Anthera acquires Sollpura for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency from Eli Lilly

US-based biopharma company specialized in autoimmune diseases Anthera Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ANTH) has acquired Sollpura (liprotamase). Trading in Anthera shares was halted ahead of the announcement, but the stock added 3.7% to $3.35 after hours.

The novel investigational pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy has been acquired from US drug major Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY). It is a soluble, stable and non-porcine enzyme product for patients with low digestive enzyme levels (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), often due to cystic fibrosis.

Paul Truex, president and chief executive officer of Anthera, said: "Sollpura represents the next generation of enzyme replacement therapy for patients with EPI. It is potentially the first soluble, stable and non-porcine derived enzyme product to offer a novel solution to patients who are unable to maintain appropriate nutritional health with existing enzyme therapies.”