In a move the company says is intended to stregthen its positioning as a clinical stage, specialty pharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for the aesthetics market, Lithera has changed its name to Neothetics, Inc.

President and CEO of Neothetics George Mahaffey said, "Our new name better identifies us with our corporate mission to develop and commercialize innovative therapies for the rapidly growing aesthetics market. We have successfully completed Phase 2 clinical trials for our lead product candidate, LIPO-202, and are currently engaged in planning Phase 3 clinical trials in accordance with FDA guidance. If approved, LIPO-202 has the potential to be a best-in-class, highly differentiated, non-surgical, injectable formulation for localized subcutaneous fat reduction and body contouring for healthy, non-obese patients. As we move closer to commercialization, it's important that our corporate identity is clear and compelling to both physicians and patients, which is why we are pleased to enter this transformational phase as Neothetics."

The name change is effective immediately. To learn more go to: www.neothetics.com.