Anthera to explore options after lead drug fails trial, shares slump (updated)

Anthera Pharmaceuticals

12/03/2018 13:06

(Adds details on cystic fibrosis, share movement)
    March 12 (Reuters) - Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc  ANTH.O 
said on Monday it would evaluate all strategic options after its
lead drug failed in a late-stage trial, sending its shares down
80 percent in premarket trading.
    The company said it would stop developing the drug,
Sollpura, which aimed to treat improper digestion due to cystic
fibrosis, a genetic disease that causes persistent lung
infections.
    Sollpura was being tested on patients whose cystic fibrosis
had led to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, an enzyme
deficiency that leads to improper digestion.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nGNXchjsNh
    Anthera has another treatment, blisibimod, which is being
tested in a mid-stage study for a type of kidney disease.
    Shares of the company were trading at 40 cents in premarket
trading. Stock had risen 60 percent up to Friday's close.

 (Reporting by Mrinalini Krothapalli in Bengaluru; Editing by
Savio D'Souza and Arun Koyyur)
 ((mrinalini.krothapalli@thomsonreuters.com;within U.S. +1 646
223 8780, outside U.S. +91 806749 1590; Reuters Messaging:
mrinalini.krothapalli.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))