<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.A
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>a2053117zex-99_a.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99A
<TEXT>

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT A


         The undersigned hereby agree to file a joint Schedule 13D with respect
to the interests of the undersigned in AVI Biopharma, Inc., and that the
Schedule 13D to which this Exhibit A is attached has been filed on behalf of
each of the undersigned.

Dated:  June 28, 2001

                                 MEDTRONIC, INC.


                                 By:      /s/ DAVID J. SCOTT
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      David J. Scott
                                      Senior Vice President and General Counsel

                                 MEDTRONIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.


                                 By:      /s/ DAVID J. SCOTT
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      David J. Scott
                                      Vice President and Secretary


                                       10
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>