<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.31

                                                               Customer No. 1504

                       MASTER LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT


                       THIS AGREEMENT dated as of December 27, 2000, is made by
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Borrower"), a Delaware corporation having its
principal place of business and chief executive office at 3621 S. State Street,
695 KMS Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, in favor of Transamerica Business Credit
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Lender"), having its principal office
at Riverway II, West Office Tower, 9399 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois
60018.

                  WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lender make Loans
to it from time to time; and

                  WHEREAS, the Lender has agreed to make such Loans on the terms
and conditions of this Agreement.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce
the Lender to extend credit, the Borrower hereby agrees with the Lender as
follows:

                  SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.

                  As used herein, the following terms shall have the following
meanings, and shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms
of the terms defined:

Agreement shall mean this Master Loan and Security Agreement together with all
schedules and exhibits hereto, as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified
from time to time.

Applicable Law shall mean the laws of the State of Illinois (or any other
jurisdiction whose laws are mandatorily applicable notwithstanding the parties'
choice of Illinois law) or the laws of the United States of America, whichever
laws allow the greater interest, as such laws now exist or may be changed or
amended or come into effect in the future.

Business Day shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday
or the equivalent for banks in New York City.

Code shall have the meaning specified in Section 8(d).

Collateral shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.

Collateral Access Agreement shall mean any landlord waiver, mortgagee waiver,
bailee letter, or similar acknowledgement of any warehouseman or processor in
possession of any Equipment.

Effective Date shall mean the date on which all of the conditions specified in
Section 3.3 shall have been satisfied.

Equipment shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.

Event of Default shall mean any event specified in Section 7.

Financial Statements shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.1.

GAAP shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America, as in effect from time to time.


                                       1
<PAGE>   2

Loans shall mean the loans and financial accommodations made by the Lender to
the Borrower in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Notes.

Loan Documents shall mean, collectively, this Agreement, the Notes, and all
other present and future documents, agreements, certificates, instruments, and
opinions delivered by the Borrower under, in connection with or relating to this
Agreement, or any other present or future instrument or agreement between Lender
and Borrower, as each of the same may be amended, modified, extended, restated
or supplemented from time to time.

Material Adverse Change shall mean, with respect to any Person, a material
adverse change in the business, prospects, operations, results of operations,
assets, liabilities, or condition (financial or otherwise) of such Person taken
as a whole.

Material Adverse Effect shall mean, with respect to any Person, a material
adverse effect on the business, prospects, operations, results of operations,
assets, liabilities, or condition (financial or otherwise) of such Person taken
as a whole.

Note shall mean each Promissory Note made by the Borrower in favor of the
Lender, as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.

Obligations shall mean and include all loans (including the Loans), advances,
debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties owing by Borrower to
Lender of any kind or nature, present or future, whether or not evidenced by the
Note or any note, guaranty or other instrument, whether or not arising under or
in connection with, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other present
or future instrument or agreement, whether or not for the payment of money,
whether arising by reason of an extension of credit, opening, guaranteeing or
confirming of a letter of credit, loan, guaranty, indemnification or in any
other manner, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by
assignment, purchase, discount or otherwise), whether absolute or contingent,
due or to become due, now due or hereafter arising and however acquired
(including without limitation all loans previously made by Lender to Borrower).
The term includes, without limitation, all interest (including interest accruing
on or after a bankruptcy, whether or not an allowed claim), charges, expenses,
commitment, facility, closing and collateral management fees, letter of credit
fees, reasonable attorneys' fees, taxes and any other sum properly chargeable to
Borrower under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other present or
future agreement between Lender and Borrower.

Permitted Liens shall mean such of the following as to which no enforcement,
collection, execution, levy, or foreclosure proceeding shall have been
commenced: (a) liens for taxes, assessments, and other governmental charges or
levies or the claims or demands of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics,
laborers, materialmen, and other like Persons arising by operation of law in the
ordinary course of business for sums which are not yet due and payable, or liens
which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently
conducted and with respect to which adequate reserves are maintained to the
extent required by GAAP; (b) deposits or pledges to secure the payment of
worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, or other social security benefits
or obligations, public or statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, bid or
performance bonds, or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the
ordinary course of business; (c) licenses, restrictions, or covenants for or on
the use of the Equipment which do not materially impair either the use of the
Equipment in the operation of the business of the Borrower or the value of the
Equipment; and (d) attachment or judgment liens that do not constitute an Event
of Default.

Person shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited
liability partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization,
association, corporation, limited liability company, institution, entity, party,
or government (including any division, agency, or department thereof), and the
successors, heirs, and assigns of each.

Schedule shall mean each Schedule in the form of Schedule A hereto delivered by
the Borrower to the Lender from time to time.

Solvent means, with respect to any Person, that as of the date as to which such
Person's solvency is measured:

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                  (a) the fair saleable value of its assets is in excess of the
total amount of its liabilities (including contingent liabilities as valued in
accordance with GAAP) as they become absolute and matured;

                  (b) it has sufficient capital to conduct its business; and

                  (c) it is able generally to meet its debts as they mature.

Taxes shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.5.

                  SECTION 2. CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST; COLLATERAL. The
Borrower hereby assigns and grants to the Lender a continuing general, first
priority lien on, and security interest in, all the Borrower's right, title, and
interest in and to the collateral described in the next sentence (the
"Collateral") to secure the payment and performance of all the Obligations. The
Collateral consists of all equipment set forth on all the Schedules delivered
from time to time under the terms of this Agreement (the "Equipment"), together
with all present and future additions, parts, accessories, attachments,
substitutions, repairs, improvements, and replacements thereof or thereto, and
any and all proceeds thereof, including, without limitation, proceeds of
insurance and all manuals, blueprints, know-how, warranties, and records in
connection therewith, all rights against suppliers, warrantors, manufacturers,
sellers, or others in connection therewith, and together with all substitutes
for any of the foregoing.

                  SECTION 3. THE CREDIT FACILITY.

                           SECTION 3.1. BORROWINGS. Each Loan shall be in an
amount not less than $50,000, and in no event shall the sum of the aggregate
Loans made exceed the amount of the Lender's written commitment to the Borrower
in effect from time to time. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
the Lender shall be obligated to make the initial Loan and each other Loan only
after the Lender, in its sole discretion, determines that the applicable
conditions for borrowing contained in Sections 3.3 and 3.4 are satisfied. The
timing, financial terms and financial scope of Lender's obligation to make Loans
hereunder are limited as set forth in a commitment letter executed by Lender and
Borrower, dated as of July 13, 2000 and attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
"Commitment Letter").

                           SECTION 3.2. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS. The Borrower
shall not directly or indirectly use any proceeds of the Loans, or cause,
assist, suffer, or permit the use of any proceeds of the Loans, for any purpose
other than for the purchase, acquisition, installation, or upgrading of
Equipment or the reimbursement of the Borrower for its purchase, acquisition,
installation, or upgrading of Equipment.

                           SECTION 3.3. CONDITIONS TO INITIAL LOAN.

                  (a)      The obligation of the Lender to make the initial Loan
is subject to the Lender's receipt of the following, each dated the date of the
initial Loan or as of an earlier date acceptable to the Lender, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Lender and its counsel:

                           (i)  completed requests for information (Form UCC-11)
                  listing all effective Uniform Commercial Code financing
                  statements naming the Borrower as debtor and all tax lien,
                  judgment, and litigation searches for the Borrower as the
                  Lender shall deem necessary or desirable;

                           (ii) Uniform Commercial Code financing statements
                  (Form UCC-1) duly executed by the Borrower (naming the Lender
                  as secured party and the Borrower as debtor and in form
                  acceptable for filing in all jurisdictions that the Lender
                  deems necessary or desirable to perfect the security interests
                  granted to it hereunder) and, if applicable, termination
                  statements or other releases duly filed in all jurisdictions
                  that the Lender deems necessary or desirable to perfect and
                  protect the priority of the security interests granted to it
                  hereunder in the Equipment related to such initial Loan;


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                           (iii) a Note duly executed by the Borrower evidencing
                  the amount of such Loan;

                           (iv)  a Collateral Access Agreement duly executed by
                  the lessor or mortgagee, as the case may be, of each premises
                  where the Equipment is located;

                           (v)   certificates of insurance required under
                  Section 5.4 of this Agreement together with loss payee
                  endorsements for all such policies naming the Lender as lender
                  loss payee and as an additional insured;

                           (vi)  a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
                  Secretary of the Borrower ("Secretary's Certificate")
                  certifying (A) that attached to the Secretary's Certificate is
                  a true, complete, and accurate copy of the resolutions of the
                  Board of Directors of the Borrower (or a unanimous consent of
                  directors in lieu thereof) authorizing the execution,
                  delivery, and performance of this Agreement, the other Loan
                  Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and
                  thereby, and that such resolutions have not been amended or
                  modified since the date of such certification and are in full
                  force and effect; (B) the incumbency, names, and true
                  signatures of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign
                  the Loan Documents to which it is a party; (C) that attached
                  to the Secretary's Certificate is a true and correct copy of
                  the Articles or Certificate of Incorporation of the Company,
                  as amended, which Articles or Certificate of Incorporation
                  have not been further modified, repealed or rescinded and are
                  in full force and effect; (D) that attached to the Secretary's
                  Certificate of the Borrower is a true and correct copy of the
                  Bylaws, as amended, which Bylaws of the Company have not been
                  further modified, repealed or rescinded and are in full force
                  and effect; and (E) that attached to the Secretary's
                  Certificate is a valid Certificate of Good Standing issued by
                  the Secretary of the State of the Borrower's state of
                  incorporation; and

                           (vii) such other agreements and instruments as the
                  Lender deems necessary in its sole and absolute discretion in
                  connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  (b)      There shall be no pending or, to the knowledge of the
Borrower after due inquiry, threatened litigation, proceeding, inquiry, or other
action (i) seeking an injunction or other restraining order, damages, or other
relief with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the
other Loan Documents or thereby or (ii) which affects or could affect the
business, prospects, operations, assets, liabilities, or condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Borrower, except, in the case of clause (ii), where such
litigation, proceeding, inquiry, or other action could not be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect in the judgment of the Lender.

                  (c)      The Borrower shall have paid all fees and expenses
required to be paid by it to the Lender as of such date.

                  (d)      The security interests in the Equipment related to
the initial Loan granted in favor of the Lender under this Agreement shall have
been duly perfected and shall constitute first priority liens.

                           SECTION 3.4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH LOAN. The
obligation of the Lender to make each Loan is subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions precedent:

                  (a)      the Lender shall have received the documents,
agreements, and instruments set forth in Section 3.3(a)(i) through (v)
applicable to such Loan, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender
and its counsel and each dated the date of such Loan or as of an earlier date
acceptable to the Lender;

                  (b)      the Lender shall have received a Schedule of the
Equipment related to such Loan, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender
and its counsel, and the security interests in such Equipment related to such
Loan granted in favor of the Lender under this Agreement shall have been duly
perfected and shall constitute first priority liens;


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                  (c)      all representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct on and as of
the date of such Loan as if then made, other than representations and warranties
that expressly relate solely to an earlier date, in which case they shall have
been true and correct as of such earlier date;

                  (d)      no Event of Default or event which with the giving of
notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from the making of the
requested Loan as of the date of such request; and

                  (e)      the Borrower shall be deemed to have hereby
reaffirmed and ratified all security interests, liens, and other encumbrances
heretofore granted by the Borrower to the Lender.

                  SECTION 4. THE BORROWER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                           SECTION 4.1. GOOD STANDING; QUALIFIED TO DO BUSINESS.
The Borrower (a) is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under
the laws of the State of its organization, (b) has the power and authority to
own its properties and assets and to transact the businesses in which it is
presently, or proposes to be, engaged, and (c) is duly qualified and authorized
to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the
failure to be so qualified could have a Material Adverse Effect on (i) the
Borrower, (ii) the Borrower's ability to perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents, or (iii) the rights of the Lender hereunder.

                           SECTION 4.2. DUE EXECUTION, ETC. The execution,
delivery, and performance by the Borrower of each of the Loan Documents to which
it is a party are within the powers of the Borrower, do not contravene the
organizational documents, if any, of the Borrower, and do not (a) violate any
law or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or governmental
authority, (b) conflict with or result in a breach of, or constitute a default
under, any material indenture, mortgage, or deed of trust or any material lease,
agreement, or other instrument binding on the Borrower or any of its properties,
or (c) require the consent, authorization by, or approval of or notice to or
filing or registration with any governmental authority or other Person. This
Agreement is, and each of the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is or
will be a party, when delivered hereunder or thereunder, will be, the legal,
valid, and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower
in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally
and by general principles of equity.

                           SECTION 4.3. SOLVENCY; NO LIENS. The Borrower is
Solvent and will be Solvent upon the completion of all transactions contemplated
to occur hereunder (including, without limitation, the Loan to be made on the
Effective Date); the security interests granted herein constitute and shall at
all times constitute the first and only liens on the Collateral other than
Permitted Liens; and the Borrower is, or will be at the time additional
Collateral is acquired by it, the absolute owner of the Collateral with full
right to pledge, sell, consign, transfer, and create a security interest
therein, free and clear of any and all claims or liens in favor of any other
Person other than Permitted Liens.

                           SECTION 4.4. NO JUDGMENTS, LITIGATION. No judgments
are outstanding against the Borrower nor is there now pending or, to the best of
the Borrower's knowledge after diligent inquiry, threatened any litigation,
contested claim, or governmental proceeding by or against the Borrower except
judgments and pending or threatened litigation, contested claims, and
governmental proceedings which would not, in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Borrower.

                           SECTION 4.5. NO DEFAULTS. The Borrower is not in
default or has not received a notice of default under any material contract,
lease, or commitment to which it is a party or by which it is bound. The
Borrower knows of no dispute regarding any contract, lease, or commitment which
could have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                           SECTION 4.6.  COLLATERAL LOCATIONS. On the date
hereof, each item of the Collateral is located at the place of business
specified in the applicable Schedule.

                           SECTION 4.7.  NO EVENTS OF DEFAULT. No Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing nor has any event occurred which, with
the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event
of Default.

                           SECTION 4.8.  NO LIMITATION ON LENDER'S RIGHTS.
Except as permitted herein, none of the Collateral is subject to contractual
obligations that may restrict or inhibit the Lender's rights or abilities to
sell or dispose of the Collateral or any part thereof after the occurrence of an
Event of Default.

                           SECTION 4.9.  PERFECTION AND PRIORITY OF SECURITY
INTEREST. Upon properly filing the UCC statements, this Agreement creates a
valid and, upon completion of all required filings of financing statements,
perfected first priority and exclusive security interest in the Collateral,
securing the payment of all the Obligations.

                           SECTION 4.10. MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS. The Schedules
set forth the true and correct model number and serial number of each item of
Equipment that constitutes Collateral.

                           SECTION 4.11. ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF
INFORMATION. All data, reports, and information heretofore, contemporaneously,
or hereafter furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower in writing to the Lender
or for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, are or will be true
and accurate in all material respects on the date as of which such data,
reports, and information are dated or certified and not incomplete by omitting
to state any material fact necessary to make such data, reports, and information
not misleading at such time. There are no facts now known to the Borrower which
individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect and which have not been specified herein, in the Financial
Statements, or in any certificate, opinion, or other written statement
previously furnished by the Borrower to the Lender.

                           SECTION 4.12. PRICE OF EQUIPMENT. The cost of each
item of Equipment does not exceed the fair and usual price for such type of
equipment purchased in like quantity and reflects all discounts, rebates and
allowances for the Equipment (including, without limitation, discounts for
advertising, prompt payment, testing, or other services) given to the Borrower
by the manufacturer, supplier, or any other person.

                  SECTION 5. COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER.

                           SECTION 5.1. EXISTENCE, ETC. The Borrower shall: (a)
retain its existence and its current yearly accounting cycle, (b) maintain in
full force and effect all licenses, bonds, franchises, leases, trademarks,
patents, contracts, and other rights necessary or desirable to the profitable
conduct of its business unless the failure to do so could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower, (c) continue in, and
limit its operations to, the same general lines of business as those presently
conducted by it, and (d) comply with all applicable laws and regulations of any
federal, state, or local governmental authority, except for such laws and
regulations the violations of which would not, in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Borrower.

                           SECTION 5.2. NOTICE TO THE LENDER. As soon as
possible, and in any event within thirty days after the Borrower learns of the
following, the Borrower will give written notice to the Lender of (a) any
proceeding instituted by or against the Borrower in any federal, state, local,
or foreign court or before any commission or other regulatory body (federal,
state, local, or foreign) involving a sum, together with the sum involved in all
other similar proceedings, in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate, (b) with
commercially reasonable efforts, any contract that is terminated or amended and
which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on the Borrower, (c) the occurrence of any Material Adverse Change with respect
to the


                                       6
<PAGE>   7

Borrower, and (d) the occurrence of any Event of Default or event or condition
which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of
Default, together with a statement of the action which the Borrower has taken or
proposes to take with respect thereto.

                           SECTION 5.3. MAINTENANCE OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. The
Borrower will maintain books and records pertaining to the Collateral in such
detail, form, and scope as the Lender shall require in its commercially
reasonable judgment. Upon written notice from the Lender, the Borrower agrees
that the Lender or its agents may, upon prior notice, enter upon the Borrower's
premises at any time and from time to time during normal business hours, and at
any time upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, for the
purpose of inspecting the Collateral and any and all records pertaining thereto.

                           SECTION 5.4. INSURANCE. The Borrower will maintain
insurance on the Collateral under such policies of insurance, with such
insurance companies, in such amounts, and covering such risks as are at all
times satisfactory to the Lender. All such policies shall be made payable to the
Lender, in case of loss, under a standard non-contributory "lender" or "secured
party" clause and are to contain such other provisions as the Lender may
reasonably require to protect the Lender's interests in the Collateral and to
any payments to be made under such policies. Certificates of insurance policies
are to be delivered to the Lender, premium prepaid, with the loss payable
endorsement in the Lender's favor, and shall provide for not less than thirty
days' prior written notice to the Lender, of any alteration or cancellation of
coverage. If the Borrower fails to maintain such insurance, the Lender may
arrange for (at the Borrower's expense and without any responsibility on the
Lender's part for) obtaining the insurance. Upon an Event of Default, unless the
Lender shall otherwise agree with the Borrower in writing, the Lender shall have
the sole right, in the name of the Lender or the Borrower, to file claims under
any insurance policies, to receive and give acquittance for any payments that
may be payable thereunder, and to execute any endorsements, receipts, releases,
assignments, reassignments, or other documents that may be necessary to effect
the collection, compromise, or settlement of any claims under any such insurance
policies.

                           SECTION 5.5. TAXES. The Borrower will pay, when due,
all taxes, assessments, claims, and other charges ("Taxes") lawfully levied or
assessed against the Borrower or the Collateral other than taxes that are being
diligently contested in good faith by the Borrower by appropriate proceedings
promptly instituted and for which an adequate reserve is being maintained by the
Borrower in accordance with GAAP. If any Taxes remain unpaid after the date
fixed for the payment thereof, or if any lien shall be claimed therefor, then,
upon notice to the Borrower, but on the Borrower's behalf, the Lender may pay
such Taxes, and the amount thereof shall be included in the Obligations.

                           SECTION 5.6. BORROWER TO DEFEND COLLATERAL AGAINST
CLAIMS; FEES ON COLLATERAL. The Borrower will defend the Collateral against all
claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming the same or any interest
therein. The Borrower will not permit any notice creating or otherwise relating
to liens on the Collateral or any portion thereof to exist or be on file in any
public office other than Permitted Liens. The Borrower shall promptly pay, when
payable, all transportation, storage, and warehousing charges and license fees,
registration fees, assessments, charges, permit fees, and taxes (municipal,
state, and federal) which may now or hereafter be imposed upon the ownership,
leasing, renting, possession, sale, or use of the Collateral, other than taxes
on or measured by the Lender's income and fees, assessments, charges, and taxes
which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently
conducted and with respect to which adequate reserves are maintained to the
extent required by GAAP.

                           SECTION 5.7. NO CHANGE OF LOCATION, STRUCTURE, OR
IDENTITY. The Borrower will not (a) change the location of its chief executive
office or establish any place of business other than those specified herein or
(b) move or permit the movement of any item of Collateral from the location
specified in the applicable Schedule, except that the Borrower may change its
chief executive office and keep Collateral at other locations within the United
States provided that the Borrower has delivered to the Lender (i) prior written
notice thereof and (ii) duly executed financing statements and other agreements
and instruments (all in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender) necessary
or, in the opinion of the Lender, desirable to perfect and maintain in favor of
the Lender a first priority security interest in the Collateral. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in the immediately


                                       7
<PAGE>   8

preceding sentence, the Borrower may keep any Collateral consisting of motor
vehicles or rolling stock at any location in the United States provided that the
Lender's security interest in any such Collateral is conspicuously marked on the
certificate of title thereof and the Borrower has complied with the provisions
of Section 5.9.

                           SECTION 5.8.  USE OF COLLATERAL; LICENSES; REPAIR.
The Collateral shall be operated by competent, qualified personnel in connection
with the Borrower's business purposes, for the purpose for which the Collateral
was designed and in accordance with applicable operating instructions, laws, and
government regulations, and the Borrower shall use every reasonable precaution
to prevent loss or damage to the Collateral from fire and other hazards. The
Collateral shall not be used or operated for personal, family, or household
purposes. The Borrower shall procure and maintain in effect all orders,
licenses, certificates, permits, approvals, and consents required by federal,
state, or local laws or by any governmental body, agency, or authority in
connection with the delivery, installation, use, and operation of the
Collateral. The Borrower shall keep all of the Equipment in a satisfactory state
of repair and satisfactory operating condition in accordance with industry
standards, and will make all repairs and replacements when and where necessary
and practical. The Borrower will not waste or destroy the Equipment or any part
thereof, and will not be negligent in the care or use thereof. The Equipment
shall not be annexed or affixed to or become part of any realty without the
Lender's prior written consent.

                           SECTION 5.9.  FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Borrower will,
promptly upon request by the Lender, execute and deliver or use its best efforts
to obtain any document reasonably required by the Lender (including, without
limitation, warehouseman or processor disclaimers, mortgagee waivers, landlord
disclaimers, or subordination agreements with respect to the Obligations and the
Collateral), give any notices, execute and file any financing statements,
mortgages, or other documents (all in form and substance satisfactory to the
Lender), mark any chattel paper, deliver any chattel paper or instruments to the
Lender, and take any other actions that are necessary or, in the opinion of the
Lender, desirable to perfect or continue the perfection and the first priority
of the Lender's security interest in the Collateral, to protect the Collateral
against the rights, claims, or interests of any Persons, or to effect the
purposes of this Agreement. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Lender to file
one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto,
relating to all or any part of the Collateral without the signature of the
Borrower where permitted by law. A carbon, photographic, or other reproduction
of this Agreement or any financing statement covering the Collateral or any part
thereof shall be sufficient as a financing statement where permitted by law. To
the extent required under this Agreement, the Borrower will pay all costs
incurred in connection with any of the foregoing. Upon payment of all
Obligations, Lender shall prepare necessary UCC-3 termination statements.

                           SECTION 5.10. NO DISPOSITION OF COLLATERAL. The
Borrower will not in any way hypothecate or create or permit to exist any lien,
security interest, charge, or encumbrance on or other interest in any of the
Collateral, except for the lien and security interest granted hereby and
Permitted Liens which are junior to the lien and security interest of the
Lender, and the Borrower will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, collaterally
assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral. In the event
the Collateral, or any part thereof, is sold, transferred, assigned, exchanged,
or otherwise disposed of in violation of these provisions, the security interest
of the Lender shall continue in such Collateral or part thereof notwithstanding
such sale, transfer, assignment, exchange, or other disposition, and the
Borrower will hold the proceeds thereof in a separate account for the benefit of
the Lender. Following such a sale, the Borrower will transfer such proceeds to
the Lender in kind.

                           SECTION 5.11. NO LIMITATION ON LENDER'S RIGHTS. The
Borrower will not enter into any contractual obligations which may restrict or
inhibit the Lender's rights or ability to sell or otherwise dispose of the
Collateral or any part thereof.

                           SECTION 5.12. PROTECTION OF COLLATERAL. Upon notice
to the Borrower (provided that if an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing the Lender need not give any notice), the Lender shall have the right
at any time to make any payments and do any other acts the Lender may deem
necessary to protect its security interests in the Collateral, including,
without limitation, the rights to satisfy, purchase, contest, or compromise any
encumbrance, charge, or lien which, in the reasonable judgment of the Lender,
appears to be prior to or superior to the security interests granted hereunder,
and appear in, and defend any action or proceeding


                                       8
<PAGE>   9

purporting to affect its security interests in, or the value of, any of the
Collateral. The Borrower hereby agrees to reimburse the Lender for all payments
made and expenses incurred under this Agreement including fees, expenses, and
disbursements of attorneys and paralegals (including the allocated costs of
in-house counsel) acting for the Lender, including any of the foregoing payments
under, or acts taken to protect its security interests in, any of the
Collateral, which amounts shall be secured under this Agreement, and agrees it
shall be bound by any payment made or act taken by the Lender hereunder absent
the Lender's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Lender shall have no
obligation to make any of the foregoing payments or perform any of the foregoing
acts.

                           SECTION 5.13. DELIVERY OF ITEMS. The Borrower will
(a) promptly (but in no event later than one Business Day) after its receipt
thereof, deliver to the Lender any documents issued with respect to any property
included in the Collateral, and any promissory notes, letters of credit or
instruments related to or otherwise in connection with any property included in
the Collateral, which in any such case come into the possession of the Borrower,
or shall cause the issuer thereof to deliver any of the same directly to the
Lender, in each case with any necessary endorsements in favor of the Lender.

                           SECTION 5.14. SOLVENCY. The Borrower shall be and
remain Solvent at all times.

                           SECTION 5.15. FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES. The Borrower shall
not (a) amend or modify its name, unless the Borrower delivers to the Lender
thirty days prior to any such proposed amendment or modification written notice
of such amendment or modification and within ten days before such amendment or
modification delivers executed Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (in
form and substance satisfactory to the Lender) or (b) merge or consolidate with
any other entity without the Lender's prior written consent which shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

                           SECTION 5.16. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. The Borrower
shall take all such further actions and execute all such further documents and
instruments as the Lender may reasonably request.

                  SECTION 6. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Until the payment and
satisfaction in full of all Obligations, the Borrower shall deliver to the
Lender the following financial information:

                           SECTION 6.1. ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Upon the
earlier of the time required by any public authority, including the SEC, or 120
days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower and its consolidated
subsidiaries, the 10-K for the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries (the
"Financial Statements") for such year; and

                           SECTION 6.2. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Upon the
earlier of the time required by any public authority, including the SEC, or 60
days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in any fiscal year
of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries, the 10-Q, together with a
certification duly executed by a responsible officer of the Borrower that such
Financial Statements and are fairly stated in all material respects (subject to
normal year-end audit adjustments).

                  SECTION 7. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The occurrence of any of the
following events shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

                           (a) the Borrower shall fail to pay within three (3)
days after same is due any amount required to be paid by the Borrower under or
in connection with any Note and this Agreement;

                           (b) any representation or warranty made or deemed
made by the Borrower under or in connection with any Loan Document or any
Financial Statement shall prove to have been false or incorrect in any material
respect when made;

                           (c) the Borrower shall fail to perform or observe (i)
any of the terms, covenants or agreements contained in Sections 5.4, 5.7, 5.10,
5.14, or 5.15 hereof or (ii) any other term, covenant, or agreement


                                       9
<PAGE>   10


contained in any Loan Document (other than the other Events of Default specified
in this Section 7) and such failure remains unremedied for twenty days from the
date on which the Lender has given the Borrower written notice of such failure;

                           (d) any provision of any Loan Document to which the
Borrower is a party shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on the
Borrower, or the Borrower shall so state;

                           (e) dissolution, liquidation, winding up, or
cessation of the Borrower's business, failure of the Borrower generally to pay
its debts as they mature, admission in writing by the Borrower of its inability
generally to pay its debts as they mature, or calling of a meeting of the
Borrower's creditors for purposes of compromising any of the Borrower's debts;

                           (f) the commencement by or against the Borrower of
any bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangement, reorganization, receivership, or
similar proceedings under any federal or state law and, in the case of any such
involuntary proceeding, such proceeding remains undismissed or unstayed for
forty-five days following the commencement thereof, or any action by the
Borrower is taken authorizing any such proceedings;

                           (g) an assignment for the benefit of creditors is
made by the Borrower, whether voluntary or involuntary, the appointment of a
trustee, custodian, receiver, or similar official for the Borrower or for any
substantial property of the Borrower, or any action by the Borrower authorizing
any such proceeding;

                           (h) the Borrower shall default in (i) the payment of
principal or interest on any indebtedness in excess of $100,000 (other than the
Obligations) beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in the instrument or
agreement under which such indebtedness was created; or (ii) the observance or
performance of any other agreement or condition relating to any such
indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement relating thereto, or
any other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which default or
other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such
indebtedness to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such indebtedness
to become due prior to its stated maturity;

                           (i) the Borrower suffers or sustains a Material
Adverse Change;

                           (j) any tax lien, other than a Permitted Lien, is
filed of record against the Borrower and is not bonded or discharged within
fifteen Business Days;

                           (k) any judgment which has had or could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower and such judgment
shall not be stayed, vacated, bonded, or discharged within sixty days;

                           (l) any material covenant, agreement, or obligation,
as determined in the sole discretion of the Lender, made by the Borrower and
contained in or evidenced by any of the Loan Documents shall cease to be
enforceable, or shall be determined to be unenforceable, in accordance with its
terms; the Borrower shall deny or disaffirm the Obligations under any of the
Loan Documents or any liens granted in connection therewith; or any liens
granted on any of the Collateral in favor of the Lender shall be determined to
be void, voidable, or invalid, or shall not be given the priority contemplated
by this Agreement; or


                  SECTION 8. REMEDIES. If any Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing:

                           (a) The Lender may, without prejudice to any of its
other rights under any Loan Document or Applicable Law, declare all Obligations
to be immediately due and payable (except with respect to any Event of Default
set forth in Section 7(f) hereof, in which case all Obligations shall
automatically become immediately due and payable without necessity of any
declaration) without presentment, representation, demand of payment, or protest,
which are hereby expressly waived.


                                       10
<PAGE>   11

                           (b) The Lender may take possession of the Collateral
and, for that purpose may enter, with the aid and assistance of any person or
persons, any premises where the Collateral or any part hereof is, or may be
placed, and remove the same.

                           (c) The obligation of the Lender, if any, to make
additional Loans or financial accommodations of any kind to the Borrower shall
immediately terminate.

                           (d) The Lender may exercise in respect of the
Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein (or in
any Loan Document) or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of
a secured party under the applicable Uniform Commercial Code (the "Code")
whether or not the Code applies to the affected Collateral and also may (i)
require the Borrower to, and the Borrower hereby agrees that it will at its
expense and upon request of the Lender forthwith, assemble all or part of the
Collateral as directed by the Lender and make it available to the Lender at a
place to be designated by the Lender that is reasonably convenient to both
parties and (ii) without notice except as specified below, sell the Collateral
or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any of
the Lender's offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit, or for future delivery,
and upon such other terms as the Lender may deem commercially reasonable. The
Borrower agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at
least ten days' notice to the Borrower of the time and place of any public sale
or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute
reasonable notification. The Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Lender may
adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time
and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at
the time and place to which it was so adjourned.

                           (e) All cash proceeds received by the Lender in
respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any
part of the Collateral may, in the discretion of the Lender, be held by the
Lender as collateral for, or then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or
in part by the Lender against, all or any part of the Obligations in such order
as the Lender shall elect. Any surplus of such cash or cash proceeds held by the
Lender and remaining after the full and final payment of all the Obligations
shall be paid over to the Borrower or to such other Person to which the Lender
may be required under applicable law, or directed by a court of competent
jurisdiction, to make payment of such surplus.

                  SECTION 9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

                           SECTION 9.1. NOTICES. Except as otherwise provided
herein, all notices, approvals, consents, correspondence, or other
communications required or desired to be given hereunder shall be given in
writing and shall be delivered by overnight courier, hand delivery, or certified
or registered mail, postage prepaid, if to the Lender, then to Transamerica
Technology Finance Division, 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut
06032, Attention: Legal Department, with a copy to the Lender at Riverway II,
West Office Tower, 9399 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018, Attention:
Legal Department, and if to the Borrower, then to 3621 S. State Street, 695 KMS
Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, Attention: Loan Administration, or such other
address as shall be designated by the Borrower or the Lender to the other party
in accordance herewith. All such notices and correspondence shall be effective
when received.

                           SECTION 9.2. HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement
are for purposes of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.

                           SECTION 9.3. ASSIGNMENTS. The Borrower shall not have
the right to assign any Note or this Agreement or any interest therein unless
the Lender shall have given the Borrower prior written consent and the Borrower
and its assignee shall have delivered assignment documentation in form and
substance satisfactory to the Lender in its sole discretion. The Lender may
assign its rights and delegate its obligations under any Note or this Agreement.

                           SECTION 9.4. AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS, AND CONSENTS. Any
amendment or waiver



                                       11
<PAGE>   12

of any provision of this Agreement and any consent to any departure by the
Borrower from any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only by a
writing signed by the Lender and shall bind and benefit the Borrower and the
Lender and their respective successors and assigns, subject, in the case of the
Borrower, to the first sentence of Section 9.3.

                           SECTION 9.5.  INTERPRETATION OF AGREEMENT. Time is of
the essence in each provision of this Agreement of which time is an element. All
terms not defined herein or in a Note shall have the meaning set forth in the
applicable Code, except where the context otherwise requires. To the extent a
term or provision of this Agreement conflicts with any Note, or any term or
provision thereof, and is not dealt with herein with more specificity, this
Agreement shall control with respect to the subject matter of such term or
provision. Acceptance of or acquiescence in a course of performance rendered
under this Agreement shall not be relevant in determining the meaning of this
Agreement even though the accepting or acquiescing party had knowledge of the
nature of the performance and opportunity for objection.

                           SECTION 9.6.  CONTINUING SECURITY INTEREST. This
Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and
shall (i) remain in full force and effect until the indefeasible payment in full
of the Obligations, (ii) be binding upon the Borrower and its successors and
assigns and (iii) inure, together with the rights and remedies of the Lender
hereunder, to the benefit of the Lender and its successors, transferees, and
assigns.

                           SECTION 9.7.  REINSTATEMENT. To the extent permitted
by law, this Agreement and the rights and powers granted to the Lender hereunder
and under the Loan Documents shall continue to be effective or be reinstated if
at any time any amount received by the Lender in respect of the Obligations is
rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Lender upon the
insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation, or reorganization of the
Borrower or upon the appointment of any receiver, intervenor, conservator,
trustee, or similar official for the Borrower or any substantial part of its
assets, or otherwise, all as though such payments had not been made.

                           SECTION 9.8.  SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS. All
representations, warranties, and covenants of the Borrower contained herein
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and shall terminate
only upon the full and final payment and performance by the Borrower of the
Obligations secured hereby.

                           SECTION 9.9.  INDEMNIFICATION. The Borrower agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the Lender and its directors, officers, agents,
employees, and counsel from and against any and all costs, expenses, claims, or
liability incurred by the Lender or such Person hereunder and under any other
Loan Document or in connection herewith or therewith, unless such claim or
liability shall be due to willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of
the Lender or such Person.

                           SECTION 9.10. COUNTERPARTS; TELECOPIED SIGNATURES.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed
and delivered shall be an original, but both of which shall together constitute
one and the same instrument. This Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents
and any notices given in connection herewith or therewith may be executed and
delivered by telecopier or other facsimile transmission all with the same force
and effect as if the same was a fully executed and delivered original manual
counterpart.

                           SECTION 9.11. SEVERABILITY. In case any provision in
or obligation under this Agreement or any Note or any other Loan Document shall
be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity,
legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of
such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.

                           SECTION 9.12. DELAYS; PARTIAL EXERCISE OF REMEDIES.
No delay or omission of the Lender to exercise any right or remedy hereunder,
whether before or after the happening of any Event of Default, shall impair any
such right or shall operate as a waiver thereof or as a waiver of any such Event
of Default. No


                                       12
<PAGE>   13

single or partial exercise by the Lender of any right or remedy shall preclude
any other or further exercise thereof, or preclude any other right or remedy.

                           SECTION 9.13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Borrower and the
Lender agree that this Agreement, the Schedule hereto, and the Commitment Letter
are the complete and exclusive statement and agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof, superseding all proposals and prior
agreements, oral or written, and all other communications between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof. Should there exist any inconsistency
between the terms of the Commitment Letter and this Agreement, the terms of this
Agreement shall prevail.

                           SECTION 9.14. SETOFF. In addition to and not in
limitation of all rights of offset that the Lender may have under Applicable
Law, and whether or not the Lender has made any demand or the Obligations of the
Borrower have matured, the Lender shall have the right to appropriate and apply
to the payment of the Obligations of the Borrower all deposits and other
obligations then or thereafter owing by the Lender to or for the credit or the
account of the Borrower.

                           SECTION 9.15. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE BORROWER AND
THE LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION,
PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY
OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

                           SECTION 9.16. GOVERNING LAW. THE VALIDITY,
INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS WITHOUT GIVING
EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

                           SECTION 9.17. VENUE; SERVICE OF PROCESS. ANY LEGAL
ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT
MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS SITUATED IN COOK COUNTY,
OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, AND,
BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BORROWER HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR
ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE
JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, IN
CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING, (a) ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS
OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF
ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS AND (b) THE RIGHT
TO INTERPOSE ANY NONCOMPULSORY SETOFF,. THE BORROWER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO
THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR
PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL,
POSTAGE PREPAID, TO THE BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS FOR IT SPECIFIED IN SECTION 9.1
HEREOF. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE LENDER TO SERVE PROCESS IN
ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE
PROCEED AGAINST THE BORROWER IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, SUBJECT IN EACH INSTANCE
TO THE PROVISIONS HEREOF WITH RESPECT TO RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.


                                       13
<PAGE>   14

                           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Borrower has
caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by its proper and duly
authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.

                                        ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC.



                                        By:  /s/ Roger S. Newton
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Roger S. Newton
                                           Title: President & CEO
                                        Federal Tax ID No.:  383419139


Accepted as of the
____ day of ________, 2000


TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION



By:  /s/ Matthew N. McAlpine
   -----------------------------------------
   Name:  Matthew N. McAlpine
   Title: Senior Vice President


                                       14
<PAGE>   15

                                   SCHEDULE A

                                       TO

                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT



                    TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION

               REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER FORM











                                       15
<PAGE>   16



                                    Exhibit A


July 13, 2000
                                   REVISION #1
Mr. Frank Thomas
Director of Finance
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.
3621 S. State Street, 695 KMS Place
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Dear Frank:

Transamerica Business Credit Corporation - Technology Finance Division
("Lender") is pleased to offer financing for the Equipment described in this
letter (this "Commitment") to Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. ("Borrower"). This
Commitment supersedes all prior correspondence, proposals, and oral or other
communications relating to financing arrangements between Borrower and Lender.

The outline of this offer is as follows:

Lender:                            Transamerica Business Credit Corporation -
                                   Technology Finance Division and/or its
                                   affiliates, successors or assigns.

Borrower:                          Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.

Amount of Loans:                   Not to exceed $2,500,000 in the aggregate.

Use of Proceeds:                   Laboratory equipment, office equipment,
                                   computer hardware, furniture, fixtures,
                                   tenant improvements and up to 20% for
                                   associated soft costs (the "Equipment"). No
                                   Loan shall contain more than 20% of soft
                                   costs and tenant improvements referred to
                                   above. Assets purchased within six months of
                                   the date of funding will be financed at cost.
                                   All Equipment subject to Lender approval
                                   prior to funding.

Collateral:                        Lender will require a perfected first
                                   priority security interest in all Equipment
                                   financed with the Loans, including but not
                                   limited to all additions, accessions,
                                   improvements, replacements and attachments
                                   thereto and proceeds (including insurance
                                   proceeds) thereof (the "Collateral").

Location of Collateral:            Ann Arbor, MI

Draw-Down Expiration:              No Equipment Loans will be funded after May
                                   31, 2001.

Loan Term:                         Each Loan Term will commence upon delivery of
                                   the equipment or upon each delivery of items
                                   of equipment having an aggregate cost of not
                                   less than $50,000 and will continue through
                                   42 months from the first day of the month
                                   next following or coincident with
                                   commencement of that Loan Term.

Payment Terms:                     For loans funded prior to the Borrower
                                   completing its Series E round of
<PAGE>   17

                                   equity financing or an initial public
                                   offering of common stock, Monthly Payments,
                                   payable monthly in advance, will be equal to
                                   2.993% of original principal amount of each
                                   Loan. For loans funded subsequent to the
                                   Borrower completing its Series E round of
                                   equity financing or an initial public
                                   offering of common stock, which shall not be
                                   less than $20 million, Monthly Payments,
                                   payable monthly in advance, will be equal to
                                   2.970% of original principal amount of each
                                   Loan. In the event that the Borrower does not
                                   raise $20 million in its Series E equity
                                   financing round or an initial public offering
                                   of common stock, Monthly Payments will be
                                   calculated at the pre-Series E rate of
                                   2.993%. The first Monthly Payment will be due
                                   and payable on or before commencement of each
                                   Loan Term.

Adjustment to                      Lender will change the rate set forth above
Payment Terms:                     as of the date each Loan Term commences
                                   commensurate to the change in the weekly
                                   average of the interest rates of like-term
                                   U.S. Treasury Securities (as published in the
                                   Wall Street Journal) from the week ending May
                                   12, 2000 (6.80%) to the week preceding the
                                   commencement of that Loan Term. As of the
                                   date each Loan Term commences, the Monthly
                                   Payment will be fixed for that entire Loan
                                   Term. A schedule of the actual Monthly
                                   Payments will be provided by the Lender
                                   following commencement of each Loan Term.

Interim Payment:                   An Interim Payment will accrue from the date
                                   each Loan Term commences until the next
                                   following first day of a month (unless the
                                   Loan Term commences on the first day of a
                                   month). The Interim Payment will be
                                   calculated at the daily equivalent of the
                                   currently adjusted Monthly Payment.

Prepayment                         Borrower will have the right to prepay
Terms:                             the balance of the Loan after the initial
                                   twelve months of the term. A prepayment
                                   premium based on the principal amount being
                                   prepaid will be charged as follows: 4% during
                                   months 13-24; 3% during months 25-36; and 2%
                                   during months 37-42.

Insurance:                         Prior to any delivery of Equipment, the
                                   Borrower will furnish confirmation of
                                   insurance acceptable to the Lender covering
                                   the Collateral including primary, all risk,
                                   physical damage, property damage and bodily
                                   injury with appropriate loss payee and
                                   additional insured endorsements in favor of
                                   the Lender.

Conditions Precedent               Each Loan will be subject to the following:
to Lending:                        1.   No material adverse change in the
                                        financial condition, operations or
                                        prospects of the Borrower prior to
                                        funding. The Lender reserves the right
                                        to rescind any unused portion of its
                                        commitment in the event of a material
                                        adverse change in the financial
                                        condition, operation or prospects of the
                                        Borrower.

                                   2.   Completion of the documentation and
                                        final terms of the proposed financing
                                        satisfactory to Lender and Lender's
                                        counsel.

                                   3.   Results of all due diligence, including
                                        lien, judgment and tax search and other
                                        matters Lender may request shall be
                                        satisfactory to Lender and Lender's
                                        counsel.

                                   4.   Receipt by Lender of duly executed loan
                                        documentation in form and


                                       2
<PAGE>   18

                                        substance satisfactory to Lender and its
                                        counsel.

                                   5.   Lender shall receive a valid and
                                        perfected first priority lien and
                                        security interest in the Collateral and
                                        Lender shall have received satisfactory
                                        evidence that there are no liens on the
                                        Collateral except as expressly permitted
                                        herein.

                                   6.   Satisfactory review of technology
                                        license agreements.

Additional                         There will be no actual or threatened
Covenants:                         conflict with, or violation of, any
                                   regulatory statute, standard or rule relating
                                   to the Borrower, its present or future
                                   operations, or the Collateral.

                                   Borrower will be required to provide
                                   quarterly financial information. All
                                   information supplied by the Borrower will be
                                   correct and will not omit any statement
                                   necessary to make the information supplied
                                   not be misleading. There will be no material
                                   breach of the representations and warranties
                                   of the Borrower in the loan.

Expenses:                          All costs and expenses incurred by the Lender
                                   in connection with the underwriting and
                                   closing of the Loans will be paid by the
                                   Borrower whether or not any Loans are
                                   consummated and funds are advanced by the
                                   Lender. Expenses shall not exceed $3,500
                                   without prior consent by Borrower. Borrower
                                   will be billed separately for Expenses.

Law:                               This letter and the proposed Loan are
                                   intended to be governed by and construed in
                                   accordance with Illinois law without regard
                                   to its conflict of law provisions.

Indemnity:                         Borrower agrees to indemnify and to hold
                                   harmless Lender, and its officers, directors
                                   and employees against all claims, damages,
                                   liabilities and expenses which may be
                                   incurred by or asserted against any such
                                   person in connection with or arising out of
                                   this letter and the transactions contemplated
                                   hereby, other than claims, damages,
                                   liability, and expense resulting from such
                                   person's gross negligence or willful
                                   misconduct.

Confidentiality:                   This letter is delivered to you with the
                                   understanding that neither it nor its
                                   substance shall be disclosed publicly or
                                   privately to any third person except those
                                   who are in a confidential relationship to you
                                   (such as your legal counsel and accountants),
                                   or where the same is required by law and then
                                   only on the basis that it not be further
                                   disclosed, which conditions Borrower and its
                                   agents agree to be bound by upon acceptance
                                   of this letter.

                                   Without limiting the generality of the
                                   foregoing, none of such persons shall use or
                                   refer to Lender or to any affiliate name in
                                   any disclosures made in connection with any
                                   of the transactions without Lender's prior
                                   written consent.

                                   Upon completion of the initial takedown by
                                   Borrower, the Borrower will no longer be
                                   required to obtain Lender's prior written
                                   consent to disclose the transaction
                                   contemplated hereby. In addition, the
                                   Borrower agrees to



                                       3
<PAGE>   19

                                   provide camera ready artwork of typestyles
                                   and logos of the Borrower for use in
                                   promotional material by the Lender.

Conditions of Acceptance:          This Commitment Letter is intended to be a
                                   summary of the most important elements of the
                                   agreement to enter into a loan transaction
                                   with Borrower, and it is subject to all
                                   requirements and conditions contained in Loan
                                   documentation proposed by Lender or its
                                   counsel in the course of closing the Loans
                                   described herein. Not every provision that
                                   imposes duties, obligations, burdens, or
                                   limitations on Borrower is contained herein,
                                   but shall be contained in the final Loan
                                   documentation satisfactory to Lender and its
                                   counsel.

                                   EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND
                                   UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY
                                   JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION, PROCEEDING OR
                                   COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO
                                   THIS LETTER OR THE TRANSACTION DESCRIBED IN
                                   THIS LETTER.

Application Fee:                   The $15,000 Application Fee previously paid
                                   by the Borrower will be first applied to the
                                   reasonable costs and expenses of the Lender
                                   in connection with the transaction, and any
                                   remainder shall be applied pro rata (based on
                                   the amount of each funding to the total
                                   amount of this Commitment) to the second
                                   month's payment due under the Loan.

Commitment Expiration:             This Commitment shall expire on July 21, 2000
                                   unless prior thereto either extended in
                                   writing by the Lender or accepted as provided
                                   below by the Borrower.


                                       4
<PAGE>   20

Should you have any questions, please call me. If you wish to accept this
Commitment, please so indicate by signing and returning the enclosed duplicate
copy of this letter to me by July 21, 2000.

                                          Yours truly,

                                          TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT
                                          CORP - TECHNOLOGY FINANCE
                                          DIVISION


                                          By  /s/ Keith Mason
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Keith Mason
                                            Senior Vice President


Accepted this 14th day of July, 2000.

ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC.


By /s/ Timothy M. Mayleben
   ------------------------
Name:  Timothy M. Mayleben
Title: Vice President




                                       5