AVI BioPharma Will Present at Rodman & Renshaw Techvest 2nd Annual Security and Connectivity Investor Conference
PORTLAND, Ore. — June 14, 2005 — AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII), today announced that Alan P. Timmins, president and COO of AVI, will present an update on the company’s biodefense strategy at the Rodman & Renshaw Techvest 2nd Annual Security and Connectivity Investor Conference. The event will be held June 15 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City, and Mr. Timmins is scheduled to present at 4:15 p.m. EDT.
Mr. Timmins will discuss the scientific rationale behind using AVI’s proprietary NeuGene® antisense technology in response to bioterror threats and public health issues. He also will discuss current research supporting AVI’s rapid response therapeutic approach to new and emerging threats including Ebola virus, anthrax and ricin.
“AVI has developed what we believe is a truly revolutionary rapid response treatment model to respond swiftly and effectively to a variety of bioterror threats,” Mr. Timmins said. “We continue to work with government agencies and academic collaborators to further these important advances in treating emerging viruses and toxins.”
AVI is currently testing its NeuGene antisense drugs against several infectious and toxin-producing agents in collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Last week, Mr. Timmins testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness. The panel discussion revolved around Bioshield II legislation and how the government can streamline the process of developing new technologies to effectively respond to public health threats such as bioterrorism.
About AVI BioPharma
AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using third-generation NeuGene antisense drugs. AVI’s lead NeuGene antisense compound is designed to target cell proliferation disorders, including cardiovascular restenosis, cancer and polycystic kidney disease. In addition to targeting specific genes in the body, AVI’s antiviral program uses NeuGene antisense compounds to combat disease by targeting single-stranded RNA viruses, including West Nile virus, hepatitis C virus, dengue virus and Ebola virus. 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 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.