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

– Company to Receive $90 Million Total Payment –

– Third Largest Global Market for Cardiovascular Prevention Represents Significant Global Growth Opportunity for NEXLETOL –

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) today announced that Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka), the Company’s partner in Japan for the development and commercialization of NEXLETOL^® (bempedoic acid) tablets, received National Health Insurance Price Listing and launched NEXLETOL for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and familial hypercholesterolemia.

“We are thrilled that Otsuka, our partner in Japan, has received national pricing approval and launched NEXLETOL. Japan represents the third largest market globally for cardiovascular prevention and this launch marks a significant commercial milestone. The resulting $90 million payment not only strengthens our financial position but also underscores the strategic value of our partnership. Most importantly, this approval brings us closer to our mission of improving cardiovascular health by expanding access to innovative therapies for patients in Japan who are striving to manage their LDL-C levels and prevent cardiovascular events.” said Sheldon Koenig, President and CEO of Esperion.

Under the terms of the collaboration and license agreement, Esperion will receive $90 million in a near term payment as a result of the recent Otsuka achievements, including product and pricing approvals. The Company is also eligible to receive additional sales milestone payments based on total net sales achievements by Otsuka in Japan, as well as tiered royalties ranging from fifteen percent to thirty percent on net sales in Japan.

About Esperion Therapeutics

Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing new medicines to market that address unmet needs of patients and healthcare professionals. The Company developed and is commercializing the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral, once-daily, non-statin medicines for patients who are at risk for cardiovascular disease and are struggling with elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). These medications are supported by the nearly 14,000 patient CLEAR Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial. Esperion continues to build on its success with its next generation program which is focused on developing ATP citrate lyase inhibitors (ACLYi). New insights into the structure and function of ACLYi fully enables rational drug design and the opportunity to develop highly potent and specific inhibitors with allosteric mechanisms.

Esperion continues to evolve into a leading global biopharmaceutical company through commercial execution, international partnerships and collaborations and advancement of its pre-clinical pipeline. For more information, visit and follow Esperion on and .

Forward-Looking Statements

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