AVI BioPharma Names Waggener Edstrom Its PR Agency of Record
Portland, Ore., January 31, 2002 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ) has selected Waggener Edstrom Strategic Communications to create and implement a national public relations campaign as the company's agency of record. AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using two technology platforms: cancer immunotherapy and gene-targeted drugs.
AVI did not issue a formal request for proposal for the public relations business, but spoke individually to a few select firms.
"Waggener Edstrom's record of building awareness for companies at all stages of business development, combined with an obvious passion to succeed in the bioscience area, won the account," said Alan P. Timmins, president and chief operating officer of AVI BioPharma. "The Waggener Edstrom team also demonstrated a strong understanding of our business and market realities -- something that's critical for our joint success."
"AVI BioPharma has the late-stage clinical research, innovative technologies and strong management that will serve it well in the long term," said Melissa Waggener, president and CEO of Waggener Edstrom. "We also find the company's openness and positive outlook incredibly refreshing. We can't wait to get started and look forward to delivering great results."
Jenny Moede, vice president, and Colleen Beauregard, account manager, will be responsible for strategic direction and day-to-day management of the account.
About Waggener Edstrom Strategic Communications
Waggener Edstrom is a strategic public relations agency with a focus on clients
that use science and technology to transform the way people work and live.
Waggener Edstrom Bioscience, a division of the company, is focused on building
established science companies into global brands as well as extending brand
awareness for start-up companies with high-potential research platforms.
In addition to AVI BioPharma, current agency clients include Microsoft Corp.,
MasterCard International and Cortex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
About AVI BioPharma
AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using two technology platforms: cancer immunotherapy and gene-targeted drugs. Its lead clinical agent, AVICINE™, a therapeutic cancer vaccine, has completed two Phase II trials in pancreatic cancer and is in a Phase III trial in colorectal cancer. The first application of its NeuGene compounds, Resten-NG, is designed to treat cancer, cardiovascular restenosis and other cell proliferation disorders. More information about AVI is available on the Company's Web site 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 pre-clinical 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 Security and Exchange Commission filings.