UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report  (Date of Earliest Event Reported):  December 3, 2007

AVI BioPharma, Inc.

(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)

 

One S.W. Columbia, Suite 1105

Portland, OR 97258

(Address of principal executive offices)

(503) 227-0554

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

Item 8.01          Other Events.

 

                On December 3, 2007, AVI BioPharma, Inc. issued a press release announcing that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Fast Track status to its product candidate, AVI-4658, for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).  The text of the press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01          Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)       Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit 99.1                                    Press Release dated December 3, 2007 announcing Fast Track Status for AVI-4658

 

2

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Portland, State of Oregon, on December 5, 2007.

	AVI BioPharma, Inc.
	By:	/s/  ALAN P. TIMMINS
		Alan P. Timmins
		President and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Operating Officer)

 

3

 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit		Description
99.1		Press Release dated December 3, 2007 announcing Fast Track Status for AVI-4658

 

4

---