Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Pharmaceuticals
April 20, 2020

Otsuka Enters into Licensing Agreement in Japan for Bempedoic Acid, a Treatment for Hypercholesterolemia

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. (headquartered in Michigan, U.S.) announce a licensing agreement in which Otsuka acquires from Esperion exclusive development and commercialization rights in Japan for bempedoic acid (chemical name).

Bempedoic acid, designed by Esperion, has a novel mechanism of action that inhibits cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis pathways by acting on ATP (adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, an enzyme that breaks down citric acid in the liver).

It is a once-daily, oral therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia that was developed for patients who cannot take statins due to side effects or whose LDL cholesterol levels do not decrease sufficiently when taking statins or other lipid-lowering therapies. Manufacturing and marketing approvals for bempedoic acid have been obtained in the U.S. and Europe.

Under the terms of the agreement, Otsuka will pay Esperion a one-time payment of USD 60 million, as well as milestones in accordance with achievement of development and sales goals. Otsuka will conduct future clinical trials in Japan and bear the costs. Otsuka will have exclusive marketing rights in Japan and will pay royalties to Esperion based on sales levels.