HAYWARD, Calif., March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthera
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANTH), a biopharmaceutical company
developing drugs to treat serious diseases associated with
inflammation and autoimmune disorders, today provided an update on
company events following the recent termination of the VISTA-16
clinical study.
Immediately after the VISTA-16 Data Safety Monitoring Board
(DSMB) recommended halting the clinical study, the Company took
steps to cease patient enrollment and dosing. Redundant levels of
written communication were sent to the investigators and clinical
sites involved in the study to immediately cease enrollment and to
withdraw all enrolled patients. The Company will be conducting
final patient follow-up visits within the coming weeks.
The Company has taken immediate action to decrease operating
expenses through a reduction or elimination of vendor activities
and immediate headcount reductions. This will result in an
elimination of approximately 45% of Anthera's headcount. These
combined actions allow for the reallocation of resources to other
potential development programs and product portfolio efforts.
Development of blisibimod (A-623) continues to progress
according to plan. The PEARL-SC study, which completed enrollment
in the fourth quarter of 2011, is examining the therapeutic benefit
of monthly and weekly subcutaneous administration of blisibimod in
SLE patients. The primary endpoint of the PEARL-SC study is
clinical improvement at 24 weeks in an SLE responder index. The
study remains on track to produce top-line efficacy data in the
second quarter of 2012.
In addition, the PEARL-SC open-label extension (OLE) study
continues to enroll patients. All patients who participated in the
PEARL-SC study are eligible for rollover into the OLE clinical
study.
About Anthera Pharmaceuticals
Anthera Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused
on developing and commercializing products to treat serious
diseases associated with inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Safe Harbor Statement
Any statements contained in this press release that refer to
future events or other non-historical matters, including statements
that are preceded by, followed by, or that include such words as
"estimate," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "goal,"
"expect," "project," or similar statements, are forward-looking
statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements are based on Anthera's expectations as
of the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially as set forth in Anthera's public filings with the SEC,
including Anthera's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2011. Anthera
disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking
statements, whether because of new information, future events or
otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
SOURCE Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.