Esperion Partner Otsuka Launches NEXLETOL® in Japan for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia

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]