Successful interim analysis of Phase III data for blisibimod in systemic lupus erythematosus-Anthera Pharma

Anthera Pharmaceuticals has announced the successful completion of an interim analysis of its Phase III trial (CHABLIS-SC1) of blisibimod in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and that the study should continue to completion as planned. An independent statistician conducted the interim futility analysis for the CHABLIS-SC1 study, evaluating the SRI-6 response at the 24 week time point. Enrollment in the trial is projected to conclude in mid-2015.

Prior to the interim analysis and in response to recent input from the Company's Scientific Advisory Board following the publication of clinical data from other Lupus studies with BAFF inhibitors, the Company modified the primary endpoint of CHABLIS-SC1 from SRI-8 response to SRI-6 response, which was previously a secondary endpoint of the study. SRI-8 will remain a key secondary endpoint of the study. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Response Index (SRI) is an approved endpoint recognized by the FDA for previously approved therapeutics.

Comment: Anthera has also completed a Scientific Advice Process meeting with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) regarding the blisibimod development program for the treatment of IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). Earlier this quarter the Company obtained written feedback regarding the acceptability of a single pivotal study as the initial basis for a conditional market authorization application (MAA) in the European Union utilizing proteinuria as the primary endpoint. In addition, the EMA also provided recommendations to address treatment duration, durability of response and need for re-treatment in the BRIGHT-SC study. Anthera and its Japanese development partner Zenyaku Koygo Co., Ltd. plan to incorporate them in a protocol amendment prior to the planned interim analysis for the BRIGHT-SC study which will be completed later this quarter.