Marina Biotech Granted Patent Rights in China for Intranasal Insulin Delivery Formulations

BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - Nov 17, 2011) - Marina Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), a leading oligonucleotide-based drug discovery and development company, reported that the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China (PRC) has issued a Notification of Granting Patent Rights for PRC 200680047851, which covers pharmaceutical formulations for intranasal delivery of insulin, and uses of the formulations to treat diseases associated with inappropriate insulin levels. Combined with the current patent protection in the European theater, this patent grant in China further expands and strengthens the insulin patent portfolio.

"Our focus remains on the development of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, but we believe that the intranasal assets from our predecessor company, Nastech Pharmaceutical Co., have considerable value," said J. Michael French, President and CEO of Marina Biotech. "Our intranasal insulin program has the potential to serve patients with diabetes, and holds additional promise in the treatment of CNS diseases such as Alzheimer's. We believe our proprietary approach may also provide distinct therapeutic advantages over other intranasal delivered insulin compounds. We positioned the insulin assets with ICAP Patent Brokerage's platform, which provides an opportunity to quickly capitalize on the potential of this legacy program and ensures a timely and well-managed auction process for our intranasal insulin portfolio."

ICAP Patent Brokerage (http://www.icappatentbrokerage.com/) is a division of ICAP plc, and the world's largest intellectual property brokerage and patent auction firm.

Key Attributes of Marina Biotech's Formulation:

• US IND is active -- preclinical studies, Phase 1 and multicenter Phase 2 clinical trials have been completed, allowing a clear path to the market;
• Plasma insulin from intranasal administration crosses the blood brain barrier into the brain using the dedicated insulin transporter for potential effects on Alzheimer's and other CNS diseases;
• Very rapid PK profile -- works more quickly on post prandial glucose yet has a lower rate of postmeal hypoglycemia compared with insulin analogs as well as a more rapid onset of action than a subcutaneously injected insulin analog;
• Delivers insulin to the nasal mucosa -- does not enter the lungs;
• Well tolerated by patients;
• Formulation can include regular insulin or insulin analogs;
• Intranasal insulin formulated with regular insulin is stable at room temperature;
• Published data available.

To learn more about Marina's intranasal insulin assets contact: Cameron Gray of ICAP Patent Brokerage at (650) 421-3089 or Cameron.Gray@us.icap.com

Media Contact: Luisa Sepulveda (312) 327-8162 or Luisa.Sepulveda@us.icap.com

About Marina Biotech, Inc.
Marina Biotech is a biotechnology company, focused on the development and commercialization of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics utilizing multiple mechanisms of action including RNA interference (RNAi) and messenger RNA translational blocking. The Marina Biotech pipeline currently includes a clinical program in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (a precancerous syndrome) and two preclinical programs -- in bladder cancer and malignant ascites. Marina Biotech entered into an exclusive agreement with Debiopharm Group for the development and commercialization of the bladder cancer program. Marina Biotech's goal is to improve human health through the development of RNAi- and oligonucleotide-based compounds and drug delivery technologies that together provide superior therapeutic options for patients. Additional information about Marina Biotech is available at www.marinabio.com.

About ICAP Patent Brokerage
ICAP Patent Brokerage is a division of ICAP plc and the world's largest intellectual property brokerage and patent auction firm.

About ICAP
ICAP is the world's premier interdealer broker and provider of post trade services. The Group matches buyers and sellers in the wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, commodities, foreign exchange, emerging markets, equities and equity derivatives through voice and electronic networks. ICAP plc was added to the FTSE 100 Index on June 30, 2006. For more information go to www.icap.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Federal Securities laws that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of Marina Biotech to obtain additional funding; (ii) the ability of Marina Biotech to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, research, development and commercialization partners; (iii) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to successfully complete product research and development, including preclinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to obtain required governmental approvals; and (v) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to develop and commercialize products prior to, and that can compete favorably with those of, competitors. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are contained in Marina Biotech's most recent periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Marina Biotech assumes no obligation to update and supplement forward-looking statements because of subsequent events.