Avigen CEO to Present at BIO InvestorForum 2005

Presentation to be Webcast on October 20

Alameda, CA – October 18, 2005 – Avigen, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVGN) today announced that Ken Chahine, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer will present a company update at the BIO InvestorForum 2005 in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 12:40 p.m. PT. The presentation will be broadcast live via the internet and can be accessed on the Investors section of the Avigen website at www.avigen.com. The presentation will also be archived on the website for two weeks.

The BIO InvestorForum 2005 brings together industry investors with the management of top life sciences growth companies, as well as the companies poised to join the growth “watch list” for 2006.

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 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. Although AV513 is not for the treatment of neurological disorders, it represents a unique asset, which the company has retained in its repositioning. AV513 has the potential to be the first non-gene therapy and non-Factor approach to treating multiple bleeding disorders. For more information about Avigen, consult the company website at www.avigen.com.

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Contact:  Michael Coffee
Chief Business Officer
Avigen, Inc.
1301 Harbor Bay Parkway ,  Alameda , CA 94502
Tel: 510-748-7372
Fax: 510-748-7155
Internet: mcoffee@avigen.com

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