Athera Biotechnologies has entered into an option agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim International on a novel preclinical antibody program, which grants Boehringer Ingelheim an exclusive option to acquire the entire program.

Athera’s fully-human monoclonal antibody is intended to treat patients with cardiovascular disease who are at an increased risk of secondary events and death.

Athera will conduct defined preclinical development and a phase I study for the lead antibody, and Boehringer Ingelheim will have an exclusive option to acquire substantially all of Athera’s assets and rights relating to the program.