Anthera Pharmaceuticals Promotes Dr. Debra Odink to Chief Technology Officer

HAYWARD, Calif., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANTH), a biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics to treat serious diseases associated with inflammation and autoimmune disorders, today announced Dr. Debra Odink has been promoted to the role of Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President.

"Over the past several years, Debra's increasing roles, responsibility and scientific leadership has been critical to the success of Anthera's development programs," said Paul F. Truex, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As Chief Technology Officer, Debra's strong oversight will continue to drive the advancement and execution of our corporate strategy."

Dr. Odink joined Anthera in 2005 and has been serving as the Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Research and Development since that date. She has over eighteen years of global pharmaceutical chemistry and product development experience. Prior to joining Anthera, she served as the Vice President of Product and Process Development at Peninsula Pharmaceuticals where she was responsible for the company's manufacturing and product development strategies for assets licensed to the company. Additionally, she has held various positions at Elan Pharmaceuticals and Roche where she contributed to development efforts for multiple new drug candidates. Dr. Odink holds various patents for novel drug formulations and is author of multiple publications. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at California State University Stanislaus and her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of California Davis.

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 one Phase 3 clinical program, A-002, and two Phase 2 clinical programs, A-623 and A-001. A-002 and A-001 inhibit a novel enzyme target known as secretory phospholipase A2, or 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, or CAD. Anthera's Phase 2 product candidate, A-623, targets elevated levels of B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS, which has been associated with a variety of B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus. For more information, please visit www.anthera.com.

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., [email protected] or 510.856.5586.

SOURCE Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.