HAYWARD, Calif., Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: [ ANTH ]), a biopharmaceutical company developing drugs to treat serious diseases associated with inflammation and autoimmune disorders, today announced that the VISTA-16 Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has met for the fifth time to review available safety data and has recommended the study continue without change. The Company is awaiting the assessment of a pre-defined interim efficacy analysis of the primary endpoint, which is scheduled to occur after 50% of the primary endpoint events in the VISTA-16 clinical study have been collected, adjudicated and reviewed by the DSMB. The primary endpoint of the VISTA-16 study is a composite of the time to occurrence of a secondary major adverse cardiovascular event consisting of unstable angina requiring urgent hospitalization, myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death.

About Varespladib and sPLA2

Varespladib is a potent oral inhibitor of a number of pro-inflammatory enzymes collectively known as secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Elevated levels of sPLA2 have been implicated in a variety of acute inflammatory conditions, including ACS, and are associated with an increased risk for future ischemic events, such as a heart attack or even death. In Anthera's FRANCIS Phase 2 clinical study in ACS patients, treatment with varespladib improved independent markers of cardiovascular risk including C-reactive protein, IL-6, LDL-C and varespladib's target enzyme, sPLA2. Recent analysis of data from diabetic patients in the same Phase 2 study demonstrated treatment with varespladib was associated with early and statistically significant reductions in these prognostic inflammatory markers of cardiovascular risk. VISTA-16 is an event driven clinical study evaluating the use of varespladib methyl in combination with Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) to reduce secondary Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in patients who have recently experienced an Acute Coronary Syndrome. In February 2010, Anthera received a SPA from the U.S. FDA for the VISTA-16 Phase 3 study for the use of varespladib in treating high-risk ACS patients.

About Anthera Pharmaceuticals

Anthera Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat serious diseases associated with inflammation, including cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Anthera has three late stage clinical products: varespladib methyl (A-002), A-001 and blisibimod (A-623). Varespladib methyl (A-002) and A-001 are designed to inhibit a novel enzyme target known as secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Elevated levels of sPLA2 have been implicated in a variety of acute inflammatory conditions, including acute coronary syndrome and acute chest syndrome, as well as chronic diseases such as stable coronary artery disease. Blisibimod targets elevated levels of B-lymphocyte stimulator (BAFF) which have been associated with a variety of B-Cell mediated autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and rheumatoid arthritis.

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, 2010 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 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.

CONTACT: Bianca Nery of Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., [ bnery@anthera.com ] or 510.856.5586.

SOURCE Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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Anthera Announces Completion of Safety Review by DSMB for VISTA-16

Anthera Announces Completion of Safety Review by DSMB for VISTA-16

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