Rosuvastatin Calcium

– Bempedoic Acid Receives Strongest Endorsement from ESC/EAS Guidelines Based on Compelling and Practice-Changing Evidence – – Guideline Recognition of ‘Strike Early and Strike Strong’ Approach with Early Combination Lipid-Lowering Therapy Affirms Continued Development of Company’s Oral Triple Combination Therapies in U.S. – ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) today welcomed the inclusion of bempedoic acid as the only non-statin newly recommended for LDL-C lowering and cardiovascular risk reduction in the 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias. “Recognition from Europe’s premier cardiovascular medical association further validates the clinical benefit of bempedoic acid in cardiovascular risk reduction,” said Sheldon Koenig, President and CEO of Esperion. “This recommendation marks a significant milestone for our European partner, Daiichi Sankyo Europe, as they continue to expand access across Europe, and is equally meaningful for our efforts in the U.S., where we anticipate the European guidelines will inform upcoming U.S. cholesterol treatment guidelines.” Key ESC/EAS Recommendations for LDL-C Lowering The guidelines, entitled “2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias,” were published in European Heart Journal by ESC and EAS. The full guidelines are available via open access here. European updated guidelines emphasize the importance of earlier, aggressive combination therapy, an industry shift which Esperion foresaw and strategically positioned itself to lead by developing the first oral lipid lowering triple combination pill in the US. These polypills are designed to potentially provide unprecedented LDL-C lowering, improved adherence with a single pill, and an earlier introduction into the treatment cycle. These advanced therapies will provide physicians and patients with a flexible suite of oral options to improve outcomes and long-term success, including monotherapy (NEXLETOL® (bempedoic acid) tablets), dual therapy (NEXLIZET® (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets), and the upcoming triple combination of bempedoic acid, ezetimibe, and either atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. INDICATION NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL are indicated: The bempedoic acid component of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL is indicated to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization in adults who are unable to take recommended statin therapy (including those not taking a statin) with: established cardiovascular disease (CVD), or at high risk for a CVD event but without established CVD. As an adjunct to diet: NEXLIZET, alone or in combination with other LDL-C lowering therapies, to reduce LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including HeFH. NEXLETOL, in combination with other LDL-C lowering therapies, or alone when concomitant LDL-C lowering therapy is not possible, to reduce LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including HeFH. established cardiovascular disease (CVD), or at high risk for a CVD event but without established CVD. NEXLIZET, alone or in combination with other LDL-C lowering therapies, to reduce LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including HeFH. NEXLETOL, in combination with other LDL-C lowering therapies, or alone when concomitant LDL-C lowering therapy is not possible, to reduce LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including HeFH. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL are contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity to bempedoic acid or ezetimibe or any of the excipients. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria have been reported. Hyperuricemia: Bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL, may increase blood uric acid levels, which may lead to gout. Hyperuricemia may occur early in treatment and persist throughout treatment, returning to baseline following discontinuation of treatment. Assess uric acid levels periodically as clinically indicated. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hyperuricemia, and initiate treatment with urate-lowering drugs as appropriate. Tendon Rupture: Bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL, is associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture or injury. Tendon rupture may occur more frequently in patients over 60 years of age, in those taking corticosteroid or fluoroquinolone drugs, in patients with renal failure, and in patients with previous tendon disorders. Discontinue NEXLIZET or NEXLETOL at the first sign of tendon rupture. Consider alternative therapy in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or tendon rupture. The most common adverse reactions in the primary hyperlipidemia trials of bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL, in ≥2% of patients and greater than placebo were upper respiratory tract infection, muscle spasms, hyperuricemia, back pain, abdominal pain or discomfort, bronchitis, pain in extremity, anemia, and elevated liver enzymes. Adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with ezetimibe (a component of NEXLIZET) and at an incidence greater than placebo in clinical trials were upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, and influenza. In the primary hyperlipidemia trials of NEXLIZET, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥3% and greater than placebo) observed with NEXLIZET, but not observed in clinical trials of bempedoic acid or ezetimibe, were urinary tract infection, nasopharyngitis, and constipation. The most common adverse reactions in the cardiovascular outcomes trial for bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL, at an incidence of ≥2% and 0.5% greater than placebo were hyperuricemia, renal impairment, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, muscle spasms, gout, and cholelithiasis. Discontinue NEXLIZET or NEXLETOL when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breast-fed infant, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with NEXLIZET or NEXLETOL. Report pregnancies to Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. Adverse Event reporting line at 1-833-377-7633. Please see full Prescribing Information for NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL. 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 esperion.com and follow Esperion on LinkedIn and X. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding marketing strategy and commercialization plans, current and planned operational expenses, expected profitability, future operations, commercial products, clinical development, including the timing, designs and plans for the CLEAR Outcomes study and its results, plans for potential future product candidates, financial condition and outlook, including expected cash runway and profitability, and other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “suggest,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Esperion’s actual results to differ significantly from those projected, including, without limitation, the net sales, profitability, and growth of Esperion’s commercial products, clinical activities and results, supply chain, commercial development and launch plans, the outcomes and anticipated benefits of legal proceedings and settlements, and the risks detailed in Esperion’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Esperion disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, other than to the extent required by law. Esperion Contact Information: Investors: Alina Venezia investorrelations@esperion.com (734) 887-3903 Media: Tiffany Aldrich corporateteam@esperion.com (616) 443-8438

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and FRANKLIN, Tenn., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akebia Therapeutics®, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, and Innovative Renal Care (IRC), a leading comprehensive kidney care provider in the U.S., today announced the broad availability of Vafseo® (vadadustat) for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dialysis patients across all IRC clinics. Innovative Renal Care (IRC) has implemented a standardized treatment protocol for Vafseo® (vadadustat) across its network of more than 230 dialysis centers in 28 states and Washington, D.C., making it available as a treatment option for patients who both meet the FDA-approved clinical criteria and have access through IRC’s care model. This supports expanded availability for a subset of the more than 16,000 patients under IRC’s care, based on eligibility and clinical appropriateness. Vafseo was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2024 for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months. The therapy became commercially available in the U.S. in January 2025. “IRC is focused on delivering patient-centered care through strong partnerships that support our mission of delivering more tomorrows to patients,” said Dr. Geoffrey Walker, Chief Medical Officer at Innovative Renal Care. “Akebia shares our dedication to the kidney care community, and we’re proud to expand access to Vafseo as an innovative treatment option for our dialysis patients.” “As Vafseo continues to gain traction as a potential new standard of care for anemia management in dialysis patients, we’re pleased that Vafseo is broadly available through IRC’s extensive network,” said Nicholas Grund, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Akebia. “With Vafseo now accessible to over 55,000 patients through dialysis provider protocols, we expect to expand our total access to more than 275,000 patients by the end of Q4—positioning us for a significant increase in adoption.” About Innovative Renal Care Innovative Renal Care (IRC) is a national leader in kidney care, partnering with nephrologists and health systems to provide exceptional care for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Through joint ventures and an innovative, collaborative model, IRC empowers local care teams with the tools, technology, and support to deliver industry-leading clinical outcomes and a better patient experience. Guided by our commitment to Delivering More Tomorrows, IRC stands apart as a trusted partner in advancing kidney care—one patient, one partnership, and one outcome at a time. To learn more, visit www.innovativerenal.com. About Akebia TherapeuticsAkebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease. Akebia was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com, which does not form a part of this release. About Vafseo® (vadadustat) tabletsVafseo® (vadadustat) tablets is a once-daily oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that activates the physiologic response to hypoxia to stimulate endogenous production of erythropoietin, increasing hemoglobin and red blood cell production to manage anemia. Vafseo is approved for use in 37 countries. INDICATION VAFSEO is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months. Limitations of Use VAFSEO has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.VAFSEO is not indicated for use: As a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.In patients with anemia due to CKD not on dialysis. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION about VAFSEO (vadadustat) tablets WARNING: INCREASED RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, and THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS. VAFSEO increases the risk of thrombotic vascular events, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Targeting a hemoglobin level greater than 11 g/dL is expected to further increase the risk of death and arterial and venous thrombotic events, as occurs with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs), which also increase erythropoietin levels. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, dose of VAFSEO, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Use the lowest dose of VAFSEO sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions. CONTRAINDICATIONS Known hypersensitivity to VAFSEO or any of its componentsUncontrolled hypertension WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Risk of Death, Myocardial Infarction (MI), Stroke, Venous Thromboembolism, and Thrombosis of Vascular AccessA rise inhemoglobin (Hb) levels greater than 1 g/dL over 2 weeks can increase these risks. Avoid in patients with a history of MI, cerebrovascular event, or acute coronary syndrome within the 3 months prior to starting VAFSEO. Targeting a Hb level of greater than 11 g/dL is expected to further increase the risk of death and arterial and venous thrombotic events. Use the lowest effective dose to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Adhere to dosing and Hb monitoring recommendations to avoid excessive erythropoiesis. HepatotoxicityHepatocellular injury attributed to VAFSEO was reported in less than 1% of patients, including one severe case with jaundice. Elevated serum ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels were observed in 1.8%, 1.8%, and 0.3% of CKD patients treated with VAFSEO, respectively. Measure ALT, AST, and bilirubin before treatment and monthly for the first 6 months, then as clinically indicated. Discontinue VAFSEO if ALT or AST is persistently elevated or accompanied by elevated bilirubin. Not recommended in patients with cirrhosis or active, acute liver disease. HypertensionWorsening of hypertension was reported in 14% of VAFSEO and 17% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Serious worsening of hypertension was reported in 2.7% of VAFSEO and 3% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Cases of hypertensive crisis, including hypertensive encephalopathy and seizures, have also been reported in patients receiving VAFSEO. Monitor blood pressure. Adjust anti-hypertensive therapy as needed. SeizuresSeizures occurred in 1.6% of VAFSEO and 1.6% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Monitor for new-onset seizures, premonitory symptoms, or change in seizure frequency. Gastrointestinal (GI) ErosionGastric or esophageal erosions occurred in 6.4% of VAFSEO and 5.3% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Serious GI erosions, including GI bleeding and the need for RBC transfusions, were reported in 3.4% of VAFSEO and 3.3% of darbepoetin alfa patients. Consider this risk in patients at increased risk of GI erosion. Advise patients about signs of erosions and GI bleeding and urge them to seek prompt medical care if present. Serious Adverse Reactions in Patients with Anemia Due to CKD and Not on DialysisThe safety of VAFSEO has not been established for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults not on dialysis and its use is not recommended in this setting. In large clinical trials in adults with anemia of CKD who were not on dialysis, an increased risk of mortality, stroke, MI, serious acute kidney injury, serious hepatic injury, and serious GI erosions was observed in patients treated with VAFSEO compared to darbepoetin alfa. MalignancyVAFSEO has not been studied and is not recommended in patients with active malignancies. Malignancies were observed in 2.2% of VAFSEO and 3.0% of darbepoetin alfa patients. No evidence of increased carcinogenicity was observed in animal studies. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (occurring at ≥ 10%) were hypertension and diarrhea. DRUG INTERACTIONS Iron supplements and iron-containing phosphate binders: Administer VAFSEO at least 1 hour before products containing iron.Non-iron-containing phosphate binders: Administer VAFSEO at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after non-iron-containing phosphate binders.BCRP substrates: Monitor for signs of substrate adverse reactions and consider dose reduction.Statins: Monitor for statin-related adverse reactions. Limit the daily dose of simvastatin to 20 mg and rosuvastatin to 5 mg. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm.Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended until two days after the final dose.Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended in patients with cirrhosis or active, acute liver disease. Please note that this information is not comprehensive. Please click here for the Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release regarding Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.'s ("Akebia's") strategy, plans, prospects, expectations, beliefs, intentions and goals are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Akebia’s expectations regarding significant increase in adoption; Akebia’s expectations regarding broad availability of Vafseo for the treatment of anemia in CKD in patients across all IRC clinics; and Akebia’s beliefs and plans to establish Vafseo as the new standard of care for the treatment of anemia due to CKD. The terms "intend," "believe," "plan," "goal," "potential," "anticipate, "estimate," "expect," "future," "will," "continue," derivatives of these words, and similar references are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results, performance or experience may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement as a result of various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, risks associated with: the implementation and adoption of Vafseo across IRC’s clinics; patient eligibility and access; the implementation of standardized treatment protocols; the potential therapeutic benefits, safety profile, and effectiveness of Vafseo; the results of preclinical and clinical research; decisions made by health authorities, such as the FDA, with respect to regulatory filings and other interactions; the commercial availability of Vafseo; the potential demand and market potential and acceptance of, as well as coverage and reimbursement related to, Vafseo, including estimates regarding the potential market opportunity; the competitive landscape for Vafseo, including generic entrants and the timing thereof; the ability of Akebia to attract and retain qualified personnel; Akebia's ability to achieve and maintain profitability and to maintain operating expenses consistent with its operating plan; manufacturing, supply chain and quality matters and any recalls, write-downs, impairments or other related consequences or potential consequences; early termination of any of Akebia's collaborations; and changes in the geopolitical environment and uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy on tariffs. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Akebia's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, and other filings that Akebia may make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. These forward-looking statements (except as otherwise noted) speak only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Akebia does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.Akebia Therapeutics® and Vafseo® are registered trademarks of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. Akebia Therapeutics ContactMercedes Carrascomcarrasco@akebia.com Innovative Renal Care Amanda Reed VP, Marketing & Communications (321) 243-4374 Amanda.Reed@InnovativeRenal.com