Reimagining CardiovascularHealth Management through Innovative Therapies and Patient Empowerment!

For decades, statins have been the go-to medications for managing high LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and reducing cardiovascular risk. While statins have proven benefits, they also carry potential side effects that some patients can't tolerate.

"We're transforming the treatment of cardiovascular disease for millions of patients," says Sheldon Koenig, President and CEO. “In the battle against heart disease, the biotech Esperion is pioneering an innovative new approach.”

Esperion was founded in 2008 by Dr. Roger Newton, who had a pioneering idea—to develop a safe, effective cholesterol-lowering drug that didn't carry the negative side effects associated with standard statin medications. That concept gave rise to bempedoic acid, an ACLY inhibitor that gained FDA approval in 2020, for a subset of patients requiring additional LDL-C lowering

When Koenig took the helm at Esperion in 2021, the Company’s clinical team was conducting a cardiovascular outcomes trial with bempedoic acid that was conducted in the midst of a global pandemic (COVID-19). Three years later, they achieved another milestone, securing FDA approval as the only non-statin oral LDL-C lowering medication for reducing cardiovascular risk in primary and secondary prevention patients. This vital indication addresses a significant unmet medical need, allowing Esperion to potentially help the millions of patients who cannot reach their goals on current therapies alone.

Esperion is focused on addressing all patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, including those often overlooked populations with few treatment alternatives. With its flagship product, bempedoic acid, now covering the full spectrum of cholesterol management and CV risk reduction, the company is well-positioned to make a seismic impact on global heart health.

And this is only the beginning. Esperion’s employees remain focused on executing its commercial strategy while identifying other indications which its next generation ACLY inhibitors may be able to address.

Below are the interview highlights:

Driven by Passion and Personal Experience

Sheldon's career has been a lifelong pursuit fueled by a deep passion for bringing life-saving medicines to patients in need. With unwavering dedication, he has committed himself to the noble cause of bringing innovative therapies to market—therapies that possess the power to help patients and, quite literally, save lives.

His drive is not merely a professional calling, but a mission deeply rooted in personal experience. As a cancer survivor of 14 years, he knows first-hand the profound impact that medical innovation and drug development can have on those battling life-threatening diseases. His journey as a patient has instilled within him a profound appreciation for the tireless efforts of researchers, scientists, and medical professionals who tirelessly work to prevent and treat existing diseases.

Through his battle with cancer, Sheldon witnessed the transformative power of medical breakthroughs and the invaluable role they play in prolonging and improving the lives of countless individuals. This personal connection has only strengthened his resolve to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of progressive treatments.

Fighting Cardiovascular Disease  

While cancer has rightly received significant attention, Esperion understands that cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer globally. This sobering reality reinforcess the Company’s conviction that education plays a crucial role in empowering patients to take preventative measures and seek timely treatment.

Recognizing the transformative impact that accessible information and regular therapies can have on patient outcomes, the Company emphasizes the importance of patients being aware that cardiovascular events can often be prevented through simple steps, such as obtaining a lipid panel and adhering to a prescribed treatment regimen.

This belief in the power of education and preventative care has become a driving force behind Esperion, where the goal is to deliver innovative medicines that help patients achieve and maintain their health goals, both in the present and for the long-term future.

By emphasizing the significance of education and early intervention, Esperion aims to empower individuals to take control of their cardiovascular health, make informed decisions, and seek medical guidance before potentially life-threatening events occur.

Simultaneously, the Company’s dedication to delivering innovative medicines underscores his belief in the power of scientific breakthroughs to advance treatment options and improve patient outcomes. Through the development of novel therapies, Esperion envisions a future where cardiovascular disease is not just managed but effectively prevented and, ultimately, conquered.

The Lifesaving Impact of Cancidas

In 1999/2000, Koenig played a pivotal role in the launch of Cancidas (Caspofungin Acetate) for Merck, a novel antifungal medication that would go on to save countless lives worldwide. This novel drug represented a significant breakthrough in the treatment of fungal infections, exhibiting no resistance and proving effective in treating both candidemia and aspergillosis in patients with compromised immune systems, including solid organ transplant recipients, cancer patients, and those living with HIV.

His involvement in the launch of Cancidas was an example of his dedication to bringing innovative and life-changing therapies to those in need. As he witnessed first-hand, this drug truly lived up to its life-saving potential, becoming a blockbuster success that contributed to the successful treatment of countless immunocompromised patients globally.

The significance of Cancidas cannot be overstated. Before its introduction, the medical community faced limited options for combating severe fungal infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. These individuals were especially vulnerable to the devastating effects of such infections, often leading to life-threatening complications.

Cancidas represented a paradigm shift in antifungal therapy, offering a powerful and effective solution that could be tailored to the unique needs of these high-risk patient populations. Its ability to target and eradicate fungal infections without encountering resistance was a remarkable achievement, providing hope and relief to those battling these dangerous conditions.

Sheldon's role in the launch of Cancidas exemplifies his commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes. Through his efforts, this ground-breaking medication was brought to the forefront, enabling healthcare professionals worldwide to access a potent tool in their arsenal against life-threatening fungal infections.

Dedication to Staying Informed

Koenig's passion for staying abreast of the latest developments in the healthcare industry is evident in his commitment to actively following various healthcare outlets and social media platforms. With a keen interest in cardiovascular trends, he diligently keeps up with drug discovery, commercialization efforts, and other pertinent facts related to companies working on cardiovascular projects.

He recognizes the rapid pace of innovation and the ever-evolving landscape of the healthcare sector, particularly in the realm of cardiovascular medicine. To remain at the forefront of this dynamic field, he proactively seeks out information from a diverse range of sources, including respected publications such as Endpoints and FiercePharma, as well as engaging with social media channels dedicated to healthcare discussions.

By embracing multiple platforms, he ensures that he has a comprehensive understanding of the latest breakthroughs, challenges, and trends shaping the cardiovascular space. This multifaceted approach allows him to stay informed about futuristic research, emerging therapies, regulatory developments, and the strategic initiatives of key players in the industry.

Comprehensive Health Care Practitioner Outreach and Patient Activation

Regarding how Esperion might assist patients in achieving their health objectives, Esperion has embarked on a plan that includes physician education and patient activation.

The recent growth of Esperion's field sales force, coupled with the use of innovative digital tools, enables ~45,000 physicians (PCPs and Specialists) to gain awareness of these life saving medicines. This investment in education helps clinicians help their patients in controlling cholesterol levels and reducing their cardiovascular risk.

Acknowledging that patient activation is equally crucial in this endeavor, Esperion has launched a consumer campaign designed to encourage individuals to ask more questions regarding their cardiovascular well-being, specifically their risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event. This proactive approach aims to raise awareness and foster open dialogues between patients and their healthcare providers, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health journey.

The vision for Esperion extends beyond merely providing treatment options; it involves equipping both physicians and patients with the necessary tools and resources to facilitate informed discussions about cardiovascular health and enable collaborative efforts in setting and achieving treatment goals.

Multifaceted Approach

In an effort to address the challenges of managing high cholesterol and cardiovascular health, the Company has implemented a two-pronged approach that combines the strengths of a robust field force with innovative digital strategies. This multifaceted strategy reflects the company's adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving landscape in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first prong of this approach involves a substantial expansion of Esperion's field presence. The company now has 150 territory managers actively engaged in the field, as well as a team of scientific liaisons who are experts in the cardiovascular space. This robust field force plays a crucial role in establishing direct connections with healthcare professionals, facilitating face-to-face interactions, and providing personalized support and education.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has also catalyzed a significant shift in the way pharmaceutical companies approach marketing and physician engagement. Recognizing this change, Esperion has embraced digital strategies as the second prong of its approach, leveraging various digital channels such as emails, websites, and other online platforms to deliver promotional messages to physicians effectively.

This two-pronged approach acknowledges the importance of maintaining a strong physical presence through the field force while simultaneously adapting to the growing demand for digital engagement in the post-COVID era. By combining these two complementary strategies, Esperion aims to maximize its reach and effectiveness in communicating with healthcare professionals and delivering valuable information about its products and services.

Implementing this multifaceted approach underscores the Company’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to adapt to evolving market conditions. By embracing both traditional field-based tactics and cutting-edge digital strategies, Esperion is positioning itself to meet the diverse needs and preferences of healthcare professionals, ensuring that its messaging and support can be delivered through multiple channels.

Furthermore, Esperion's focus on measuring the success of these initiatives demonstrates a data-driven approach and a commitment to continuous improvement. By closely monitoring the effectiveness of its field force and digital strategies, the Company can make informed decisions, refine its tactics, and allocate resources effectively to achieve optimal results in promoting cardiovascular health and managing high cholesterol.

Leveraging Consumer Campaigns

In addition to the multifaceted strategies targeting healthcare professionals, Esperion's has undertaken a bold approach to engaging consumers directly by launching a robust consumer campaign targeting specific geographic regions, aiming to raise awareness and promote cardiovascular health among the general public.

Furthermore, Esperion has forged a strategic partnership with RFK Racing, sponsoring both the #6 NEXLIZET® (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) and #17 NEXLETOL® (bempedoic acid) cars in the prestigious NASCAR™ Cup Series. This high-profile collaboration not only showcases the company's commitment to cardiovascular health but also provides a platform for reaching a vast audience of motorsports enthusiasts.

Esperion will sponsor four NASCAR Cup races during the 2024 season, leveraging these prominent events to deliver accompanying programming and educational content on the importance of cardiovascular well-being. This innovative approach demonstrates the company's commitment to leveraging unconventional channels to disseminate vital health information and engage with a diverse range of individuals.

By combining targeted consumer campaigns with the excitement and popularity of NASCAR, Esperion is implementing a bold strategy that aims to capture the attention of the broader public. This approach recognizes the importance of reaching beyond traditional healthcare settings and embracing innovative avenues to promote cardiovascular health and raise awareness about the risks associated with conditions like high cholesterol.

Esperion's partnership with RFK Racing not only provides a platform for brand visibility but also serves as a powerful tool for connecting with audiences who may not traditionally engage with healthcare messaging. By aligning its brand with the thrill and passion of NASCAR, the company has the potential to resonate with individuals who may not have previously been receptive to traditional health campaigns.

Expanding Access and Advocating for Patient Choice

The Company’s devotion to ensuring widespread access to it’s innovative cardiovascular medications is evident in the company's proactive approach to collaborating with both commercial and government payers. With the recent approval of its expanded labels, Esperion is actively working to broaden access to its therapies, enabling more patients to benefit from these potentially life-changing treatments.

Koenig’s personal involvement in this endeavour underscores his commitment to the cause. He is not only guiding the strategy for engaging with payers but also taking his advocacy efforts directly to the field, speaking with prescribing physicians and payer management teams. This hands-on approach demonstrates his understanding of the importance of building strong relationships and open lines of communication with key stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.

Esperion’s mission is driven by a fundamental belief that every patient should have the opportunity to access it’s medicines if their physician deems it appropriate for their individual needs. This patient-centric philosophy recognizes the uniqueness of each individual's medical journey and the crucial role that healthcare providers play in determining the most suitable course of treatment.

Forging Partnerships for Improved Cardiovascular Care

Esperion’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular care extends beyond the Company’s efforts, as evidenced by it’s strategic partnerships with renowned organizations such as the Family Heart Foundation, the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the American Heart Association (AHA). These collaborations reflect the belief in the power of collective action and  understanding that addressing complex health challenges requires a multifaceted approach.

One notable example of Esperion's collaborative efforts is the recent partnership with the ACC, Amgen, and other companies on a program aimed at empowering patients to be more actively involved in monitoring their LDL-C levels. This initiative underscores the Company’s recognition that patient education and engagement are crucial components in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Despite being a small to mid-cap company, Esperion stands out for its rare ability to not only commercialize products like NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET while also looking to future opportunities for Esperion to help patients. This remarkable achievement is an example of his leadership, its employees, the company's strong financial management practices, and the unwavering "can-do" attitude that permeates the entire Esperion team.

Esperion’s approach is characterized by a commitment to detailed annual goal-setting, ensuring that the Company remains focused and driven in its pursuit of excellence. This strategic planning, coupled with a culture of pride and unwavering dedication, has enabled Esperion to punch above its weight and achieve remarkable milestones in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry.

The Company’s collaborative mindset and willingness to forge partnerships with esteemed organizations demonstrate it’s understanding that addressing the complex challenges of cardiovascular disease requires a multifaceted approach that transcends the boundaries of any single organization. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders, Esperion is better positioned to drive meaningful progress in improving cardiovascular health outcomes.

Quote: I love the ability to work with like-minded employees who are dedicated to the mission of making our drug available to the 70 million patients in the United States who need these lifesaving products!