Athera and Boehringer Ingelheim enter into an option agreement on a novel therapy for Atherosclerosis

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – June 19, 2013. Athera Biotechnologies AB today announced
that it has entered into an option agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim
International GmbH on a novel preclinical antibody program, whereby Athera
grants to Boehringer Ingelheim an exclusive option to acquire the entire
program. Karolinska Development AB owns 65% of Athera Biotechnologies AB.
Athera’s fully-human monoclonal antibody is intended for the treatment of
patients with cardiovascular disease, who are at an increased risk of secondary
events and death.

Pursuant to the terms of the option agreement, Athera will conduct defined
preclinical development and a Phase I study for the lead antibody and, following
the completion of such study, Boehringer Ingelheim will have an exclusive option
to acquire substantially all of Athera’s assets and rights relating to the
program. In exchange for Athera’s granting of the option, Boehringer Ingelheim
will pay an option fee. The size of the fee and the other terms of the option
are not being disclosed but this transaction is in line with market average
terms for programs at similar stages of development.

"We are proud that Athera's research has attracted a top tier company to enter
an option agreement of this magnitude and we are confident that Boehringer
Ingelheim, with its vast experience and resources within the cardiovascular
field, is the ideal partner for this innovative program", said Torbjörn Bjerke,
CEO and President at Karolinska Development.

“The option agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim is an important validation of
the quality in Athera’s cardiovascular antibody program and together with the
recently announced EU grant we have now secured financing through Phase I
clinical trials and the potential exercise of the option agreement”, said Carina
Schmidt, CEO of Athera Biotechnologies.

For further information, please contact:
Torbjörn Bjerke, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 (0)72 744 41 23, e-mail: torbjorn.bjerke@karolinskadevelopment.com

Carina Schmidt, CEO, Athera Biotechnologies AB
Phone: +46 (0) 76 193 81 90 e-mail: c.schmidt@athera.se

Benjamin Nordin, IRO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 (0)73 093 60 80, e-mail: benjamin.nordin@karolinskadevelopment.com

TO THE EDITORS

About Athera Biotechnologies AB
Athera has a unique and in-depth understanding of the immunological components
in atherosclerosis, the inflammatory process leading to cardiovascular disease
(CVD). The lead product candidate, PC-mAb, is in late preclinical development.
In addition, Athera has developed a biomarker and companion diagnostic CVDefine®
kit. The biomarker, anti-PC, is linked to increased risk for cardiovascular
disease and could in the future be used for identification of patients that
benefit from Athera’s novel therapeutics. For more information, please visit
www.athera.se.

About Karolinska Development AB
Karolinska Development aims to create value for patients, researchers, and
investors by developing innovations from world class science into products that
can be sold or out-licensed with high returns. The business model is to: SELECT
the most commercially attractive medical innovations; DEVELOP innovations to the
stage where the greatest return on investment can be achieved; and COMMERCIALIZE
the innovations through the sale of companies or out-licensing of products. An
exclusive deal flow agreement with Karolinska Institutet Innovations AB, along
with other cooperation agreements with leading universities, delivers a
continuous flow of innovations. Today, the portfolio consists of 36 projects, of
which 15 are in clinical development. For more information, please visit
www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

Karolinska Development is listed on NASDAQ OMX. Karolinska Development may be
required to disclose the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities
Markets Act.