Esperion Presents New Data from CLEAR Outcomes and the CLEAR PATH Phase 2 Pediatric Study at the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) presented new bempedoic acid data at the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress 2026. A Phase 2 CLEAR Path 1 study in children aged 6-17 with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia showed weight-based dosing achieved adult-like exposure and LDL-C reductions of about 6-25% without new safety signals.

A CLEAR Outcomes post hoc analysis in statin-intolerant adults found 42% of bempedoic acid patients achieved ≥30% LDL-C reduction at 3 months, with greater response linked to female sex, higher baseline LDL-C and concurrent ezetimibe use.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Key Figures

Pediatric LDL-C reduction: 6–25% ≥30% LDL-C responders: 42% Pediatric age range: 6–17 years +4 more

7 metrics

Pediatric LDL-C reduction 6–25% LDL-C reduction range in children 6–17 years with HeFH in Phase 2 study

≥30% LDL-C responders 42% Proportion of CLEAR Outcomes bempedoic acid patients with ≥30% LDL-C reduction at 3 months

Pediatric age range 6–17 years Age range of children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in Phase 2 trial

Tendon rupture rate (primary trials) 0.5% vs 0% Tendon rupture in bempedoic acid vs placebo in primary hypercholesterolemia trials

Tendon rupture rate (CV outcomes) 1.2% vs 0.9% Tendon rupture in bempedoic acid vs placebo in cardiovascular outcomes trial

Common AE threshold (bempedoic acid) ≥2% Incidence threshold for common adverse reactions vs placebo in primary hypercholesterolemia trials

Common AE threshold (NEXLIZET-only) ≥3% Incidence threshold for adverse reactions seen with NEXLIZET but not monotherapies

Market Reality Check

Price: $3.13 Vol: Volume 6,692,077 with rel...

low vol

$3.13 Last Close

Volume Volume 6,692,077 with relative volume 0.32x, below 20-day average 21,244,687 ahead of this update. low

Technical Price $3.13 is trading above the 200-day MA at $2.92, indicating a pre-news uptrend bias.

Peers on Argus

ESPR was flat over the prior day, while peers showed mixed, mostly negative move...

ESPR was flat over the prior day, while peers showed mixed, mostly negative moves (e.g., AQST -3.29%, EOLS -6.31%, ORGO +0.38%). This suggests today’s clinical data are stock-specific rather than part of a broad sector rotation.

Previous Clinical trial Reports

5 past events · Latest: Mar 17 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 17	CLEAR Outcomes data	Positive	+0.7%	New CLEAR Outcomes analyses in underrepresented statin-intolerant patient subgroups.
Oct 16	Preclinical candidate	Positive	+5.2%	Nomination of ESP-2001 for primary sclerosing cholangitis with IND planned for 2026.
Oct 3	Patent settlement	Positive	+13.8%	Settlement delaying U.S. generics for NEXLETOL/NEXLIZET until at least April 2040.
Aug 29	Guideline upgrade	Positive	+0.5%	ESC/EAS guidelines granting bempedoic acid a Level 1a dyslipidaemia recommendation.
Mar 20	Pediatric trial plan	Positive	-3.0%	FDA alignment to start Phase 3 pediatric trials for HeFH and HoFH populations.

Pattern Detected

Clinical and guideline-related updates have generally led to modest positive moves, with one notable divergence on pediatric Phase 3 planning news.

Recent Company History

Over the past year, clinical and guideline milestones have steadily expanded Esperion’s bempedoic acid franchise. A Mar 17, 2026 CLEAR Outcomes analysis in underrepresented populations, an Oct 2025 preclinical nomination (ESP-2001), and an ESC/EAS Level 1a guideline upgrade all supported the LDL-C and cardiovascular risk profile. FDA alignment in March 2025 to initiate pediatric Phase 3 trials directly connects to today’s EAS data, which provide Phase 2 evidence in children and refine responder characteristics in statin-intolerant adults.

Historical Comparison

+3.4% avg move · In the past year, clinical-trial and development updates for ESPR saw an average move of about 3.43%...

clinical trial

+3.4%

Average Historical Move clinical trial

In the past year, clinical-trial and development updates for ESPR saw an average move of about 3.43%, giving a reference frame for interpreting this EAS Congress Phase 2 and CLEAR Outcomes analysis news.

Clinical news shows a progression from guideline recognition and adult CLEAR Outcomes data to regulatory alignment for pediatric Phase 3, culminating in today’s Phase 2 pediatric results that help bridge into those planned registrational studies.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement adds Phase 2 pediatric evidence that bempedoic acid reduces LDL-C by 6–25% without...

Analysis

This announcement adds Phase 2 pediatric evidence that bempedoic acid reduces LDL-C by 6–25% without new safety concerns and refines which statin‑intolerant adults achieve ≥30% LDL-C reductions (42% in CLEAR Outcomes). It builds on prior guideline endorsements and pediatric Phase 3 planning. Investors following the story may watch for full Phase 3 data, long‑term safety in younger patients, and how these findings integrate with the pending $3.16-per-share acquisition structure.

Key Terms

ldl-c, familial hypercholesterolemia, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, statin intolerant, +4 more

8 terms

ldl-c medical

"Bempedoic Acid Lowered LDL-C and Was Well Tolerated in Children Aged 6-17 Years"

LDL-C stands for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the portion of cholesterol carried in the blood by LDL particles that is commonly linked to buildup of plaque in arteries—think of it like sticky debris that can clog pipes. Investors care because changes in LDL-C are a key measure used by regulators and clinicians to judge the effectiveness of cardiovascular drugs and devices, shape insurance coverage, and influence market demand for treatments that lower heart attack and stroke risk.

familial hypercholesterolemia medical

"pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia gives promise for bempedoic acid"

A genetic condition that causes very high levels of “bad” cholesterol from birth because the body cannot remove it effectively, greatly raising the risk of early heart disease. Investors should care because it creates steady demand for cholesterol tests, long‑term drug treatments, genetic screening and medical devices, and any breakthrough therapy or approval can meaningfully shift market size and company valuations—think of it as a built‑in, long‑term customer base for heart‑health solutions.

heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia medical

"Bempedoic Acid In Children Aged 6-17 Years With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia"

A genetic condition where a person inherits one faulty copy of a gene that prevents the body from clearing high levels of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, often leading to very early and persistent high cholesterol. Think of the liver’s cleanup crew as halved: cholesterol builds up more easily, raising the long-term risk of heart disease. For investors, it matters because it defines a steady, identifiable patient group for cholesterol tests, long-term therapies, new drugs and devices, and related regulatory and reimbursement decisions.

statin intolerant medical

"statin intolerant adults – ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 26, 2026 -- Esperion"

A statin intolerant person cannot take standard cholesterol‑lowering statin drugs because the medication causes side effects or risks that force dose reduction or stopping treatment, most commonly muscle pain, weakness, or abnormal liver tests. For investors, this matters because it creates a persistent group of patients who need alternative therapies or monitoring, similar to customers who reject a popular product and therefore sustain demand for substitutes or complementary services.

phase 2 medical

"presentation of results from a Phase 2 study of bempedoic acid in children"

Phase 2 is the mid-stage clinical trial where a new drug or treatment is tested in a larger group of patients to see if it works and to keep checking safety after initial human testing. Think of it as a field test that proves whether a product actually delivers its promised benefit. Investors watch Phase 2 closely because its results strongly influence a medicine’s chances of reaching the market, the size of its potential sales, and the company’s valuation.

phase 3 medical

"will further inform Phase 3 studies,” said Christie M Ballantyne, MD"

Phase 3 is the late-stage clinical testing step for a new drug or medical treatment, where the product is given to large groups of patients to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare it to standard care. Successful Phase 3 results are often the final scientific hurdle before regulators decide on approval and market launch—like passing a final exam before graduation—and can sharply change a company's valuation and future revenue prospects.

major adverse cardiovascular events medical

"indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events"

Major adverse cardiovascular events (often abbreviated MACE) are a grouped set of serious heart- and blood-vessel problems—commonly heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes—used as a single “scorecard” in clinical studies. Investors watch MACE results because they directly affect whether a treatment or device is seen as safe and effective, which in turn shapes regulatory approval, market access, potential sales, and legal or reputational risk.

myocardial infarction medical

"events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or coronary"

Myocardial infarction, commonly called a heart attack, happens when blood flow to part of the heart is suddenly blocked and heart muscle is damaged—like a garden hose being pinched so a patch of lawn starts to die. For investors, heart attacks matter because they drive demand for drugs, devices, hospitals and rehabilitation, affect health-care costs and workforce productivity, and can lead to regulatory actions, litigation or shifts in insurance and pricing that impact company earnings.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

– Bempedoic Acid Lowered LDL-C and Was Well Tolerated in Children Aged 6-17 Years –

– A Secondary Analysis of CLEAR Outcomes Reports on Patient Factors Associated With 30% or Greater Reduction in LDL-C in Statin Intolerant Adults –

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) today announced the presentation of results from a Phase 2 study of bempedoic acid in children, along with an additional post hoc analysis from CLEAR Outcomes describing patient traits associated an enhanced LDL-C lowering with bempedoic acid. These data were presented as moderated Science at a Glance sessions at the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Congress 2026 taking place on May 24-27, 2026, in Athens, Greece.

“The data from CLEAR Path 1 in pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia gives promise for bempedoic acid as a potentially safe and effective additional lipid lowering agent for use in children who carry a greater lifetime cardiovascular risk and will further inform Phase 3 studies,” said Christie M Ballantyne, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research at Baylor College of Medicine and member of the Esperion Pediatric Study Steering Committee. “The 30% or greater reduction in LDL-C more often observed in women, those with higher baseline LDL-C, and with concurrent baseline ezetimibe use as seen in the post-hoc analysis of CLEAR Outcomes confirms what was previously seen in the earlier bempedoic acid pooled hyperlipidemia trials and highlights the important role of bempedoic acid as both an adjunct and alternative lipid lowering therapy to statins.”

“These new analyses add to the breadth of clinical evidence demonstrating the robust LDL cholesterol lowering of NEXLETOL^® (bempedoic acid) across a wide range of patient populations,” said Sheldon Koenig, President and Chief Executive Officer of Esperion. “These data further support use of our combination product NEXLIZET^® (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe) to help patients achieve their LDL-C goals and reduce cardiovascular risk. We are also proud to present data supporting the use of bempedoic acid in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and which informs our Phase 3 pediatric studies.”

Key data presented at EAS Congress 2026

• Bempedoic Acid In Children Aged 6-17 Years With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: A Phase 2 Study presented by Samuel S Gidding, MD (Geisinger Health)
  
  Highlights

• • The variable dosing of bempedoic acid, as determined by patient weight in this study, resulted in similar drug exposure (levels) to that in adults, and supports the doses of bempedoic acid to be used in further clinical studies.
  • Bempedoic acid, when given as a tablet in addition to patient’s existing lipid lowering treatments, reduced LDL-C in pediatric patients (range 6-25%) and did not raise any new safety concerns.

• Factors Associated With Enhanced LDL-Cholesterol Lowering With Bempedoic Acid Among Statin-Intolerant Patients From Clear Outcomes presented by Christie M Ballantyne, MD (Baylor College of Medicine)
  
  Highlights

• • In CLEAR Outcomes, 42% of patients in the bempedoic acid arm demonstrated a ≥30% LDL‐C reduction at 3 months, a reduction on par with moderate intensity statins.
  • Patient factors associated with achieving a greater LDL-C reduction included female sex, higher starting LDL-C, and concurrent use of ezetimibe.

INDICATION

NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL are indicated:

• bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL, is indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or coronary revascularization) in adults at increased risk for these events who are unable to take recommended statin therapy (including those not taking a statin).
• as an adjunct to diet and exercise:
  • NEXLIZET is indicated to reduce LDL-C in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including HeFH.
  • NEXLETOL is indicated, 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 hypercholesterolemia, 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. Monitor as clinically indicated and initiate treatment with urate-lowering drugs as appropriate.
• Tendon Rupture: Bempedoic acid is associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture or injury. Tendon rupture occurred in 0.5% of patients treated with bempedoic acid in primary hypercholesterolemia trials, versus 0% on placebo. In the cardiovascular outcomes trial, the rates were 1.2% for bempedoic acid and 0.9% for placebo. 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 hypercholesterolemia trials of bempedoic acid 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.
• The most common 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, at an incidence of ≥2% and 0.5% greater than placebo, were hyperuricemia, renal impairment, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, muscle spasms, gout, and cholelithiasis.
• Concomitant use of NEXLIZET or NEXLETOL with greater than 20 mg of simvastatin or 40 mg of pravastatin should be avoided due to the potential for increased risk of simvastatin- or pravastatin-related myopathy. Concomitant use with fibrates may increase triglycerides and decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Monitor and adjust therapies as recommended.
• Discontinue NEXLIZET or NEXLETOL when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. The benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for NEXLIZET or NEXLETOL and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from NEXLIZET or NEXLETOL or from the underlying maternal condition.
  

Report pregnancies to Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. Adverse Event reporting line at 1-833-377-7633.

About Esperion Therapeutics
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and delivering innovative cardiometabolic and rare/orphan disease therapies. The Company leverages deep domain expertise in ACLY biology to develop and commercialize transformative medicines for patients worldwide. Esperion currently markets two oral, once-daily, non-statin therapies for patients struggling to maintain their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

With a broad U.S. commercial infrastructure and global approvals across more than 40 countries, Esperion is well positioned to serve as a partner-of-choice for global innovators seeking U.S. market access through acquisition, in-license, co-promotion and revenue share opportunities. In tandem, the Company is advancing its leadership in ACLY biology to build a diversified pipeline of novel product candidates, including treatments for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and renal diseases. 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 and business development 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, business development, 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 

FAQ

What data did Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) present on bempedoic acid at EAS Congress 2026?

Esperion presented Phase 2 pediatric and CLEAR Outcomes post hoc data on bempedoic acid at EAS Congress 2026. According to Esperion, pediatric results showed LDL-C reductions and adult-like exposure, while adult statin-intolerant data identified traits linked to ≥30% LDL-C lowering at three months.

How did bempedoic acid affect LDL-C in children in the CLEAR Path 1 Phase 2 study?

Bempedoic acid lowered LDL-C by about 6-25% in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. According to Esperion, weight-based dosing produced drug exposure similar to adults and the add-on tablet did not reveal new safety concerns in this pediatric population.

What proportion of statin-intolerant adults achieved a 30% LDL-C reduction with bempedoic acid in CLEAR Outcomes?

In CLEAR Outcomes, 42% of adults on bempedoic acid achieved a ≥30% LDL-C reduction at three months. According to Esperion, this degree of LDL-C lowering is described as on par with moderate-intensity statins in the study context.

Which patient factors were linked to enhanced LDL-C lowering with bempedoic acid in CLEAR Outcomes?

Enhanced LDL-C lowering was associated with female sex, higher baseline LDL-C and concurrent ezetimibe use. According to Esperion, these traits were linked to achieving ≥30% LDL-C reduction among statin-intolerant patients receiving bempedoic acid in the CLEAR Outcomes analysis.

What are NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL indicated for according to Esperion (ESPR)?

NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL are indicated to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in certain adults unable to take recommended statin therapy. According to Esperion, they are also indicated as adjuncts to diet and exercise to lower LDL-C in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including HeFH.

What key safety considerations are associated with NEXLIZET and NEXLETOL?

Key considerations include hypersensitivity reactions, hyperuricemia with possible gout, and increased tendon rupture risk. According to Esperion, common adverse reactions include upper respiratory tract infection, muscle spasms, anemia, elevated liver enzymes and others, and certain statin doses and fibrate combinations should be avoided or monitored.