VelosBio to be Acquired by Merck…

Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced it has entered into manufacturing agreements with Albemarle Corporation and Patheon Inc. The agreements provide for the large-scale clinical production of Varespladib (A-002), which is expected to be necessary in preparation for Anthera’s Phase III clinical trials and planned New Drug Application submission to the Food and Drug Administration. Varespladib is Anthera’s oral drug candidate for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.