AVIGEN TO START AV411 TRIAL

Avigen has received approval to begin a Phase IIa exploratory therapeutic clinical trial with AV411 to assess safety, tolerability and preliminary indication of efficacy in neuropathic pain patients.

The Phase IIa trial is a placebo-controlled, double-blinded study primarily in patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. The dose-escalating trial is designed to generate data to support a larger U.S. clinical trial. Avigen currently expects the trial to be initiated in 2007.