Top-Line Data For Esperion's Bempedoic Acid Creates Question About Whether There Is A Place In The Market For It

Following the release of top-line results from the eight-week mid-state study of Esperion Therapeutics Inc ESPR's bempedoic acid, Chardan said safety concerns on adding it to high-dose statins triggers a question whether there is any market for it.

Analyst Gbola Amusa believes if high-dose statins and statins intolerance markets are ruled out for a label, patients with inadequate LDL control on low-dose statins could be put on high-dose statins or on generic ezetimibe.

Reviewing the trial results, Chardon noted that study met its primary endpoint, as bempedoic acid lowered LDL 22 percent over placebo and 13 percent from the baseline. It also lowered high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by 35 percent, the firm added. The firm also noted that the company said its safety profile is comparable to placebo.

Concluding, Chardon said the rate of adverse events is very troubling, potentially ruling out bempedoic acid use with high intensity statins. The firm also said the safety data likely still points to the need for outcomes trials for bempedoic acid approval.

At last check, Esperion was up 5.52 percent at $13.

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