Core Viewpoint - Esperion is focused on executing its current strategies while building for future growth, emphasizing its Vision 2040 initiative [2]. Company Overview - Esperion is currently commercializing two products: NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid) and NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid plus ezetimibe) [3]. - The company is in a strong financial position, aiming for sustainable profitability by 2026, supported by durable cash flows and a robust balance sheet [3]. - Esperion has an attractive profit and loss profile, which is bolstered by its partnerships and product pipelines [3].

Summary of Esperion Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Esperion Therapeutics (NasdaqGM:ESPR) - **Focus**: Commercializing bempedoic acid (Nexletol) and bempedoic acid plus ezetimibe (Nexlizet) [2][5] - **Vision**: Vision 2040 aims to execute today while building for tomorrow, with a goal of sustainable profitability by 2026 [2][10] Financial Performance - **U.S. Net Sales**: Expected range of $156 million to $160 million, total revenue of $400 million to $408 million [5] - **Retail Prescriptions**: Grew 34% year-over-year [5] - **Cash Position**: Preliminary cash of $168 million [5] - **Revenue Growth**: Total revenue grew 60% year-over-year when excluding partner milestones [10] Market Opportunity - **Target Market**: Statin intolerance market valued over $70 million, expanded total addressable market (TAM) from 10 million to 70 million patients due to CLEAR Outcomes study [6][8] - **Physician Adoption**: 25% year-over-year growth in physicians prescribing the drug, with over 45,000 physicians currently writing prescriptions [7] Product Pipeline and Development - **Triple Combination Therapy**: In development, combining Nexlizet with low doses of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, targeting LDL efficacy of 65% to 71% [3] - **ESP-2001**: A drug for primary sclerosing cholangitis, a high unmet need with a market opportunity exceeding $1 billion [19][20] - **Next-Generation ACLY Pipeline**: Focus on leveraging AI for high-throughput screening of compounds, with 500 compounds currently under consideration [18][19] Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion - **Partnerships**: Collaborations with Daiichi Sankyo in Europe and Otsuka in Japan, with the latter showing strong initial sales [9][48] - **Global Market Presence**: Approved in 41 countries, with plans for further expansion in Canada, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand by the end of 2026 [9][15] Commercial Strategy - **Sales Force Expansion**: Increasing personal promotion efforts from 20,000 to 40,000 physicians and digital outreach from 60,000 to 80,000 physicians [25] - **Access and Reimbursement**: Achieved 90% coverage in both commercial and Medicare markets, with efforts to simplify prior authorization processes [36][37] Future Outlook - **Sustainable Profitability**: Targeting sustainable profitability by 2026, with a focus on reinvesting in the bempedoic acid franchise and pipeline development [51][52] - **Vision 2040 Goals**: Aiming for five marketed products by 2040, with a diversified multi-product portfolio [10][11] Key Challenges and Considerations - **Manufacturing Responsibilities**: Esperion handles manufacturing for both U.S. and non-U.S. markets, with expectations of improved gross margins as Daiichi Sankyo begins production [34][35] - **Market Competition**: Competing with larger companies for assets, focusing on financially viable acquisitions that are immediately accretive [54][55] Conclusion Esperion Therapeutics is positioned for significant growth with a strong financial foundation, a robust product pipeline, and strategic partnerships. The company aims to capitalize on the expanding market for lipid-lowering therapies while navigating challenges in manufacturing and competition.

Financial Projections - Preliminary full-year 2025 U.S. net product sales are projected to be between $156 million and $160 million, representing a 35% to 38% increase compared to full-year 2024[1]. - Total preliminary revenue for 2025 is expected to be between $400 million and $408 million, a 20% to 23% increase compared to full-year 2024, and approximately 55% to 59% increase excluding one-time milestones[1]. - Cash and cash equivalents are approximately $168 million at year-end 2025[1]. - Operating expenses for full-year 2026 are expected to be between $210 million and $245 million[1]. Growth Strategy - The Vision 2040 growth strategy aims to expand the cardiometabolic franchise and pipeline into rare hepatic and renal diseases[1]. - Esperion plans to introduce two triple combination products that could lower LDL-C by over 60%, potentially rivaling existing therapies[9]. - Esperion's strategic partner Daiichi Sankyo Europe achieved double-digit quarterly growth and expanded availability of bempedoic acid therapies across 30 EU countries[12]. - The company completed a $75 million capital raise in 2025 to enhance financial flexibility for commercial expansion and pipeline development[13]. - Esperion initiated studies for ESP-2001, a potential blockbuster treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis, with a market opportunity exceeding $1 billion annually[16]. Forward-Looking Statements - The press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Esperion's marketing strategy, commercialization, and business development plans[30]. - Esperion anticipates future profitability and outlines expected operational expenses and cash runway[30]. - The company is focused on clinical development, including the timing and plans for the CLEAR Outcomes study[30]. - Risks and uncertainties could significantly impact Esperion's net sales and growth of commercial products[30]. - The company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements unless required by law[30].

Core Insights - Esperion reported preliminary full-year 2025 U.S. net product sales of $156 to $160 million, reflecting a 35% to 38% increase compared to 2024 [1] - The company anticipates total preliminary revenue of $400 to $408 million for 2025, marking a 20% to 23% increase from the previous year, and a 55% to 59% increase when excluding one-time milestones [1] - Esperion introduced its Vision 2040 growth strategy, aiming to evolve into a multi-product, sustainable, innovation-driven global pharmaceutical company [2][4] Financial Performance - Cash and cash equivalents at year-end 2025 are approximately $168 million [1] - Q4 retail prescription equivalents grew by 34% year-over-year and 11.3% quarter-over-quarter [1] - The company expects operating expenses for full-year 2026 to be between $210 million and $245 million [1][14] Vision 2040 Strategy - Vision 2040 aims to establish Esperion as a leader in cardiometabolic indications and expand its pipeline into rare hepatic and renal diseases [4][6] - The strategy includes plans to develop at least five marketed products and a robust pipeline addressing unmet medical needs [4] - Esperion intends to leverage its commercial infrastructure for partnerships, acquisitions, and co-promotion opportunities [5] U.S. Commercial Strategy - NEXLETOL® and NEXLIZET® are FDA-approved for cardiovascular disease prevention, targeting over 70 million patients in the U.S. [7] - The company is focusing on the statin intolerant or resistant market, which constitutes approximately 30% of the overall market [8] - Esperion has strengthened access and reimbursement support for its products, achieving over 90% coverage among commercial lives and Medicare beneficiaries [11] Global Expansion - Esperion has made significant progress in expanding its bempedoic acid products internationally, treating over 600,000 patients across 30 EU countries [12] - The company secured regulatory approval for NILEMDO in France and is advancing oral triple combination lipid-lowering tablets [12] R&D Pipeline - Esperion is advancing its ACLY-focused pipeline, targeting multiple life-threatening diseases with next-generation inhibitors [13][17] - The company nominated ESP-2001 for preclinical development, which addresses primary sclerosing cholangitis and represents a potential market opportunity exceeding $1 billion annually [17] Financial Flexibility - Esperion completed a $75 million capital raise in 2025 to support commercial expansion and pipeline development [14]

Core Insights - Esperion reported preliminary full-year 2025 U.S. net product sales of $156 to $160 million, reflecting a 35% to 38% increase compared to 2024 [1] - Total preliminary revenue is expected to be between $400 million and $408 million, marking a 20% to 23% increase from 2024, and a 55% to 59% increase when excluding one-time milestones [1] - The company introduced its Vision 2040 growth strategy, aiming to evolve into a multi-product, sustainable, innovation-driven global pharmaceutical company [2][4] Financial Performance - Esperion's cash and cash equivalents at year-end 2025 are approximately $168 million [1] - The company expects operating expenses for full-year 2026 to be between $210 million and $245 million [1][14] - A capital raise of $75 million was completed in 2025 to enhance financial flexibility [14] Product and Market Strategy - The U.S. commercial strategy focuses on NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET, which are approved for cardiovascular disease prevention [7] - Esperion's commercialization efforts are targeting the statin intolerant or resistant market, which constitutes about 30% of the overall market [8] - The company plans to introduce two triple combination products that could lower LDL-C by over 60%, potentially rivaling existing therapies [11] Global Expansion - Esperion has expanded its bempedoic acid products to over 30 countries in the EU, treating more than 600,000 patients [12] - The company has secured regulatory approvals in key markets, including France and Japan, enhancing its global footprint [12][16] R&D Pipeline - Esperion is advancing its ACLY-focused pipeline, targeting multiple life-threatening diseases with next-generation inhibitors [13] - The company nominated ESP-2001 for preclinical development, which addresses primary sclerosing cholangitis and represents a potential market opportunity exceeding $1 billion annually [17] Strategic Initiatives - Esperion has reached settlement agreements with four key ANDA filers to restrict generic entry until April 2040, strengthening its market position [11] - The company has enhanced access and reimbursement support for its products, achieving over 90% coverage among commercial lives and Medicare beneficiaries [11]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: US Biopharmaceuticals - **Performance**: Biopharma ended 2025 positively with NBI up 32% and DRG up 21%, outperforming SPX at 17% [1] - **Outlook for 2026**: Optimism exists despite macro concerns like inflation and tariffs, with easing drug pricing worries, increased M&A activity, new product cycles, and modest expectations positioning the sector favorably [1] Core Insights and Arguments - **Valuation**: Biotech/Pharma P/E multiples are around 19x, which is lower compared to Financials at 18x and Utilities at 20x, indicating potential undervaluation [1] - **Catalysts**: Companies like Insmed (+152%), BridgeBio (+179%), and Travere (+119%) have shown strong performance driven by value-driving catalysts [1] Company-Specific Highlights Insmed - **Performance**: Insmed was a top performer in 2025, driven by Brinsupri's launch and TPIP's phase 2 results [2] - **2026 Outlook**: Continued upside is expected as Brinsupri's uptake alleviates skepticism over the $5B NCFB opportunity [2] BridgeBio - **Focus for 2026**: The debate will center around Attruby, with positive channel checks suggesting potential for accelerated sales [2] - **Key Data**: Anticipation for PROPEL3 readout in January, which could significantly impact the stock [10] Travere - **Performance**: Outperformance in 2025 attributed to commercial success in IgAN [3] - **Approval Outlook**: Filspari's potential approval for FSGS is a major debate, with FDA signals indicating a favorable outlook [9] Cytokinetics - **Market Entry**: Myqorzo's approval for oHCM is expected to face challenges in market execution against established competitors [15][40] - **Upcoming Data**: ACACIA readout in 2Q26 is crucial for assessing the drug's competitive position [19] Tyra - **Expansion**: Tyra is expanding dabogratinib's development into LG-UTUC, which could offer greater regulatory flexibility and market opportunity [43] - **Market Potential**: Management believes an oral option could be a game changer in a relatively underserved market [43] Acumen - **Pipeline Development**: Acumen's EBD program is expected to provide optionality, with initial non-clinical data anticipated early in 2026 [13] - **Key Event**: ALTITUDE-AD is a defining event for Acumen, with expectations for significant data to outperform competitors [33] Additional Important Insights - **M&A Activity**: The biopharma sector is seeing increased M&A activity as companies prepare for patent expirations [1] - **Regulatory Environment**: The FDA's involvement in various drug approvals and feedback mechanisms is crucial for shaping market expectations [9][10] - **Investor Sentiment**: There remains a cautious sentiment among investors, particularly regarding the approval of new drugs and their market uptake [9][19] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the overall industry outlook, company-specific developments, and critical upcoming events that could influence market dynamics in the biopharmaceutical sector.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) today announced that the company will present at J.P. Morgan’s 44th Annual Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, January 14, 2025. The company’s presentation and participation in a fireside chat will begin at 2:15 p.m. PT/5:15 p.m. ET. The live webcast can be accessed on the investor and media section of the Esperion website. Access to the webcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call and wi ...

Core Insights - Esperion's bempedoic acid has been recognized as a first-line therapy for lowering LDL-C in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes, as highlighted in the 2025 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Statement [1][4] Group 1: Company Positioning - Esperion emphasizes the significance of aggressive LDL-C lowering in high-risk populations, reinforcing bempedoic acid's role in reducing cardiovascular and limb risks [2] - The company anticipates that bempedoic acid will be included in the upcoming U.S. dyslipidemia treatment guidelines from ACC/American Heart Association (AHA) in early 2026, following its endorsement in European guidelines [3] Group 2: Clinical Evidence - The ACC scientific statement incorporates data from the 2024 AHA Scientific Sessions, which demonstrated that bempedoic acid reduced major adverse limb events (MALE) by 36% compared to placebo in patients with pre-existing PAD [5] - Bempedoic acid is positioned as a safe and well-tolerated oral option for lowering LDL-C and reducing the risk of MALE in patients with PAD [5] Group 3: Product Indications - Bempedoic acid, as part of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL, is indicated for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults unable to take statin therapy [8] - NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL are also indicated for reducing LDL-C in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) [8]

Summary of Esperion Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Esperion Therapeutics (NasdaqGM:ESPR) - **Focus**: Bempedoic acid, a treatment for statin intolerance and lipid lowering Key Industry Insights - **Market Potential**: The total addressable market (TAM) for bempedoic acid increased from 10 million to 70 million patients following the label expansion in April 2024 [3][6] - **Guideline Inclusion**: Bempedoic acid received a Class 1A recommendation in European clinical practice guidelines, emphasizing its role in treating statin intolerant patients [5][6] - **Sales Growth**: The company is experiencing strong sales growth and momentum, particularly in the third and fourth quarters of 2025 [4][6] Core Points and Arguments - **Clinical Data Impact**: The CLEAR Outcomes study significantly improved the company's capital structure and market position, allowing for effective promotion of bempedoic acid [3][4] - **Guideline Influence**: The upcoming U.S. guidelines are expected to align closely with European guidelines, which could provide substantial tailwinds for sales [7][9] - **Commercial Strategy**: Esperion is focusing on both personal promotion and digital outreach, currently calling on 20,000 physicians in person and 60,000 digitally, with plans to expand to 80,000 by 2026 [18][20] Competitive Positioning - **Comparison with Other Treatments**: Bempedoic acid is positioned as a complementary treatment to ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, with a unique advantage in primary prevention and hs-CRP lowering [12][14] - **Patient Preference**: Surveys indicate that patients prefer oral medications over injectables, which may enhance bempedoic acid's market appeal [14][20] Financial and Market Access - **Payer Coverage**: Esperion has achieved 90% commercial coverage and 85% Medicare coverage, with favorable positioning in formularies [24][25] - **Pricing Strategy**: The company maintains a competitive pricing model, with cash prices lower than competitors, which is crucial for patient access [26][27] International Expansion - **European Market Performance**: Over 600,000 patients are currently using bempedoic acid in Europe, with strong growth driven by favorable guidelines [32][33] - **Japan Launch**: The company is optimistic about the launch in Japan, supported by a dedicated team and a $90 million milestone payment [34][35] Future Outlook - **Triple Combination Therapy**: Esperion is developing a triple combination therapy that could become the most effective LDL-lowering pill on the market, expected to launch by the end of 2027 [44][47] - **Next-Generation Products**: The company is advancing its next-generation ACLY inhibitor, with human studies anticipated to begin by late 2026 [49] Additional Considerations - **Litigation Settlements**: Recent settlements with generic filers have extended the exclusivity runway for bempedoic acid, with confidence in maintaining market position into the 2030s [41][42] - **Market Dynamics**: The competitive landscape includes other oral treatments, but Esperion believes its established clinical data and guideline support will provide a significant advantage [36][39]

Core Insights - Esperion has announced that Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has received national pricing approval and launched NEXLETOL in Japan, marking a significant commercial milestone for the company [2][3] - The launch in Japan, the third largest global market for cardiovascular prevention, represents a substantial growth opportunity for NEXLETOL [1][2] - Esperion will receive a total payment of $90 million from Otsuka as a result of this launch, which strengthens the company's financial position and highlights the strategic value of the partnership [2][3] Company Overview - Esperion Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative medicines for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease, specifically targeting elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [4] - The company has developed the only FDA-approved oral, once-daily, non-statin medications for this patient population, supported by the CLEAR Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial involving nearly 14,000 patients [4] - Esperion is advancing its pipeline with a focus on developing ATP citrate lyase inhibitors (ACLYi), leveraging new insights for rational drug design [4][5] Financial and Strategic Developments - Under the collaboration agreement with Otsuka, Esperion is eligible for additional sales milestone payments based on Otsuka's net sales achievements in Japan, as well as tiered royalties ranging from 15% to 30% on net sales [3] - The recent developments and partnerships are part of Esperion's strategy to evolve into a leading global biopharmaceutical company through commercial execution and international collaborations [5]