Marina Biotech Announces Changes to Board of Directors

Marina Biotech, Inc. MRNA today announced that R. John Fletcher was elected to the Company's Board of Directors effective July 14, 2011, replacing Board member Chiang Li, Ph.D., M.D., who announced his retirement from the Marina Biotech board prior to the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders. The Company also announced the appointment of James Karis, who has served as a Board member since 2009, as Chairman of the Board, effective July 14, 2011, replacing co-chairmen Gregory Sessler and Peter Parker, both of whom will continue as board members of Marina Biotech. "I am pleased to welcome John Fletcher to Marina Biotech's Board of Directors," stated James Karis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Marina Biotech. "John brings extensive corporate strategy and financing experience that is characterized by a strong understanding of the commercial potential of new technologies and the options for developing, funding, and acquiring new businesses. We would also like to thank Dr. Li for his service to our company and his contributions to our wholly owned subsidiary, Cequent Pharmaceuticals. In addition, I want to thank Greg and Peter for their outstanding efforts as co-Chairmen in effectively integrating the MDRNA and Cequent Boards and then leading the new Marina Biotech Board throughout this past year."