Anthera Pharmaceuticals has received a $3 million award from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics to support both the manufacturing and clinical development of Sollpura (liprotamase), a new pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics is an affiliate of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit organization.

Anthera is developing liprotamase, an investigational non-porcine, stable and soluble enzyme therapy appropriated for those with lower levels of digestive enzyme, or Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) caused by several diseases, including Cystic Fibrosis. EPI is a condition characterized by lower absorption of nutrients and fat because of a reduction in the amount of digestive enzymes the pancreas produces.

According to estimates from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, approximately 90 percent of individuals who suffer with cystic fibrosis also have pancreatic insufficiency and need to take pancreatic enzymes with every single meal and snacks so they can effectively absorb vital nutrients in the food they eat.