Avigen to Present at CIBC World Markets Biotechnology and Specialty Pharmaceuticals Conference

Alameda, CA, April 1, 2005 – Avigen, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVGN) a leader in the development of gene-based therapies for serious neurological diseases, announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Chahine, Ph.D., J.D., will present at the CIBC World Markets Biotechnology and Specialty Pharmaceutical Conference.

Avigen will conduct a live audio webcast of Dr. Chahine's presentation, at the Millennium Hotel in New York on Tuesday April 5, 2005 from 10:00am-10:30am (EST).  The webcast will be archived approximately three hours after the live event and will be available for 30 days, through May 6, 2005.  To listen to the web cast, follow the link below:

http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/cibcwm/biotech05/06204336.cfm

About Avigen

Avigen, Inc., based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is committed to developing innovative therapeutics to treat serious disorders, primarily focused on neurological conditions.  Avigen's gene delivery products are designed for direct administration to patients in order to achieve expression of therapeutic proteins within the body.  The company is currently evaluating a novel gene therapeutic in a Phase I/II study for advanced Parkinson's disease. Additionally, Avigen is actively seeking to broaden its portfolio of drug development candidates through an active in-licensing program.  This effort has identified several compounds as in-licensing candidates, some of which are currently in late-stage human clinical trials.

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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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