One-two punch against cholesterol

With Phase II data in hand for its A-002 secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor, Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc. is setting its sights on supplanting a blockbuster drug - Zetia ezetimibe - as the first choice for add-on therapy to statins. The key, according to Anthera, is that A-002 works through at least two mechanisms, reducing inflammation and atherogenic lipids.

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is an enzyme that causes the release of arachidonic acid, which leads to the production of inflammation mediators such as leukotrienes and prostacyclins. "We have a direct anti-inflammatory target," noted President and CEO Paul Truex. "The emergence of literature implicating inflammation in cardiovascular disease is becoming strong. Hitting the inflammation while benefiting lipids will be a strong marketing tool."...