EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report of Avanir Pharmaceuticals (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006 (the “Report”), I, Eric K. Brandt, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

     (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: August 9, 2006	/s/ Eric K. Brandt
	Eric K. Brandt
	President and Chief Executive Officer [principal executive officer]