AVI BioPharma Presents at 10th Anniversary Of BioPartnering Europe
PORTLAND, Ore. - Oct. 14, 2002 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ), today announced that company executives will be presenting at the 10th annual BioPartnering Europe conference in London, Oct. 13-15, 2002.
AVI's CEO Denis R. Burger, Ph.D., and Alan P. Timmins, president and COO, will attend the invitation-only event and provide a comprehensive update on AVI's science and clinical development program at the third Open House Presentation session on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
"Last year's conference was immensely valuable in terms of raising AVI's visibility internationally and attracting potential partners," said Dr. Burger. "I have no doubt that this year will be an equally important opportunity to meet with pharmaceutical companies and showcase the great work AVI has done."
BPE is the premier European venue for showcasing innovative biopharmaceutical and diagnostic technologies to larger pharmaceutical companies. The BPE conference is organized by Silicon Valley-based Technology Vision Group LLC as a way to help build collaborative relationships between biotech companies and potential pharmaceutical partners. So far 100 companies have confirmed that they will present at the event, and attendance may exceed last year's 1,100 people. Attendees primarily include representatives from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as well as the international financial community.
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 initiating a Phase III pivotal trial in pancreatic cancer, with a supporting study 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 a Phase I/II trial for cancer. AVI has recently completed a Phase I NeuGene antisense study that successfully down-regulated the liver enzyme cytochrome P450 and modified drug metabolism, and also recently completed a Phase I/II trial in polycystic kidney disease. More information about AVI is available on the Company's Web site at http://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 preclinical 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 Securities and Exchange Commission filings.