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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


AVI BIOPHARMA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

OREGON
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  93-0797222
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

ONE S.W. COLUMBIA, SUITE 1105
PORTLAND, OREGON 97258
(503) 227-0554

(Address, including zip code and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)


AVI BIOPHARMA, INC.
2002 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full Title of the Plan)


DENIS R. BURGER, Ph.D.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AVI BIOPHARMA, INC.
ONE S.W. COLUMBIA, SUITE 1105
PORTLAND, OREGON 97258
(503) 227-0554
(Name, address, including zip code and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)


with copy to:
ROBERT A. STOUT, ESQ.
HURLEY, LYNCH & RE, P.C.
747 SW INDUSTRIAL WAY, BEND, OREGON 97702
(541) 317-5505

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


Title of securities
to be registered

  Amount to
to be registered

  Proposed maximum
offering price
per unit

  Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price

  Amount of
registration fee


Common Stock $.0001 par value   2,500,000   $5.02(1)   $12,550,000(1)   $1,154.60

(1)
The offering price is estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(h). The offering price per unit and the aggregate offering price is based on the average of the high and low per share sales prices reported for the Common Stock by the Nasdaq National Market, which was $5.02 on December 9, 2002.





PART II

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.    INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The following documents are incorporated by reference into this registration statement:


ITEM 4.    DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

        Not applicable.


ITEM 5.    INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

        Not applicable.

2




ITEM 6.    INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

        The Company's Articles of Incorporation provide for indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Oregon Business Corporation Act permits a corporation to limit, under certain circumstances, a director's liability for monetary damages in actions brought by the corporation or its stockholders. As an Oregon corporation, the Company is subject to the OBCA and the exculpation from liability and indemnification provisions contained therein. Pursuant to Section 60.047(2)(d) of the OBCA, Article VI of the Company's Third Restated Articles of Incorporation eliminates the liability of the Company's directors to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages, except for any liability related to breach of the duty of loyalty, actions not in good faith and certain other liabilities.

        Section 60.387, ET SEQ., of the OBCA allows corporations to indemnify their directors and officers where the director or officer has acted in good faith and with a reasonable belief that actions taken were in the best interests of the corporation or at least not adverse to the corporation's best interests and, if in a criminal proceeding, the individual had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct in question was unlawful. Under the OBCA, corporations may not indemnify against liability in connection with a claim by or in the right of the corporation but may indemnify against the reasonable expenses associated with such claims. Corporations may not indemnify against a breach of the duty of loyalty. The OBCA mandates indemnification against all reasonable expenses incurred in the successful defense of any claim made or threatened whether or not such claim was by or in the right of the corporation. Finally, a court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances whether or not the director or officer met the good faith and reasonable belief standards or conduct set out in the statute.

        The OBCA also provides that the statutory indemnification provisions are not deemed exclusive of any other rights to which directors or officers may be entitled under a corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws, any agreement, general or specific action of the board of directors, vote of stockholders or otherwise.

        The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain of its officers.


ITEM 7.    EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED

        Not applicable.


ITEM 8.    EXHIBITS

NUMBER

  EXHIBITS
  5.1   Opinion of Hurley, Lynch & Re, P.C. as to the legality of the securities being registered

23.1

 

Consent of Hurley, Lynch & Re, P.C. (included in legal opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)

24.1

 

Powers of Attorney

99.1

 

AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed with the SEC on April 11, 2002.)


ITEM 9.    UNDERTAKINGS

3



4



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Portland, State of Oregon, on the 13th day of December, 2002.

    AVI BIOPHARMA, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
DENIS R. BURGER, PH.D.      
Denis R. Burger, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature

  Title

/s/  
DENIS R. BURGER PH.D.      
Denis R. Burger, Ph.D.

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/  
ALAN P. TIMMINS      
Alan P. Timmins

 

President, Chief Operating Officer, and Director

/s/  
MARK M. WEBBER      
Mark M. Webber

 

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

*

Patrick L. Iversen, Ph.D.

 

Senior Vice President of Research and Development and Director

*

Dwight D. Weller, Ph.D.

 

Senior Vice President of Chemistry and Manufacturing and Director

*

Andrew J. Ferrara

 

Director

*

Bruce L.A. Carter, Ph.D.

 

Director

*

John W. Fara, Ph.D.

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

5



*

James B. Hicks, Ph.D.

 

Director

*

Joseph Rubinfeld, Ph.D.

 

Director

*By:

 

/s/  
ALAN P. TIMMINS      
Alan P. Timmins, as Attorney-in-fact

 

 

6



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Number

   
  5.1   Opinion of Hurley, Lynch & Re, P.C.

23.1

 

Consent of Hurley, Lynch & Re, P.C. (included in 5.1)

24.1

 

Powers of Attorney

99.1

 

AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Registrants' Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed with the SEC on April 11, 2002.)



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PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

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EXHIBIT 5.1

         Hurley, Lynch & Re, P.C. letterhead

Board of Directors
AVI BioPharma, Inc.
One S.W. Columbia, Suite 1105
Portland, Oregon 97258

Gentlemen:

        In connection with the registration of 2,500,000 shares of common stock, .0001 par value (the "Common Stock"), of AVI BioPharma, Inc., an Oregon corporation (the "Company"), under the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be

        filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2002, and the proposed offer and sale of the Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc., 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2002 Equity Incentive Plan"), we have examined such corporate records, certificates of public officials and officers of the Company and other documents as we have considered necessary or proper for the purpose of this opinion.

        Based on the foregoing and having regard to legal issues which we deem relevant, it is our opinion that the shares of Common Stock to be offered pursuant to the 2002 Equity Incentive Plan, when such shares have been delivered against payment therefor as contemplated by the 2002 Equity Incentive Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

        We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the above-mentioned registration statement.

    Very truly yours,

 

 

/s/  
HURLEY, LYNCH & RE, P.C.    
HURLEY, LYNCH & RE, P.C.



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EXHIBIT 24.1

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  DENIS R. BURGER      
DENIS R. BURGER, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  MARK M. WEBBER      
MARK M. WEBBER
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  PATRICK L. IVERSEN      
PATRICK L. IVERSEN
Senior Vice President of Research and Development and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  DWIGHT D. WELLER      
DWIGHT D. WELLER, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President of Chemistry and Manufacturing and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVIi BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  ANDREW J. FERRARA      
ANDREW J. FERRARA
Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVIi BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  BRUCE L.A. CARTER      
BRUCE L.A. CARTER
Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  JOHN W. FARA      
JOHN W. FARA
Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  JAMES B. HICKS      
JAMES B. HICKS
Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        The person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Alan P. Timmins as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the registration and sale of up to 2,500,000 shares of AVI BioPharma, Inc.'s common stock ("Common Stock") acquirable pursuant to the terms of the AVI BioPharma, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan ("2002 S-8") and amendments to such 2002 Form S-8, as required to comply with the registration requirements of such shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or as deemed necessary by such attorney-in-fact (including to add additional shares), granting unto such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        This power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect and may be relied upon by such attorney-in-fact unless the undersigned files a revocation thereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        DATED effective December 5, 2002.

    /s/  JOSEPH RUBINFELD      
JOSEPH RUBINFELD, Ph.D.
Director



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