Esperion Enters Settlement Agreement with Alkem
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 17 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ESPR?
Esperion entered into a settlement agreement with Alkem Laboratories. This agreement resolves the patent litigation brought by Esperion against Alkem in response to Alkem's Abbreviated New Drug Applications seeking approval to market generic versions of NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET prior to the expiration of the applicable patents. Pursuant to the agreement, Alkem has agreed not to market a generic version of either NEXLETOL or NEXLIZET in the United States prior to April 19, 2040, unless certain limited circumstances customarily included in these types of agreements occur. The pending patent litigation against the remaining defendants is ongoing, and there can be no assurance whether such ongoing patent litigation will allow a generic version of NEXLETOL and/or NEXLIZET, as applicable, to be marketed in the U.S. prior to April 19, 2040.
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Analyst Views on ESPR
Wall Street analysts forecast ESPR stock price to rise
5 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
0 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 3.340
Low
1.72
Averages
7.94
High
16.00
Current: 3.340
Low
1.72
Averages
7.94
High
16.00
About ESPR
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company. The Company is focused on developing and commercializing oral, once-daily, non-statin medicines for patients who are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are struggling with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Its products include NEXLETOL, NEXLIZET, NILEMDO and NUSTENDI. Its NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets are oral, once-daily, non-statin medicines to lower the risk of myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. Its NEXLETOL is an ATP Citrate Lyase (ACLY), inhibitor that lowers LDL-C and cardiovascular risk by reducing cholesterol biosynthesis and up-regulating the LDL receptors. Its NUSTENDI contains bempedoic acid and ezetimibe and lowers elevated LDL-C through complementary mechanisms of action by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver and absorption in the intestine.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Esperion Grants Restricted Stock Units to New Employees
- Employee Incentive Program: On February 10, 2026, Esperion granted 40,200 restricted stock units (RSUs) to 11 new employees, aimed at attracting talent and enhancing employee loyalty, thereby improving overall company competitiveness.
- Grant Conditions Explained: Under the 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, RSUs will vest 25% on the one-year anniversary of the grant, with the remaining 75% vesting in twelve equal quarterly installments, ensuring employees remain with the company to realize full benefits.
- Company Background: Esperion is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for cardiometabolic and rare diseases, currently marketing two oral, non-statin therapies to help patients manage low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
- Market Positioning: With a broad U.S. commercial infrastructure and global approvals in over 40 countries, Esperion aims to be the partner of choice for global innovators seeking U.S. market access, driving future growth and market share expansion.
See More
Esperion Therapeutics Reports Strong 2025 Preliminary Results with $400 Million Revenue
- Significant Revenue Growth: Esperion's preliminary total revenue for 2025 reached $400 million to $408 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 20% to 23%, indicating strong market demand and product acceptance in the cardiovascular treatment sector.
- Strong Product Sales: The company's U.S. net product sales for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET are projected to be between $156 million and $160 million, representing a 35% to 38% increase compared to 2024, showcasing expanded physician adoption and reimbursement coverage.
- Enhanced Financial Flexibility: As of year-end 2025, Esperion reported approximately $168 million in cash and cash equivalents, providing financial support for ongoing commercial expansion and pipeline development, ensuring sustainable future growth.
- Long-Term Strategic Planning: Esperion introduced its “Vision 2040” strategy aimed at evolving into a multi-product, innovation-driven global pharmaceutical company focused on cardiometabolic disease prevention and expansion into rare hepatic and renal indications, demonstrating the company's ambitious future development plans.
See More
Esperion Reports $156-$160 Million in 2025 Sales, Unveils Vision 2040 Strategy
- Significant Sales Growth: Esperion anticipates U.S. net product sales for 2025 to be between $156 million and $160 million, reflecting a 35% to 38% increase compared to 2024, indicating strong performance and demand in the cardiovascular sector.
- Optimistic Revenue Outlook: The company expects total revenue to range from $400 million to $408 million in 2025, representing a 20% to 23% increase from 2024, showcasing success in product portfolio expansion and market penetration.
- Vision Strategy Unveiled: Esperion introduced its Vision 2040 strategy, aiming to evolve into a global leader in cardiovascular disease prevention with a diversified product portfolio and a robust pipeline, targeting at least five blockbuster products by 2040.
- Market Expansion Plans: The company plans to enhance its revenue opportunities in the cardiovascular prevention market by investing in sales and marketing, particularly through the introduction of two triple combination products, which are expected to significantly boost competitive positioning.
See More
Esperion's Bempedoic Acid Recognized by ACC as First-Line LDL-C Lowering Therapy
- Therapy Recognition: Esperion's bempedoic acid has been included in the 2025 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Statement as a first-line therapy for LDL-C lowering in patients on maximally tolerated statins, highlighting its significance in high-risk populations.
- Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: The CLEAR Outcomes trial demonstrated a 36% reduction in major adverse limb events (MALE) with bempedoic acid, which not only validates its efficacy but also provides crucial treatment guidance for clinicians.
- Future Guidelines: Esperion anticipates that bempedoic acid will be further recognized in the upcoming 2026 U.S. dyslipidemia treatment guidelines, enhancing its market position in cardiovascular disease management.
- Market Potential: Esperion is focused on developing non-statin oral therapies, currently approved in over 40 countries globally, showcasing its extensive market opportunities and growth potential in the cardiovascular disease sector.
See More
Esperion's Bempedoic Acid Recognized by ACC for LDL-C Lowering in PAD Patients
- Treatment Recognition: Esperion's bempedoic acid has been included in the 2025 American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines for LDL-C lowering in patients with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD), highlighting its significance as a first-line therapy, which is expected to boost market acceptance and sales growth.
- Clinical Efficacy: The CLEAR Outcomes trial demonstrated a 36% reduction in major adverse limb events (MALE) with bempedoic acid, not only validating its effectiveness in high-risk populations but also potentially increasing physician confidence and prescription rates.
- Market Outlook: With the upcoming U.S. dyslipidemia treatment guidelines expected in 2026, bempedoic acid is likely to receive further recommendations, and its positive endorsement in European guidelines will significantly enhance Esperion's market potential, especially among high-risk patient groups.
- Strategic Positioning: Esperion is focused on developing innovative therapies for cardiovascular diseases, and the recognition of bempedoic acid not only solidifies its position in the cardiovascular space but also lays the groundwork for future product line expansion and market penetration.
See More
Esperion Grants 380,000 Stock Options and 435,536 RSUs to New CCO John Harlow
- Executive Incentive Plan: On December 4, 2025, Esperion granted 380,000 non-qualified stock options to newly appointed CCO John Harlow, aimed at attracting and retaining key talent through equity incentives, thereby enhancing the company's competitive position in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Restricted Stock Units: Additionally, 435,536 RSUs were awarded, with 424,536 shares allocated to Harlow, reflecting the company's recognition of his critical role in driving commercialization efforts, which is expected to boost his motivation and performance.
- Compliance with Incentive Plan: The grants of stock options and RSUs comply with Esperion's 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, ensuring transparency and compliance in attracting new employees, which helps to bolster investor confidence.
- Long-term Incentive Structure: The vesting structure of the options and RSUs, with 25% vesting after one year and the remaining 75% vesting quarterly, ensures that Harlow continues to create value for the company over the next three years, facilitating the implementation of the company's long-term growth strategy.
See More
Esperion Grants Restricted Stock Units to New Employees
- Employee Incentive Program: On February 10, 2026, Esperion granted 40,200 restricted stock units (RSUs) to 11 new employees, aimed at attracting talent and enhancing employee loyalty, thereby improving overall company competitiveness.
- Grant Conditions Explained: Under the 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, RSUs will vest 25% on the one-year anniversary of the grant, with the remaining 75% vesting in twelve equal quarterly installments, ensuring employees remain with the company to realize full benefits.
- Company Background: Esperion is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for cardiometabolic and rare diseases, currently marketing two oral, non-statin therapies to help patients manage low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
- Market Positioning: With a broad U.S. commercial infrastructure and global approvals in over 40 countries, Esperion aims to be the partner of choice for global innovators seeking U.S. market access, driving future growth and market share expansion.
See More
Esperion Therapeutics Reports Strong 2025 Preliminary Results with $400 Million Revenue
- Significant Revenue Growth: Esperion's preliminary total revenue for 2025 reached $400 million to $408 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 20% to 23%, indicating strong market demand and product acceptance in the cardiovascular treatment sector.
- Strong Product Sales: The company's U.S. net product sales for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET are projected to be between $156 million and $160 million, representing a 35% to 38% increase compared to 2024, showcasing expanded physician adoption and reimbursement coverage.
- Enhanced Financial Flexibility: As of year-end 2025, Esperion reported approximately $168 million in cash and cash equivalents, providing financial support for ongoing commercial expansion and pipeline development, ensuring sustainable future growth.
- Long-Term Strategic Planning: Esperion introduced its “Vision 2040” strategy aimed at evolving into a multi-product, innovation-driven global pharmaceutical company focused on cardiometabolic disease prevention and expansion into rare hepatic and renal indications, demonstrating the company's ambitious future development plans.
See More
Esperion Reports $156-$160 Million in 2025 Sales, Unveils Vision 2040 Strategy
- Significant Sales Growth: Esperion anticipates U.S. net product sales for 2025 to be between $156 million and $160 million, reflecting a 35% to 38% increase compared to 2024, indicating strong performance and demand in the cardiovascular sector.
- Optimistic Revenue Outlook: The company expects total revenue to range from $400 million to $408 million in 2025, representing a 20% to 23% increase from 2024, showcasing success in product portfolio expansion and market penetration.
- Vision Strategy Unveiled: Esperion introduced its Vision 2040 strategy, aiming to evolve into a global leader in cardiovascular disease prevention with a diversified product portfolio and a robust pipeline, targeting at least five blockbuster products by 2040.
- Market Expansion Plans: The company plans to enhance its revenue opportunities in the cardiovascular prevention market by investing in sales and marketing, particularly through the introduction of two triple combination products, which are expected to significantly boost competitive positioning.
See More
Esperion's Bempedoic Acid Recognized by ACC as First-Line LDL-C Lowering Therapy
- Therapy Recognition: Esperion's bempedoic acid has been included in the 2025 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Statement as a first-line therapy for LDL-C lowering in patients on maximally tolerated statins, highlighting its significance in high-risk populations.
- Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: The CLEAR Outcomes trial demonstrated a 36% reduction in major adverse limb events (MALE) with bempedoic acid, which not only validates its efficacy but also provides crucial treatment guidance for clinicians.
- Future Guidelines: Esperion anticipates that bempedoic acid will be further recognized in the upcoming 2026 U.S. dyslipidemia treatment guidelines, enhancing its market position in cardiovascular disease management.
- Market Potential: Esperion is focused on developing non-statin oral therapies, currently approved in over 40 countries globally, showcasing its extensive market opportunities and growth potential in the cardiovascular disease sector.
See More
Esperion's Bempedoic Acid Recognized by ACC for LDL-C Lowering in PAD Patients
- Treatment Recognition: Esperion's bempedoic acid has been included in the 2025 American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines for LDL-C lowering in patients with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD), highlighting its significance as a first-line therapy, which is expected to boost market acceptance and sales growth.
- Clinical Efficacy: The CLEAR Outcomes trial demonstrated a 36% reduction in major adverse limb events (MALE) with bempedoic acid, not only validating its effectiveness in high-risk populations but also potentially increasing physician confidence and prescription rates.
- Market Outlook: With the upcoming U.S. dyslipidemia treatment guidelines expected in 2026, bempedoic acid is likely to receive further recommendations, and its positive endorsement in European guidelines will significantly enhance Esperion's market potential, especially among high-risk patient groups.
- Strategic Positioning: Esperion is focused on developing innovative therapies for cardiovascular diseases, and the recognition of bempedoic acid not only solidifies its position in the cardiovascular space but also lays the groundwork for future product line expansion and market penetration.
See More
Esperion Grants 380,000 Stock Options and 435,536 RSUs to New CCO John Harlow
- Executive Incentive Plan: On December 4, 2025, Esperion granted 380,000 non-qualified stock options to newly appointed CCO John Harlow, aimed at attracting and retaining key talent through equity incentives, thereby enhancing the company's competitive position in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Restricted Stock Units: Additionally, 435,536 RSUs were awarded, with 424,536 shares allocated to Harlow, reflecting the company's recognition of his critical role in driving commercialization efforts, which is expected to boost his motivation and performance.
- Compliance with Incentive Plan: The grants of stock options and RSUs comply with Esperion's 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, ensuring transparency and compliance in attracting new employees, which helps to bolster investor confidence.
- Long-term Incentive Structure: The vesting structure of the options and RSUs, with 25% vesting after one year and the remaining 75% vesting quarterly, ensures that Harlow continues to create value for the company over the next three years, facilitating the implementation of the company's long-term growth strategy.
See More
