Esperion Therapeutics has nominated ESP-2001, an ACLY inhibitor, as a preclinical candidate for treating PSC, a rare liver disease with no approved treatments. The company plans to start clinical studies in 2026 and saw a 5.2% stock increase post-announcement. ESP-2001 could qualify for FDA designations and has shown promising results in preclinical studies.

Esperion, known for its cardiovascular drugs, aims to diversify into the liver disorder space with ESP-2001. The company’s net product sales in the US grew 42% in the first half of 2025. If successful, ESP-2001 could tap into a potential market opportunity of over $1 billion annually. Esperion holds exclusive global rights for the drug’s development.

Esperion’s stock has risen 20.5% this year compared to the industry’s 8.3% growth. The company holds two FDA-approved drugs and collaborates with various partners for global sales. ESP-2001’s development marks a significant expansion for Esperion into a new therapeutic area.

Esperion currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some top biotech stocks to consider are Chemomab Therapeutics and ANI Pharmaceuticals, both with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Estimates for these companies show potential growth in earnings per share. ANI Pharmaceuticals has seen a 66.5% share price increase this year, while Chemomab Therapeutics has faced a 55.1% decline.

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Read more at Nasdaq: ESPR Aims to Diversify With Rare Liver Disease Candidate, Stock Up