Marina Biotech, Inc. (Formerly Known as MDRNA, Inc.) Announces Issuance of a U.S. Patent Broadly Covering Its Amphoteric Liposomal siRNA Delivery Technology

BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - August 24, 2010) - Marina Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), a leading RNAi-based drug discovery and development company, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent U.S. 7,780,983 covering processes for preparing amphoteric liposomes or SMARTICLES®. Marina Biotech recently acquired the SMARTICLES® intellectual property portfolio of Novosom AG, further expanding its RNA delivery platform intellectual property estate.

Amphoteric liposomes define a novel class of liposomes, which are charge-reversible particles that provide for the delivery of a nucleic acid payload (e.g., siRNA, microRNA, antisense, decoy, etc.) to the cytoplasm, or interior, of a cell either by local or systemic administration. These novel liposomal vectors are designed to release their nucleic acid payload within the target cell where the nucleic acid can then engage a number of biological pathways including the RNA interference pathway and thereby exert a therapeutic effect.

“We are pleased that our recent acquisitions are already generating value for us on the intellectual property front,” stated J. Michael French, President and CEO at Marina Biotech. “This patent, covering amphoteric liposomal delivery, is a significant addition to our existing RNA delivery intellectual property estate that also includes the DiLA2 delivery platform, the tkRNAi platform (bacterial delivery platform) and our peptide nanoparticle delivery platform. We will continue to expand our IP position by aggressively seeking issued claims and developing additional novel formulations for safe and effective systemic and local delivery of RNA-based therapeutics.”

This patent issuance further secures Marina Biotech’s patent position around amphoteric liposomal delivery technology by providing protection to processes by which amphoteric liposomes are prepared. This new U.S. patent adds to the Company’s existing world-wide IP portfolio, which provides broad patent protection for amphoteric liposome formulations and novel lipid compounds.

About Marina Biotech, Inc.

Marina Biotech (formerly known as MDRNA, Inc.) is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic products based on RNA interference (RNAi). Marina’s pipeline currently includes a clinical program in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (a precancerous syndrome) and two preclinical programs -- in hepatocellular carcinoma and bladder cancer. Marina Biotech’s goal is to improve human health through the development of RNAi-based compounds and drug delivery technologies that together provide superior therapeutic options for patients. Marina Biotech’s global portfolio includes 62 issued or allowed patents; 56 U.S. patent applications; 146 foreign patent applications; and 8 PCT applications providing broad coverage for siRNAs, chemistry, delivery and gene targets. Additional information about Marina Biotech is available at http://www.marinabio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Federal Securities laws that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of Marina Biotech to obtain additional funding; (ii) the ability of Marina Biotech to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, research, development and commercialization partners; (iii) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to successfully complete product research and development, including preclinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to obtain required governmental approvals; and (v) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to develop and commercialize products that can compete favorably with those of competitors. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are contained in Marina Biotech’s most recent periodic reports on Form 10-K (under MDRNA, Inc.) and Form 10-Q that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Marina Biotech assumes no obligation to update and supplement forward-looking statements because of subsequent events.