Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. - ESPR STOCK NEWS

ESPERION (NASDAQ: ESPR) has appointed Sheldon Koenig as the new president and CEO, effective immediately. Koenig, who has over 30 years of experience in the cardiovascular sector, previously served as the COO at ESPERION since December 2020. He succeeds Tim Mayleben, who has stepped down after nearly a decade but will continue as a senior advisor. The leadership change comes as ESPERION aims to strengthen its market position following the launch of two cholesterol-lowering products, NEXLETOL® and NEXLIZET® in the U.S. and Europe.

Esperion announced significant findings on NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid) presented at the ACC.21 conference. The analysis predicts a 3.3% reduction in 10-year cardiovascular event risk for ASCVD patients on maximally tolerated statins treated with NEXLETOL (p<0.0001). For statin-intolerant patients, a 6.0% reduction compared to placebo was also predicted (p<0.0001). This data is based on a pooled Phase 3 study analysis using the SMART model, indicating substantial potential benefits of bempedoic acid in high-risk patient populations. The ongoing CLEAR Outcomes trial aims to further assess these impacts.

Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) has announced participation in two virtual conferences in May 2021. The first is the Bank of America 2021 Healthcare Conference on May 13, 2021, at 10:15 a.m. ET, featuring presentations and 1:1 investor meetings. The second event, the Morgan Stanley Life After Covid Thematic Conference II, is set for May 20, 2021, at 11:15 a.m. ET. Live audio webcasts will be accessible via the investor relations section of their website, with replays available for 90 days.

ESPERION reported Q1 2021 results, achieving total revenue of $8.0 million, up from $1.8 million in Q1 2020. U.S. product revenue reached $6.4 million, a significant increase from $0.9 million year-over-year. The company secured a major Medicare Part D contract covering 8.5 million lives and strengthened its balance sheet with $80 million from expanded agreements. However, ESPERION continues to face challenges, including a net loss of $90.9 million, rising expenses, and a lower net price impacting product demand.

Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) announced the granting of 50,991 restricted stock units (RSUs) to 21 new employees on April 23, 2021. This was executed under the 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, aimed at attracting individuals who have not previously worked for the company. Each RSU will vest incrementally, with 25% on the one-year anniversary and the remaining 75% in quarterly installments, contingent upon continued employment. This initiative underscores Esperion's commitment to building a robust team focused on lipid management.

Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) announced the peer-reviewed publication of the design of the CLEAR Outcomes trial, the first cardiovascular outcomes study focusing on patients intolerant to statins. The trial, fully enrolled with over 14,000 participants, is designed to assess the effectiveness of NEXLETOL in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Notably, nearly half of the participants are women, a significant increase compared to previous studies. Results are anticipated in the second half of 2022, with the trial aiming for a 15% relative risk reduction in MACE.

Esperion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: ESPR) has secured a third tranche of $50 million in funding from an investor group led by Oberland Capital Management, bringing total funding to $80 million. This funding is part of a revenue-based agreement that allows Esperion to regain 100% revenue rights after repayment. Additionally, the company announced an expansion of a commercial agreement in strategic non-U.S. markets. CFO Rick Bartram emphasized the financial benefits and confidence in Esperion's potential, underscoring its commitment to lipid management.

Esperion Therapeutics announced a licensing agreement with Daiichi Sankyo, granting exclusive rights to commercialize bempedoic acid and its combination tablet in select Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries. The deal includes a $30 million upfront payment and up to $175 million in milestone payments, contributing to a total of $1.1 billion in potential milestones. This partnership aims to strengthen market reach and address unmet cardiovascular needs globally. The terms allow Esperion to retain rights in several regions, including the U.S.

Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) will report its first quarter 2021 financial results after U.S. markets close on May 4, 2021. Management will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss these results and business developments. The call can be accessed via a dedicated phone line or through a live audio webcast on their investor website. Esperion focuses on LDL-C management, providing oral medication to patients unable to reach cholesterol goals with current therapies. They emphasize the critical need for effective treatments in a substantial portion of the U.S. population.