Anthera Pharmaceuticals to Present at Leerink Swann, Cowen & Co., and BIO CEO Healthcare Conferences

HAYWARD, Calif., Jan. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANTH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat autoimmune diseases, announced today that Paul F. Truex, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present a corporate update on the progress of the Company's development programs including additional plans for blisibimod beyond autoimmune disorders at three conferences in February and early March.

Investor Conferences:

• Leerink Swann 2014 Global Healthcare Conference: Anthera will present on Thursday, February 13^th, from 3:05-3:25PM EST at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
• Cowen & Company 24^th Annual Health Care Conference: Anthera will present on Wednesday, March 5^th, from 10:40-11:10AM EST and will host a breakout session from 11:20-11:50AM, at the Boston Marriott Copley Palace.

Industry Conferences:

• 2014 BIO CEO & Investor Conference: Anthera will present on Monday, February 10^th, from 2:00-2:30PM EST in the Duke of Windsor Room of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

About Blisibimod

Anthera is developing blisibimod, a selective inhibitor of B-cell activating factor (BAFF), to explore its clinical utility in various autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and IgA nephropathy. Blisibimod is a novel fusion protein, or peptibody, and is distinct from an antibody. Anthera owns worldwide rights to blisibimod in all potential indications. BAFF, also known as BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator), is a tumor necrosis family member and is critical to the development, maintenance and survival of B-cells. B-cells represent a critical component of human immune response to infection and other pathogens. However, abnormal elevations of B-cells and BAFF may lead to an overactive immune response which may damage normal healthy tissues and organ systems. Multiple clinical studies with BAFF antagonists have reported the potential benefit of BAFF inhibitors in treating patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

About Anthera Pharmaceuticals

Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat autoimmune diseases. Anthera's Phase 3 development product candidate, blisibimod, targets elevated levels of B-cell activating factor, or BAFF, which has been associated with a variety of B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, Immunoglobin A nephropathy, or IgAN, lupus nephritis, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, and others.

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 Form 10-Q for the year ended September 31^st, 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.