Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR, Financial) is set to unveil new research that focuses on its leading development prospects aimed at treating primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This chronic liver condition, which currently lacks any approved treatments, is the target of the company's innovative allosteric inhibitors of ATP citrate lyase (ACLY). ACLY is a crucial metabolic enzyme linked to liver inflammation and fibrosis.
Esperion's approach leverages its extensive expertise in ACLY biology, with the goal of expanding its pipeline beyond existing medications, NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET. The company's lead candidate, ESP-1336, is highlighted as a promising, potentially first-in-class allosteric ACLY inhibitor. According to the company, this compound is well-characterized with significant preclinical data and signifies a strategic extension of its metabolic franchise.
Esperion's discovery program for next-generation ACLY inhibitors is specifically designed to enhance potency and selectivity, aiming to refine the selection of indications and patient populations through a data-driven approach. This development marks Esperion's commitment to addressing the pressing needs of PSC patients through advanced therapeutic solutions.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast
Based on the one-year price targets offered by 8 analysts, the average target price for Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR, Financial) is $6.48 with a high estimate of $16.00 and a low estimate of $1.85. The average target implies an upside of 586.86% from the current price of $0.94. More detailed estimate data can be found on the Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) Forecast page.
Based on the consensus recommendation from 9 brokerage firms, Esperion Therapeutics Inc's (ESPR, Financial) average brokerage recommendation is currently 2.2, indicating "Outperform" status. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 5, where 1 signifies Strong Buy, and 5 denotes Sell.
Based on GuruFocus estimates, the estimated GF Value for Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR, Financial) in one year is $2.79, suggesting a upside of 195.68% from the current price of $0.9436. GF Value is GuruFocus' estimate of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on the historical multiples the stock has traded at previously, as well as past business growth and the future estimates of the business' performance. More detailed data can be found on the Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) Summary page.
ESPR Key Business Developments
Release Date: March 04, 2025
- Total Revenue: $69.1 million in Q4 2024, up 114% from $32.3 million in Q4 2023.
- US Net Product Revenue: $31.6 million in Q4 2024, a 52% increase from $20.8 million in Q4 2023.
- Collaboration Revenue: $37.6 million in Q4 2024, up 227% from $11.5 million in Q4 2023.
- Research and Development Expenses: $11 million in Q4 2024, a decrease of 38% from $17.7 million in Q4 2023.
- Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses: $36.9 million in Q4 2024, down 19% from $45.4 million in Q4 2023.
- Cash and Cash Equivalents: $144.8 million as of December 31, 2024.
- Royalty Revenue from DSE: Increased 9% sequentially to $9.7 million in Q4 2024.
- Full-Year Royalty Revenue: $32.6 million in 2024, up 116% year over year.
- Operating Expense Guidance for 2025: Expected to be $215 million to $235 million, including $15 million of noncash expenses.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR, Financial) received US FDA approval for expanded labels for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET, making them the only FDA-approved non-statins to lower LDL-cholesterol and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization.
- The company achieved 12% sequential quarterly growth in total retail prescription equivalents (TRPEs) in Q4 2024, with expanded payer access covering over 173 million lives in the US.
- Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) has entered into international partnerships, including with CSL Seqirus in Australia and New Zealand, and Neopharm Israel, which are expected to drive future revenue growth.
- The company reported a 114% increase in total revenue for Q4 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with significant growth in both US net product revenue and collaboration revenue.
- Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) has a strong financial position with cash and cash equivalents of $144.8 million as of December 31, 2024, and expects to finish 2025 with an even stronger cash position.
Negative Points
- The company faces risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements, as highlighted under the Safe Harbor provision.
- Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) experienced an exceptional impact from the Medicare coverage gap in Q4 2024, affecting revenue alignment with TRPE growth.
- Research and development expenses decreased by 38% in Q4 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the completion of the CLEAR Outcomes study, indicating potential challenges in sustaining R&D momentum.
- Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased by 19% in Q4 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to onetime legal expenses, which may not be sustainable in the long term.
- Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) is still in the process of evaluating potential in-licensing or acquisition opportunities, which may delay portfolio expansion and pipeline advancement.
