-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, J4vRRg5oPS8+GA8RuEsvKy31FLJmbDm5Gf08GhQG2uRCcORZbA8nz/oa5UUSh9qQ P+PsKlB9X0wIBQwEsDDEWg== 0000898432-08-001076.txt : 20081023 0000898432-08-001076.hdr.sgml : 20081023 20081023161003 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000898432-08-001076 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 20081023 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20081023 GROUP MEMBERS: BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: BVF INC. GROUP MEMBERS: BVF INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. GROUP MEMBERS: BVF PARTNERS L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: INVESTMENT 10, L.L.C. SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AVIGEN INC \DE CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000932903 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: IN VITRO & IN VIVO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES [2835] IRS NUMBER: 133647119 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-48313 FILM NUMBER: 081137460 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1301 HARBOR BAY PARKWAY STREET 2: . CITY: ALAMEDA STATE: CA ZIP: 94502 BUSINESS PHONE: 5107487150 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1301 HARBOR BAY PARKWAY CITY: ALAMEDA STATE: CA ZIP: 94502 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND L P CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000918923 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INVESTMENT ADVICE [6282] IRS NUMBER: 363924731 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100 CITY: CHICAGO STATE: IL ZIP: 60611 BUSINESS PHONE: 3125066500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100 CITY: CHICAGO STATE: IL ZIP: 60611 SC 13D 1 avigen_sc13d.htm

OMB APPROVAL

OMB Number:  3235-0145
Expires:  February 28, 2009
Estimated average burden hours per response...14.5

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

SCHEDULE 13D

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Avigen, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)
 

Common Stock

(Title of Class of Securities)
 

053690103

(CUSIP Number)

Elizabeth Delaney
BVF Partners L.P.
900 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1100
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 506-6500
 

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

October 21, 2008
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box |X|
 
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).


1.

Names of Reporting Persons.

Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P.

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)
(a)     
x

(b)     [ ]

3.

SEC Use Only

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions) WC

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

[ ]

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power

0

8.

Shared Voting Power

1,837,440

9.

Sole Dispositive Power

0

10.

Shared Dispositive Power

1,837,440

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,837,440

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)[ ]

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 6.17%

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions): PN




1.

Names of Reporting Persons.

Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P.

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)
(a)     
x

(b)     [ ]

3.

SEC Use Only

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions) WC

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

[ ]

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power

0

8.

Shared Voting Power

1,268,911

9.

Sole Dispositive Power

0

10.

Shared Dispositive Power

1,268,911

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person: 1,268,911

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)[ ]

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 4.26%

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions): PN




1.

Names of Reporting Persons.

BVF Investments, L.L.C.

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)
(a)     
x

(b)      [ ]

3.

SEC Use Only

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions) WC

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

[ ]

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power

0

8.

Shared Voting Power

4,622,764

9.

Sole Dispositive Power

0

10.

Shared Dispositive Power

4,622,764

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person: 4,622,764

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)[ ]

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 15.53%

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions): OO




1.

Names of Reporting Persons.

Investment 10, L.L.C.

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)
(a)     
x

(b)      [ ]

3.

SEC Use Only

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions) WC

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

[ ]

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization

Illinois

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With

 

7.

Sole Voting Power

0

8.

Shared Voting Power

472,585

9.

Sole Dispositive Power

0

10.

Shared Dispositive Power

472,585

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person: 472,585

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)[ ]

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 1.59%

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions): OO




1.

Names of Reporting Persons.

BVF Partners L.P.

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)
(a)     
x

(b)      [ ]

3.

SEC Use Only

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions) OO

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

[ ]

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware

Number of Shares Beneficially by Owned by Each Reporting Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power

0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power

8,201,700

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power

0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power

8,201,700

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person: 8,201,700

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)[ ]

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 27.55%

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions): PN, HC




1.

Names of Reporting Persons.

BVF Inc.

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)
(a)     
x

(b)      [ ]

3.

SEC Use Only

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions) OO

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

[ ]

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware

Number of Shares Beneficially by Owned by Each Reporting Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power

0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power

8,201,700

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power

0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power

8,201,700

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person: 8,201,700

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)[ ]

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 27.55%

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions): CO, HC




ITEM 1. Security and Issuer

     This Schedule 13D relates to the common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of Avigen, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("AVGN" or the "Issuer"). The principal executive office of AVGN is located at 1301 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, California 94502.

ITEM 2. Identity and Background

The persons filing this Statement, the persons enumerated in Instruction C of this Statement and, where applicable, their respective places of organization, principal office, general partners, managers, directors, executive officers, controlling persons and certain information regarding each of them, are as follows:
        
(a)  Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("BVF"), Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("BVF2"), BVF Investments, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company ("BVLLC"), Investment 10, L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company ("ILL10"), BVF Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Partners") and BVF Inc., a Delaware corporation ("BVF Inc.") specialize in holding biotechnology stocks for investment purposes. Together, BVF, BVF2, BVLLC, ILL10, Partners and BVF Inc. are the "Reporting Persons." Mark N. Lampert, an individual, ("Lampert"), is the sole shareholder, sole director and an officer of BVF Inc.
        
(b)  The business address of BVF, BVF2, BVLLC, ILL10 and Partners is 900 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, Illinois 60611. The business address of BVF Inc. and Lampert is One Sansome Street, 31st Floor, San Francisco, California 94104.
        
(c)  Partners is the general partner of BVF and BVF2, which are investment funds. Partners also is the manager of BVLLC, which is also an investment fund. ILL10 is a managed account, which Partners advises pursuant to an investment management agreement. BVF Inc. is an investment adviser to and general partner of Partners. For Lampert's occupation, please refer to (a) above.
        
(d)  During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons or Lampert has been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and similar misdemeanors).
        
(e)  During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons or Lampert has been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction nor, as a result of such proceeding, was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
        
(f)    Lampert is a citizen of the United States of America. For the citizenship of each of BVF, BVF2, BVLLC, ILL10, Partners, and BVF Inc., please refer to (a) above.

ITEM 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration

     Partners, in its capacity as (i) general partner of BVF, has purchased on behalf of such limited partnership an aggregate number of 1,837,440 shares of the Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of $1,115,248, (ii) general partner of BVF2, has purchased on behalf of such limited partnership an aggregate number of 1,268,911 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of $774,190, (iii) manager of BVLLC, has purchased on behalf of such limited liability company an aggregate number of 4,622,764 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of $3,157,198, and (iv) investment adviser to ILL10, purchased on behalf of such limited liability company an aggregate of 472,585 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate consideration of $293,733. Each of BVF, BVF2, BVLLC and ILL10 purchased the shares held by it using its own working capital. No borrowed funds were used to purchase the Common Stock other than any borrowed funds used for working capital purposes in the ordinary course of business.

ITEM 4. Purpose of Transaction

     The Reporting Persons are engaged in the investment business. In pursuing this business, the Reporting Persons analyze the operations, capital structure and markets of companies, including the Issuer, on a continuous basis through analysis of documentation and discussions with knowledgeable industry and market observers and with representatives of such companies (often at the invitation of management). From time to time, one or more of the Reporting Persons may hold discussions with third parties or with management of such companies in which the Reporting Persons may suggest or take a position with respect to potential changes in the operations, management or capital structure of such companies as a means of enhancing shareholder value. Such suggestions or positions may relate to one or more of the transactions specified in clauses (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D of the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, such matters as disposing of or selling all or a portion of the company or acquiring another company or business, changing operating or marketing strategies, adopting or not adopting certain types of anti-takeover measures and restructuring the Issuer's capitalization or dividend policy.
 

Except as set forth above, the Reporting Persons do not have any present plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the actions required to be described in Item 4 of Schedule 13D. Each of the Reporting Persons may, at any time, review or reconsider its position with respect to the Issuer and formulate plans or proposals with respect to any of such matters, but has no present intention of doing so.

ITEM 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer  

 

The Reporting Persons’ percentage ownership of Common Stock is based on 29,769,115 shares being outstanding.


(a)            As of October 23, 2008, BVF beneficially owns 1,837,440 shares of Common Stock, BVF2 beneficially owns 1,268,911 shares of Common Stock, BVLLC beneficially owns 4,622,764 shares of Common Stock, ILL10 beneficially owns 472,585 shares of Common Stock and each of Partners and BVF Inc. may be deemed to beneficially own 8,201,700 shares of Common Stock, representing percentage ownership of approximately 6.17%, 4.26%, 15.53%, 1.59% and 27.55%, respectively.

 

(b)           Each of BVF, BVF2, BVLLC and ILL10 shares with Partners voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock each such entity beneficially owns. Partners and BVF Inc. share voting and dispositive power over the 8,201,700 shares of Common Stock they may be deemed beneficially to own with BVF, BVF2 and BVLLC, and ILL10. 


(c)           Trades of Common Stock within the last 60 days have been made by the following Reporting Persons:

     

BVF

ILL10

BVF2

BVLLC

 

Date of Transaction

Type of Securities

Price Per Share

         Exchange

Type of Transaction

08/28/08

Common Stock

3.9569

(75,600)

(22,000)

(52,000)

(178,000)

NASDAQ

SALE

08/29/08

Common Stock

4.2484

(12,200)

(4,000)

(9,000)

(30,000)

NASDAQ

SALE

09/04/08

Common Stock

4.3576

(23,000)

(7,000)

(16,000)

(54,000)

NASDAQ

SALE

09/04/08

Common Stock

4.5195

(23,000)

(7,000)

(16,000)

(54,000)

NASDAQ

SALE

09/05/08

Common Stock

4.5968

(3,600)

(1,000)

(3,000)

(10,000)

NASDAQ

SALE

09/08/08

Common Stock

4.6000

(8,400)

(2,000)

(5,000)

(19,000)

NASDAQ

SALE

09/19/08

Common Stock

4.4000

(1,600)

(1,000)

(3,000)

NASDAQ

SALE

09/22/08

Common Stock

4.2500

(900)

NASDAQ

SALE

10/21/08

Common Stock

0.5853

1,583,000

406,000

1,092,000

3,919,000

NASDAQ

PURCHASE

10/21/08

Common Stock

0.5500

226,000

58,000

156,000

560,000

NASDAQ

PURCHASE

10/21/08

Common Stock

0.5500

24,000

6,000

17,000

59,000

NASDAQ

PURCHASE



ITEM 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer
 

     Partners is the general partner of each of BVF and BVF2 pursuant to limited partnership agreements which authorize Partners, among other things, to invest the funds of BVF and BVF2 in the shares of Common Stock and other securities and to vote, exercise or convert and dispose of such securities. Pursuant to such limited partnership agreements, Partners is entitled to receive fees based on assets under management and allocations based on realized and unrealized gains on such assets. Pursuant to the operating agreement of BVLLC, Partners is authorized, among other things, to invest the funds of Ziff Asset Management, L.P., the majority member of BVLLC, in the shares of Common Stock and other securities and to vote, exercise or convert and dispose of such securities and is entitled to receive fees based on assets under management and allocations based on realized and unrealized gains on such assets. Pursuant to an investment management agreement with ILL10, Partners and BVF Inc. have authority, among other things, to invest funds of ILL10 in the shares of Common Stock and other securities and to vote, exercise or convert and dispose of such securities. Pursuant to such investment management agreement, Partners and BVF Inc. receive fees based on realized and unrealized gains thereon. BVF Inc. is the general partner of Partners and may be deemed to own beneficially securities over which Partners exercises voting and dispositive power.

ITEM 7. Material to be filed as Exhibits

A Joint Filing Agreement on behalf of the Reporting Persons is filed herewith as Exhibit A.

Signature
 

     After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this Statement is true, complete and correct.

 

 

Dated:  October 23, 2008

BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUNDL.P.*

 

By:

 

BVF Partners L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President



 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II, L.P.*

 

By:

 

BVF Partners L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

BVF INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.*

 

By:

 

BVF Partners L.P., its manager

 

 

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

INVESTMENT 10, L.L.C.*

 

By:

 

BVF Partners L.P., its investment manager

 

 

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

BVF PARTNERS L.P. *

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

President


 

 

BVF INC.*

 

 

By:

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

President

 


*The Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein.


Exhibit A
 
JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
 

The undersigned agree that this Schedule 13D dated October 23, 2008, relating to the Common Stock of AVGN shall be filed on behalf of the undersigned.
 

BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, L.P.

By:

BVF Partners L.P., its general partner

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II, L.P.

 

By:

 

BVF Partners L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

BVF INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.

 

By:

 

BVF Partners L.P., its manager

 

 

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

INVESTMENT 10, L.L.C.

 

By:

 

BVF Partners L.P., its investment manager

 

 

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

BVF PARTNERS L.P.

 

By:

 

BVF Inc., its general partner

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

 

 

 

 

 

President

 

 

BVF INC.

 

By:

/s/ Mark N. Lampert

Mark N. Lampert

President

 



-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----