Esperion (ESPR) said Friday its partner, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health to market Nexletol for treating high cholesterol and familial high cholesterol.

After the approval, Nexletol is now available in the US, Europe and Japan to treat hypercholesterolemia, the company said.

As part of the collaboration agreement, Esperion is eligible for milestone payments and royalties based on Otsuka's sales in Japan.

Shares of the company were up 4% in recent Friday premarket activity.

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