STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – June 19, 2013. Athera Biotechnologies AB today announced that it has entered into an option agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH on a novel preclinical antibody program, whereby Athera grants to Boehringer Ingelheim an exclusive option to acquire the entire program. Karolinska Development AB owns 65% of Athera Biotechnologies AB.
Athera’s fully-human monoclonal antibody is intended for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease, who are at an increased risk of secondary events and death.

Pursuant to the terms of the option agreement, Athera will conduct defined preclinical development and a Phase I study for the lead antibody and, following the completion of such study, Boehringer Ingelheim will have an exclusive option to acquire substantially all of Athera’s assets and rights relating to the program. In exchange for Athera’s granting of the option, Boehringer Ingelheim will pay an option fee. The size of the fee and the other...