Anthera Pharmaceuticals Announces Personnel Changes

HAYWARD, Calif., March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANTH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointment of Steven Engle to and the departure of Dr. James Healy, MD, PhD from its Board of Directors.

"Steve's extensive experience in late-stage clinical development will be an invaluable resource to the Company," said Dr. Christopher S. Henney, Chairman of Anthera Pharmaceuticals. "We look forward to taking advantage of his insight as we further advance Anthera's clinical programs."

Mr. Engle has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Averigon Consulting, an advisory firm to the life sciences industry, since 2011.  Prior to Averigon, he was the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Xoma Corporation, a public biotechnology company.  Prior to Xoma Corporation, Mr. Engle was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, a publicly-traded company which discovered the biology of B-cell tolerance and developed the first B-cell toleragen for patients with lupus and received an approvable letter from the FDA. Prior to La Jolla Pharmaceuticals Company, Mr. Engle served as the Vice President of Marketing for Cygnus, a drug delivery company, where he helped gain FDA approval of and launch Nicotrol for smoking cessation.  Mr. Engle is a member of the Board of Directors of BayBio and has served on the board of the Lupus Foundation of America.  Mr. Engle holds a MSEE and BSEE, each from the University of Texas at Austin.

"I am excited to join the Anthera board during such a pivotal time for the company. I look forward to working with management to both advance B-cell therapy in lupus and explore its utilities elsewhere," said Mr. Engle on his appointment.

Dr. James Healy has resigned his position as a Director effective March 25^th, 2014. Dr. Healy, General Partner of Sofinnova Ventures, joined Anthera's board in 2006.

"Since his appointment to the Anthera board in September 2006, Jim's support and expertise have been immensely helpful to the Company," said Paul F. Truex, Anthera's President and CEO. "I join the rest of the management team and Board of Directors in thanking Jim for his numerous contributions and wishing him success in his next endeavors."

About Anthera Pharmaceuticals

Anthera Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat serious diseases associated with autoimmune disorders including lupus, lupus with glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy.

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, 2013.  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: Dennis Lutz of Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., [email protected] or 510.856.5598.

SOURCE Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.