-----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,
 UtTKTpKxtI+pnKe8kKiT9VBZ/XNqL+1W/HyqDiqi4Fl4KAPYL/suC12X6MkqRwPr
 eKfNeqWPTyEiUyYmlGvKAw==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001055947-09-000024.txt : 20091120
<SEC-HEADER>0001055947-09-000024.hdr.sgml : 20091120
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20091120171457
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001055947-09-000024
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	4
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20091118
FILED AS OF DATE:		20091120
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20091120

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			LAMPERT MARK N
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001233840

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-28272
		FILM NUMBER:		091199521

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		2415 GREEN ST
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94123

ISSUER:		

	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:			1121

	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

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND L P
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000918923
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	INVESTMENT ADVICE [6282]
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-28272
		FILM NUMBER:		091199518

	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

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF PARTNERS L P/IL
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001055947

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-28272
		FILM NUMBER:		091199519

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FL
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF INC/IL
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001056807
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-28272
		FILM NUMBER:		091199520

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FLOOR
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II LP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001102444
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-28272
		FILM NUMBER:		091199517

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST
		STREET 2:		39TH FL.
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			BVF INVESTMENTS LLC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001132245
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-28272
		FILM NUMBER:		091199522

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE SANSOME ST. 39TH FL
		CITY:			SAN FRANCISCO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94104
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3125066500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O GROSVENOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LP
		STREET 2:		900 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
		CITY:			CHICAGO
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60611
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>edgar.xml
<DESCRIPTION>PRIMARY DOCUMENT
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0303</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2009-11-18</periodOfReport>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000932903</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>AVIGEN INC \DE</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>AVGN</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001055947</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF PARTNERS L P/IL</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0000918923</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND L P</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Direct Beneficial Owner</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001102444</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II LP</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Direct Beneficial Owner</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001132245</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF INVESTMENTS LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Direct Beneficial Owner</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001233840</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>LAMPERT MARK N</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001056807</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>BVF INC/IL</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 1100</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>CHICAGO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IL</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>60611</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2009-11-18</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>S</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>626</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>1.50</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>D</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7837189</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value></value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7837189</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>General partner and manager of entities with direct ownership.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7837189</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>General partner of entity with indirect ownership.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>7837189</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>Sole shareholder and sole director of entity with indirect ownership.</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">Shares directly beneficially owned by Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P. (&quot;BVF&quot;)</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">The shares of Common Stock are indirectly beneficially owned by Partners.  Partners is the general partner of BVF.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">The shares of Common Stock are indirectly beneficially owned by BVF Inc., a Delaware corporation (&quot;BVF Inc.&quot;).  BVF Inc. is the general partner of Partners.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F4">Mark N. Lampert is the sole shareholder, sole director, and an officer of BVF Inc.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <remarks></remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BVF Partners L.P., By: BVF Inc., its GP, By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-11-20</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, L.P. By: BVF Partners L.P., its GP, By: BVF Inc., By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-11-20</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BIOTECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND II, L.P., By: BVF Partners L.P., its GP, By: BVF Inc., By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-11-20</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BVF INVESTMENTS, L.L.C., By: BVF Partners L.P., its Manager, By: BVF Inc., By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-11-20</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>BVF INC., By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-11-20</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>MARK N. LAMPERT By: /s/ Mark N. Lampert</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-11-20</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----