Athera signs production partnership

Richter-Helm Biologics and Swedish Athera Biotechnologies have signed an agreement for the development and manufacturing of Athera's novel product, Annexin A5. It is a recombinant protein developed to prevent plaque rupture and athero-thrombosis through binding to endothelium. The protein is intended for the treatment of patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome, at imminent risk for Myocardial Infarction.

what Athera describes as a very cost efficient long-term development and manufacturing plan for the company, and may include future large volume commercial production. The production process will be based on Richter-Helm's proprietary E. coli based expression system. Richter-Helm will initiate strain and process development of the new process, reaching a 1,000 litre production scale.

to get Richter-Helm as our development partner, they have an excellent reputation. We have now secured a cost competitive and high quality production for clinical and commercial use", says Carina Schmidt, CEO of Athera Biotechnologies.

rtnership for Athera over the last few months. Early October last year the company announced a collaboration with Dyax Corp. to discover and develop antibodies for treatment of cardiovascular inflammation.