AVI BioPharma Announces Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results Conference Call

For Immediate Release

Bothell, Washington November 2, 2009 — AVI BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVII), a  developer of RNA-based drugs, will hold a conference call to report third quarter 2009 financial results on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time (6:30 a.m. Pacific time).

Individuals interested in listening to the live conference call may do so by dialing 877-591-4956 toll free within the United States and Canada, or 719-325-4775 for international callers.

A replay of the call will be available by dialing 888-203-1112 toll free within the U.S. and Canada or 719-457-0820 for international callers. The passcode for the replay is 4369547. In addition, a recording of the call will be available within approximately 24 hours at www.avibio.com.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward–looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the results of research and development efforts, the results of preclinical and clinical testing, the effect of regulation by the FDA and other agencies, the impact of competitive products, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and other risks detailed in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.