Esperion and CSL Seqirus Collaborate to Market NEXLETOL® and NEXLIZET® in Australia

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esperion Therapeutics has finalized a licensing and distribution agreement with CSL Seqirus to exclusively market NEXLETOL® (bempedoic acid) and NEXLIZET® (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Under this agreement, Esperion is poised to receive upfront and milestone payments and will supply the finished product to CSL Seqirus at a profitable transfer price.

Cardiovascular disease represents a significant health challenge in both Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, it affects 1.2 million individuals and is a primary cause of death. Meanwhile, New Zealand reports around 175,000 adults living with cardiovascular disease, with one-third of deaths attributed to this condition.

Danielle Dowell, Executive Director of Commercial Operations Asia Pacific at CSL Seqirus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential to mitigate cardiovascular disease burdens through new treatment options. These medicines add value to CSL Seqirus' existing portfolio of imported drugs.

Esperion's President and CEO, Sheldon Koenig, shared excitement about the collaboration's potential to offer additional treatments for high LDL-C cholesterol, thus reducing cardiovascular risks in the region. This partnership marks a strategic expansion into a significant market, thereby enhancing Esperion's global outreach.

The agreement grants CSL Seqirus exclusive commercialization rights for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET in these two countries, with responsibilities for marketing, regulatory approval, and reimbursement. Esperion will receive an initial payment and may earn milestone payments up to $5 million. Post-regulatory approval, Esperion will provide the products at a profitable transfer price.

NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET are designed to lower cardiovascular risks in adults who cannot tolerate standard statin therapy, addressing both established cardiovascular disease and high-risk patients without established disease. NEXLIZET, either alone or with other therapies, targets LDL-C reduction in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including HeFH. NEXLETOL serves a similar purpose, used alone or in combination when other therapies aren't viable.

Regarding safety, these medications are contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity to their components and have been associated with serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema. Bempedoic acid, a component in both drugs, can elevate uric acid levels, potentially causing gout, and is linked to an increased risk of tendon rupture, particularly in those over 60 or with pre-existing conditions.

Common adverse reactions observed in trials included upper respiratory infections, muscle spasms, and hyperuricemia. Discontinuation is advised upon recognizing pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus, and breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

CSL Seqirus operates as a significant entity within CSL Limited, known for its global influenza vaccine production and contributions to pandemic preparedness. With facilities across the U.S., U.K., and Australia, CSL Seqirus supports healthcare with a diverse range of vaccines and medicines, emphasizing its commitment to public health.

Esperion Therapeutics is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to introducing innovative cardiovascular treatments. It is the developer of FDA-approved, non-statin oral medications aimed at lowering LDL-C for patients at cardiovascular risk. Their ongoing work includes further research into ATP citrate lyase inhibitors, promising more potent and targeted therapies. Esperion aims to continue its growth through strategic partnerships and a strong focus on pre-clinical advancements.