertainties that could cause Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s actual

results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations

expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are often,

not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipates,"

"expects," "plans," "believes," "intends," "will," and similar words or phrases.

These statements are based on Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s current

expectations, forecasts and assumptions, which are subject to risks and

uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ

materially from these statements. Among other things, there can be no assurances

that Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will be able to effect a reverse stock

split or otherwise meet the conditions of the Company's plan to regain

compliance with AMEX's continued listing standards in a timely manner, or at

all. Additional risks are described in the company's filings with the Securities

and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the

ended December 31, 2006. Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. assumes no obligation

to update these statements, whether as a result of new information, future

events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Pharmaceuticals, Inc.