AVANIR Pharmaceuticals Invites Investors to the Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference Webcast

Business Wire, April 4, 2005

SAN DIEGO -- AVANIR Pharmaceuticals (AMEX:AVN) will be presenting at the 12th Annual Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference on April 7, 2005 in New York. President and Chief Executive Officer Gerald J. Yakatan, Ph.D. will provide a corporate update 3:50 p.m. Eastern time.

The live webcast of the presentation will be accessible through AVANIR's website at http://:www.avanir.com. It is recommended that viewers log on to the website 10 minutes early to register and download any necessary software. If you are unable to listen to the live webcast, a recorded replay of the presentation will be available within 24 hours of the presentation through May 8, 2005.

AVANIR Pharmaceuticals is a drug discovery and development company focused on treatments for chronic diseases. Our product candidates address therapeutic markets that include central nervous system and cardiovascular disorders, inflammation, and infectious disease. The Company's first commercialized product, Abreva(R), is marketed in North America by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare and is the leading over-the-counter product for the treatment of cold sores. Further information about AVANIR can be found at www.avanir.com.

The information contained in this press release, including any forward-looking statements contained herein, should be reviewed in conjunction with the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other publicly available information regarding the company. Copies of such information are available from the company upon request. Such publicly available information sets forth many risks and uncertainties related to the company's business and technology. Forward-looking statements often contain such words like "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "plan" or "expect". Final review decisions made by the FDA and other regulatory agencies concerning clinical trial results are unpredictable and outside the influence and/or control of the company. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.