Esperion Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ESPR) moved to significantly broaden its cardiovascular portfolio on Tuesday, announcing a deal to acquire privately held Corstasis Therapeutics and its first-of-its-kind nasal spray for heart failure-related edema.
The acquisition, valued at up to $255 million, centers on Enbumyst (bumetanide nasal spray).
Approved by the FDA in September 2025, Enbumyst is the first intranasal loop diuretic designed to treat edema associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), as well as hepatic and renal disease.
Under the terms of the agreement, Esperion will pay $75 million in upfront cash.
The deal includes an additional $180 million in potential clinical and commercial milestones, along with low double-digit royalties on future sales.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
The move marks a strategic pivot for Esperion as it seeks to leverage its existing commercial infrastructure—currently used for its cholesterol-lowering franchises Nexletol and Nexlizet—to penetrate the multi-billion-dollar heart failure market.
Enbumyst is positioned as a "bridge" therapy, offering a self-administered outpatient option that provides more predictable absorption than traditional oral pills but without the clinical burden of intravenous (IV) administration.