AVI BioPharma Scientists to Present Novel Antisense Approach For Prostate Cancer and Emerging Infectious Diseases at Conferences Worldwide

PORTLAND, Ore. - March 4, 2002 - AVI BioPharma Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ) today announced that company scientists will present research data at two academic conferences regarding the use of its NeuGene® antisense technology platform to address prostate cancer and infectious diseases. On Tuesday, March 5, Gayathri Devi, Ph.D., principal scientist of AVI BioPharma's Cancer Program, will speak at the Strategic Research Institute's Oligonucleotides in Drug Discovery & Development conference on the topic of prostate cancer. On Thursday, March 7, Patrick L. Iversen, Ph.D., senior vice president of Research & Development for AVI BioPharma, will discuss antisense therapies for emerging infectious diseases at SMi's third annual conference on Superbugs and Superdrugs -- Innovations in Anti-Infectives in London.

NeuGene Antisense Technology for Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer death in American males. AVI's research on prostate cancer, which has been partially funded through a grant from the Department of Defense, has shown that NeuGene antisense technology has had an effect on halting cell growth of refractory cancer cells in prostate cancer. Dr. Devi's presentation will expand on this data and show that novel agents that modulate apoptosis and androgen-dependent status are of major therapeutic value.

NeuGene Antisense Technology for Treatment of Infectious Diseases
AVI's NeuGene antisense chemistry is considered to be particularly well-suited for viral applications due to its neutral ionic charge and high degree of specificity compared with earlier generations of antisense, including phosphorothioate chemistry. Antisense agents have been used to interfere with the gene expression of other human viral pathogens, including hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

"AVI is aggressively pursuing therapies for a variety of cancers and infectious diseases," said Denis R. Burger, Ph.D., AVI's chief executive officer. "We view these conferences as important opportunities for our scientists to not only share information and ideas, but also get feedback from our peers on how best to tackle some of these major healthcare issues."

SPEAKING TIMES FOR DR. DEVI AND DR. IVERSEN
Strategic Research Institute's Oligonucleotides in Drug Discovery & Development Conference
Where: Ocean Place Beachfront Conference Center & Resort, Long Branch, N.J.
When: March 4-5, 2002
Speaker: Dr. Gayathri Devi, principal scientist, Cancer Program, AVI BioPharma
Speech date: March 5
Speech time: 1:45 p.m.

SMi's Third Annual Conference on Superbugs and Superdrugs -- Innovations in Anti-Infectives
Where: The Hatton, 51-53 Hatton Garden, London
When: March 6-7, 2002
Speaker: Dr. Patrick L. Iversen, senior vice president, Research & Development, AVI BioPharma
Speech date: March 7
Speech time: 9:40 a.m.

AVI BIOPHARMA AT OTHER UPCOMING SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES
March 17-21 SOT in Nashville, Tenn.
April 6-10 AACR in San Francisco
April 20-24 FASEB in New Orleans
May 18-21 ASCO in Orlando, Fla.
May 19-23 ASM in Salt Lake City
July 7-12 IUPHAR in San Francisco

About AVI BioPharma

AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using two technology platforms: NeuGene antisense drugs and cancer immunotherapy. Its lead cancer agent, AVICINE®, a therapeutic cancer vaccine, has completed three Phase II trials in colorectal and pancreatic cancer and is in a Phase III pivotal trial in colorectal cancer. The first application of its NeuGene compounds, Resten-NG, is designed to treat cancer, cardiovascular restenosis and other cell proliferation disorders by inhibiting the production of a cellular transcription factor, the oncogene c-myc. It is currently in Phase II trials for restenosis and in Phase I/II trials for cancer and polycystic kidney disease. More information about AVI is available on the Company's Web site at www.avibio.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the results of research and development efforts, the results of pre-clinical and clinical testing, the effect of regulation by the FDA and other agencies, the impact of competitive products, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and other risks detailed in the Company's Security and Exchange Commission filings.