Item 8.01. Other Events

On March 12, 2009, MediciNova, Inc. ("MediciNova") issued a press release (the "Press Release") containing a letter from Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of MedicNova, to the Board of Directors of Avigen, Inc. ("Avigen"), whereby Dr. Iwaki requested that Avigen's board of directors (1) direct its management team to abide by previously established due diligence protocols and (2) not terminate its auction process prior to a face-to-face meeting between the management teams of MediciNova and Avigen to discuss MediciNova's proposal regarding a proposed merger between the two companies. Attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto is a copy of the Press Release.

The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 furnished herewith, is being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for any purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such Section. The information in this current report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits.

99.1 Press Release dated March 12, 2009.

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