Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the appointment of Craig Thompson as President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role Mr. Thompson will oversee both of Anthera's late stage development programs and commercial preparation efforts. The company also announced the appointment of Chuck Olson, D.Sc.

to the position of Chief Technology Officer replacing Debra Odink, Ph.D. who will continue to support the company in a key advisory role. Mr. Thompson joins Anthera with over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and commercialization. Most recently he served as the Chief Operating Officer for Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals where he oversaw the development and implementation of the commercial strategy as well as the business development and commercial manufacturing.

Prior to Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Thompson served as the Chief Commercial Officer for Trius Therapeutics resulting in the acquisition of Trius by Cubist Pharmaceuticals for over $700 million. Prior to Trius Therapeutics, Mr. Thompson held the position of Vice President, Specialty Care for Pfizer and previously held various positions of increasing responsibility with Pfizer. And Merck and Co, Inc.