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Daiichi Sankyo Europe (DSE) Poised to Acquire Esperion Therapeutics Amid Leaked Insider Information
Recent rumors circulating on social media, supported by credible leaks from individuals connected to both DSE and Esperion, strongly indicate that Daiichi Sankyo Europe (DSE), a division of Daiichi Sankyo, is preparing to acquire Esperion Therapeutics. The driving force behind this move appears to be DSE’s strategic expansion into the cholesterol-lowering market, leveraging Esperion’s assets, partnerships, and financial advantages.
Owning Esperion would grant DSE full control over not just bempedoic acid (Nilemdo and Nustendi in Europe) but also the financial and strategic benefits Esperion has secured through its partnerships and growing U.S. market presence. Most critically, it would allow DSE to eliminate substantial financial obligations tied to its current agreements with Esperion.
Acquiring Esperion outright would allow DSE to eliminate this ongoing royalty obligation, making the acquisition financially compelling.
Multiple sources have leaked that DSE has reached out to OMERS to negotiate a buyback of this $516 million royalty agreement before acquiring Esperion. If successful, DSE would save an estimated 60%—approximately $180 million—on OMERS’ expected 70% total return. Reports indicate that DSE has engaged both OMERS’ New York office (Eric Haley) and its London office to push forward negotiations.
Otsuka has dedicated a sales force of 600 to 800 representatives specifically to support the success of these drugs, further boosting their commercial potential. By acquiring Esperion, DSE would secure these milestone and royalty streams, ensuring that the financial benefits remain in-house rather than being paid out to Esperion as a separate entity.
An acquisition would provide DSE with:
CFO Ben Halladay previously hinted at a significant multi-billion-dollar opportunity outside of cardiovascular disease, with details expected to be revealed during Esperion’s R&D Day in April. If this new therapeutic area proves to be commercially viable, it would only further increase Esperion’s value as an acquisition target.
With Esperion’s leadership quietly acknowledging the likelihood of a buyout, and with key players such as OMERS already being approached for negotiations, the question is no longer if Esperion will be acquired—but when.
Daiichi Sankyo Europe (DSE) Poised to Acquire Esperion Therapeutics Amid Leaked Insider Information
Recent rumors circulating on social media, supported by credible leaks from individuals connected to both DSE and Esperion, strongly indicate that Daiichi Sankyo Europe (DSE), a division of Daiichi Sankyo, is preparing to acquire Esperion Therapeutics. The driving force behind this move appears to be DSE’s strategic expansion into the cholesterol-lowering market, leveraging Esperion’s assets, partnerships, and financial advantages.
The Strategic Fit: DSE’s Cholesterol-Lowering Pill and Esperion’s Key Assets
DSE is currently developing a triple-combination oral pill designed to lower LDL cholesterol by approximately 65%. Studies suggest it achieves this with minimal side effects compared to high-intensity statins. This novel treatment covers multiple pathways to accelerate LDL reduction, providing a rapid and effective option for patients.Owning Esperion would grant DSE full control over not just bempedoic acid (Nilemdo and Nustendi in Europe) but also the financial and strategic benefits Esperion has secured through its partnerships and growing U.S. market presence. Most critically, it would allow DSE to eliminate substantial financial obligations tied to its current agreements with Esperion.
Manufacturing Takeover and Financial Leverage
Esperion and DSE have had a turbulent relationship, shifting from collaboration to disputes and back to a structured settlement. In early 2024, a key agreement was reached in which DSE committed to taking over the cost of goods and manufacturing for bempedoic acid starting in the second half of 2025. This transition is projected to save Esperion between $70 million and $90 million annually—equating to a per-pill cost reduction of approximately $0.30. Additionally, DSE has agreed to pay Esperion a 25% royalty on all sales of the upcoming triple-combination pill.Acquiring Esperion outright would allow DSE to eliminate this ongoing royalty obligation, making the acquisition financially compelling.
The OMERS Royalty Agreement: A Key Target for Buyback
In July 2024, Esperion entered into a Royalty Purchase Agreement with OMERS Life Sciences, selling 100% of its royalty interest (subject to a cap) in DSE’s European bempedoic acid sales for an upfront payment of $304.7 million. Under the agreement, OMERS will collect tiered royalties (15–25%) until it receives a return of 1.7 times its investment, after which all future royalties revert back to Esperion.Multiple sources have leaked that DSE has reached out to OMERS to negotiate a buyback of this $516 million royalty agreement before acquiring Esperion. If successful, DSE would save an estimated 60%—approximately $180 million—on OMERS’ expected 70% total return. Reports indicate that DSE has engaged both OMERS’ New York office (Eric Haley) and its London office to push forward negotiations.
Esperion’s Partnership with Otsuka: A Valuable Acquisition Target
Esperion’s strategic partnership with Otsuka Japan is another major factor making the company an attractive acquisition target. Otsuka is set to launch Nexletol and Nexlizet in the second half of 2025, with Esperion expected to receive $130 million in milestone payments that year. Additionally, royalties will start at 15% and could rise to 30%, with Otsuka still owing over $300 million in future milestone payments.Otsuka has dedicated a sales force of 600 to 800 representatives specifically to support the success of these drugs, further boosting their commercial potential. By acquiring Esperion, DSE would secure these milestone and royalty streams, ensuring that the financial benefits remain in-house rather than being paid out to Esperion as a separate entity.
DSE’s Global Market Expansion and Financial Incentives
DSE is positioning itself to capture a minimum of 10% of the $19 billion annual global statin market with its triple-combination pill and bempedoic acid products. Given this ambition, acquiring Esperion for $2 billion or less presents an overwhelmingly logical step for DSE.An acquisition would provide DSE with:
- Control over U.S. bempedoic acid sales, which are projected to reach $170 million in 2025.
- Expansion into Canada, Australia, and Israel, where bempedoic acid sales are expected to grow significantly.
- The ability to avoid paying Esperion $300 million in milestone payments.
- Immediate elimination of the 25% royalty obligation on all sales of the triple-combination therapy.
- The ability to utilize Esperion’s $1.2 billion in tax losses, particularly if DSE establishes a stronger presence in the U.S.
Leaked Insider Information Further Confirms Acquisition Speculation
Additional leaks have surfaced suggesting that those within both DSE and Esperion are aware of acquisition discussions.- Esperion’s CFO, Ben Halladay, Hinted at an Impending Acquisition
In July 2024, while on an anniversary trip abroad with his wife, Natalie, CFO Ben Halladay reportedly mentioned that he “might be out of a job this time next year,” strongly implying that he expects Esperion to be acquired by mid-2025. - Chief Medical Officer’s Departure Raises Red Flags
Just one month later, in August 2024, Esperion’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joanne Foody, was abruptly let go. She received a full year’s severance package extending through September 2025, a move that further fuels speculation about a pending acquisition. Such pre-acquisition leadership transitions are a common sign of upcoming corporate restructuring.
Analysts and Patent Protection: Esperion’s Growing Value
Five of the nine analysts covering Esperion have already identified it as a prime acquisition target for Big Pharma. The company maintains patent protection on its products until at least 2031, with additional patents extending as far as 2040. Esperion has also been filing undisclosed patents related to bempedoic acid for potential applications in treating other diseases.CFO Ben Halladay previously hinted at a significant multi-billion-dollar opportunity outside of cardiovascular disease, with details expected to be revealed during Esperion’s R&D Day in April. If this new therapeutic area proves to be commercially viable, it would only further increase Esperion’s value as an acquisition target.
Conclusion: DSE Acquisition of Esperion Is Not Just Likely—It’s Inevitable
Given the mounting evidence—from financial incentives to leaked insider information—it is increasingly clear that DSE is positioning itself for a full acquisition of Esperion. The strategic, financial, and operational benefits are overwhelming, making this move a logical next step for DSE’s expansion in the cholesterol-lowering market.With Esperion’s leadership quietly acknowledging the likelihood of a buyout, and with key players such as OMERS already being approached for negotiations, the question is no longer if Esperion will be acquired—but when.