Form: 10-K/A

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

April 29, 2008


QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

        I, Michael A. Martino, certify that:

    1.
    I have reviewed this Amendment No. 1 to the annual report on Form 10-K of Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;

    2.
    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

        Date: April 29, 2008

    /s/ MICHAEL A. MARTINO
Michael A. Martino
President and Chief Executive Officer



QuickLinks