Avigen, Inc. CEO To Present At Two Upcoming Conferences In New York

ALAMEDA, Calif., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avigen, Inc. today announced that Ken Chahine, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer will present at the following two conferences:

* CIBC World Markets 16th Annual Healthcare Conference at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8 at 10:00 a.m. ET * Rodman & Renshaw Techvest 7th Annual Healthcare Conference at the New York Palace Hotel on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 8:20 a.m. ET

Each presentation will be broadcast live via the internet and can be accessed on the Avigen website (on the Home Page) at www.avigen.com. Each presentation will also be archived on the website for two weeks.

About Avigen

Avigen is a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on unique small molecule therapeutics and biologics to treat serious neurological disorders, including neuropathic pain. Guided by a strong management team and supported by sound financials, Avigen's strategy is to build a robust product pipeline through a combination of internal research, acquisitions, and in-licensing with the goal of becoming a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company committed to its small molecule and biologics neurology product development. The company currently has in development two preclinical candidates for neuropathic pain, AV411 and AV333. The lead candidate in development, AV411 is a glial cell modulator with anti-inflammatory properties. An oral drug, it is approved outside of the U.S. for non-pain related illness. AV333 also acts upon neuropathic pain through glial cell attenuation. The compound's active ingredient is the potent anti-inflammatory protein, IL-10, delivered by intrathecal injection. Additionally, in development is AV513 for the treatment of hemophilia A and B. For more information about Avigen, consult the company website at http://www.avigen.com .

Investors Please Note

This news release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding Avigen's intention to build a product pipeline through internal development, acquisitions and in-licensing; to become a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company, and develop an orally delivered compound for the treatment of hemophilia. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are inherent in the items mentioned above as well as the development of Avigen's internal drug development programs. Actual results may also differ from those projected in forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with the conduct of clinical trials and in Avigen's operations and business strategy. These risks and uncertainties are detailed in reports filed by Avigen with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Avigen's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements contained in this new release are made as of this date and will not be updated.

Avigen, Inc.

CONTACT: Thomas J. Paulson, VP & Chief Financial Officer of Avigen, Inc.,+1-510-748-7159, or tpaulson@avigen.com

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