Esperion, which trades on as ESPR, has welcomed the recent update from the European Society of Cardiology and the European Atherosclerosis Society. The new guidelines recognize bempedoic acid as the only newly recommended non-statin therapy to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. This change is part of the 2025 Focused Update to the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for Managing Dyslipidemia and highlights the importance of bempedoic acid for patients who cannot tolerate statins. Sheldon Koenig, President and CEO of Esperion, stated that this endorsement from Europe’s leading cardiovascular body confirms the drug’s benefits and marks a key milestone for Esperion’s European partner, Daiichi Sankyo Europe. He also noted that this recommendation could influence future cholesterol treatment guidelines in the United States.
Health Technology Insights: Peter Attwater Joins BDC Advisors as Managing Director
The updated ESC/EAS guidelines strongly advise non-statin treatments like bempedoic acid for patients unable to use statins to achieve LDL cholesterol goals and lower cardiovascular risk. Bempedoic acid is specifically recommended for those who cannot take statins, either as a standalone therapy or added to the maximum tolerated statin dose with or without ezetimibe in high-risk patients. These recommendations are classified as Class I with varying levels of evidence, reflecting robust clinical support for the therapy’s effectiveness.
Health Technology Insights: Stramsen Biotech Submits Pre-IND to FDA for SBX 1977 Trial
Esperion is advancing new treatment options by developing combination pills designed to provide stronger LDL cholesterol reduction in a single pill. The company currently offers NEXLETOL, which contains bempedoic acid alone, and NEXLIZET, a combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. Plans are also underway for a triple combination pill that adds either atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. This strategy aims to improve patient adherence and support earlier, more intensive cholesterol management, aligning with the updated guidelines’ focus on combination therapy.
NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL are approved for adults who cannot tolerate statins and either have established cardiovascular disease or are at high risk for such events. Both medicines help reduce LDL cholesterol and lower the chance of heart attacks and coronary procedures. They are also approved as adjunct therapies to diet for adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. However, these treatments carry some risks such as allergic reactions, elevated uric acid levels that may lead to gout, and increased risk of tendon injury, particularly in older adults or those with pre-existing risk factors. Common side effects include respiratory infections, muscle spasms, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Sheldon Koenig emphasized that the inclusion of bempedoic acid in the ESC/EAS guidelines represents a significant achievement for Esperion and its partners, broadening treatment options for patients who cannot use statins. The company remains committed to delivering effective and flexible cholesterol-lowering therapies that meet evolving clinical needs while ensuring safety. He encouraged patients and healthcare providers to explore these new options to better manage cardiovascular risk and improve patient outcomes.
Health Technology Insights: Artisight Uses AI to Auto-Document Surgeries in EHR
To participate in our interviews, please write to our HealthTech Media Room at sudipto@intentamplify.com
