Esperion Therapeutics: $75 Million Acquisition Of Corstasis To Expand Cardiovascular Franchise With Enbumyst Nasal Spray

By Amit Chowdhry • Today at 4:07 AM

Esperion Therapeutics announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Corstasis Therapeutics, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on therapies for fluid overload conditions, in a transaction that includes an upfront cash payment of $75 million and potential milestone payments of up to $180 million.

The acquisition brings Enbumyst (bumetanide nasal spray) into Esperion’s portfolio and is expected to expand the company’s cardiovascular franchise.

Enbrelumab is the first and only FDA-approved nasal spray loop diuretic for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure and hepatic and renal disease in adults. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September 2025, the therapy is designed to provide a self-administered outpatient treatment option that bridges the gap between oral diuretics and intravenous therapy.

Esperion said the addition of Enbumyst will allow the company to leverage its established cardiovascular commercial infrastructure while targeting a large and growing market. Approximately 6.7 million adults in the United States live with congestive heart failure, and edema remains one of the most common symptoms associated with the condition.

The company believes Enbumyst’s intranasal delivery method could provide a faster and more convenient approach to fluid management for patients, potentially helping reduce hospitalizations associated with worsening heart failure. Esperion also sees broader opportunities to expand use of the therapy into hepatic and renal indications, including nephrotic syndrome.

Under the terms of the agreement, Esperion will acquire all outstanding stock of Corstasis. In addition to the upfront payment, Corstasis shareholders may receive up to $180 million tied to regulatory and commercial milestones, along with low double-digit royalties on worldwide sales of Enbumyst and follow-on products.

Esperion plans to finance the acquisition through existing credit facilities and royalty monetization of its Japanese royalties with funds managed by Athyrium Capital Management and HealthCare Royalty.

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

KEY QUOTES:

“This acquisition represents a compelling and strategically aligned opportunity that accelerates Esperion’s momentum and advances our long-term Vision 2040. Enbumyst brings meaningful innovation to millions of patients who continue to struggle with the daily burden of diuretic therapy. Enbumyst’s novel intranasal delivery, established regulatory approval, and expanding clinical footprint make it a natural fit for our cardiovascular franchise. We expect that by integrating Enbumyst into our proven commercial platform, we will drive sustained double-digit growth, strengthen our leadership in cardiovascular care, and create durable value for all of our stakeholders – from patients and providers to employees and shareholders.”

Sheldon Koenig, President and Chief Executive Officer of Esperion Therapeutics

“Enbumyst was purpose-built in partnership with the cardiology community to address a clear unmet need. Today’s acquisition validates our team’s vision and approach. We are excited about the future of Enbumyst in Esperion’s hands and its ability to intervene in the patient setting to treat worsening heart failure at home.”

Ben Esque, Chief Executive Officer of Corstasis Therapeutics

“Edema and congestion remain the most burdensome and persistent symptoms for patients living with heart failure, often driving hospitalizations, impairing quality of life, and complicating day-to-day disease management. As a clinician who cares for these patients, it is challenging when they call in with worsening symptoms, as current oral diuretic options can be limited by delayed onset or absorption challenges. The availability of an FDA-approved intranasal diuretic like Enbumyst represents an important therapeutic advance. Its novel intranasal delivery route offers the potential for more flexible, rapid, and patient-friendly fluid management that can be done at home – precisely the kind of innovation we need to better support patients across the spectrum of cardiovascular and renal disease, and hopefully avoid the need for hospitalization.”

James Udelson, MD, Chief of Cardiology at Tufts Medical Center