Esperion Therapeutics rises after partner Otsuka wins Japan approval for high cholesterol drug

** Shares of Esperion Therapeutics ESPR.O rise 3.6% to $2.84 premarket

** ESPR says its partner, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, received approval from Japan's health ministry to market Nexletol, a cholesterol-lowering pill, for patients with high cholesterol and familial high cholesterol

** Under its deal with Otsuka, Esperion is eligible for milestone payments tied to the approval and to Japan's national price listing, as well as additional sales-based milestones

** The company will also receive tiered royalties of 15% to 30% on Otsuka’s net sales in Japan

** As of last close, ESPR stock up 25% YTD