Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

     Cayman
       Chemical
                                                                      LEASE

     THIS LEASE (the "Lease") is made as of the 4th day of January, 1999,
between MAXEY, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, whose address is 1180
East Ellsworth, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 ("Landlord"), and ESPERION
THERAPEUTICS, INC., a Delaware corporation, whose address is 3621 South State
Street, 695 KMS Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 ("Tenant").
                                                   ------

                                  WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease the vivarium annex to the building owned
by Landlord at 1180 East Ellsworth Road, Pittsfield Township, Washtenaw County,
Michigan, containing approximately 5,150 square feet of space (the "Premises")
and

     WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set
forth, Landlord has agreed to lease the Premises to Tenant.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms, conditions and covenants
hereinafter set forth to be paid, kept and performed by Landlord and Tenant, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.   Grant of Lease. Upon and subject to the terms, conditions, covenants
          --------------
an provisions of this Lease, Landlord agrees to lease and hereby leases to
Tenant, and Tenant agrees to rent and hereby rents from Landlord, the Premises.

     2.   Term.
          ----

          (a)  The initial term of this Lease (the "Initial Term") shall be for
                                                    ------------
two (2) years, commencing on the later to occur of (a) January 1, 1999, or (b)
the date upon Landlord substantially completes the improvements to the Premises
specified on Exhibit A attached hereto (the "Commencement Date"), and expiring
                                             -----------------
on midnight of the second anniversary of the Commencement Date (the "Expiration
                                                                     ----------
Date"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Commencement Date
----
shall not have occurred by February 2, 1999, Tenant may terminate this Lease by
giving written notice of such election at any time thereafter and prior to the
Commencement Date.

          (b)  Tenant may extend the Initial Term by three (3) successive one
(1) year periods (each a "Renewal Term"), each commencing on the anniversary of
                          ------------
the Commencement Date, by giving Landlord notice of such election not less than
ninety (90) prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or the then running
Renewal Term, as the case may be. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such
notice, Landlord may either refuse or consent to said renewal by providing
written notification to Tenant. Such consent or refusal shall be at the sole and
absolute discretion of the Landlord. Should Landlord agree to renew, Landlord
shall give Tenant written notice setting forth the rent for said Renewal Term.
Rent for any given Renewal Term shall not be increased by more than 5% above the
rental rate which prevails at the time of renewal. Tenant
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shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice from Landlord to elect
to terminate this Lease by giving written notice of such termination to
Landlord. Absent such termination, Tenant shall be deemed to have elected to
extend the term of this Lease by such Renewal Term. Excepting the amount of the
rent, the terms and conditions of this Lease shall apply during each such
Renewal Term. The Initial Term, as it may be extended by one or more Renewal
Terms, shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Lease Term."
                                                ----------

     3.   Rent. For the use and occupancy of the Premises during the Initial
          ----
Term, Tenant shall pay Landlord rent of $340,000.00. Tenant shall pay such rent
in monthly installments of $13,000.00 for the first 10 months of the Term and
$15,000.00 for each month thereafter (the "Minimum Monthly Rent"), in advance,
                                           --------------------
commencing on the Commencement Date and continuing on the first day of each
calendar month thereafter during the Term, without any offset or deduction.
Should the Initial Term commence on a day other than the first day of a calendar
month, then the rental for such first fractional month shall be computed on a
daily basis for the period from the Commencement Date to the end of such
calendar month at an amount equal to 1/30th of the Minimum Monthly Rent for each
day. Should the Lease Term end on a day other than the last day of a calendar
month, then the rental for such fractional month shall be computed on a daily
basis at an amount equal to 1/30th of the Minimum Monthly Rent for each day.
Tenant shall pay Landlord the Minimum Monthly Rent in lawful money of the United
States at the address for Landlord set forth in the introductory paragraph of
this Lease, or to such other persons or at such other places as Landlord may
designate in writing to Tenant.

     4.   Late Charge. If any installment of the Monthly Minimum Rent or any
          -----------
other payment provided for under this Lease which is payable by Tenant is not
received by Landlord within five (5) days of the date when due, Tenant shall
immediately pay Landlord an amount equal to 5% of the overdue amount as a late
charge (the "Late Charge"). Landlord and Tenant agree that the Late Charge
represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs that Landlord will incur
by reason of any such late payment by Tenant. Acceptance of the Late Charge by
Landlord shall not constitute a waiver of Tenant's default with respect to the
overdue amount, nor prevent Landlord from exercising any other rights and
remedies available to Landlord under this Lease.

     5.   Interest on Overdue Amounts. The Minimum Monthly Rent and all other
          ---------------------------
amounts due Landlord under this Lease which are not paid within five (5) days of
the date when due shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the "prime
rate" (or substantial equivalent) announced from time to time (as adjusted
monthly) by Comerica Bank, Detroit, Michigan, plus 2% (the "Interest Rate"),
                                                            -------------
from the date due until paid; provided, however, that if such rate shall exceed
the lawful rate of interest which Landlord is entitled to charge under
applicable law, then the per annum rate of interest on any such overdue amounts
shall be the maximum rate permitted by applicable law.

     6.   Personal Property Taxes. Tenant shall pay all taxes, assessments and
          -----------------------
charges of any kind which shall be levied, assessed or charged upon Tenant's
leasehold interest in the Premises or upon personal property owned by Tenant and
at any time located within the Premises, including, without limitation, all
improvements made within the Premises by or on behalf of Tenant at Tenant's
expense as provided in M.C.L A. (S)211.8(h), as amended. Accordingly, Tenant
shall report such leasehold improvements as personal property in the

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statement of assessable property that Tenant is required to file by M.C.L.A.
(S)211.19, as amended, and shall cooperate with Landlord in ensuring that such
leasehold improvements are not assessed as real property.

     7.   Gross Lease.   This Lease Is intended to be a "gross lease."
          -----------
Accordingly, the Minimum Monthly Rent is inclusive of all insurance premiums,
real property taxes, operating charges, maintenance charges, utility charges
(excluding telephone service and toll charges, which Tenant shall pay directly
to the service provider) and any other charges, costs and expenses which arise
or may be contemplated under any provision of this Lease during the Term and
which are not the responsibility of Tenant, as specified herein. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Tenant shall be responsible for keeping the Premises in a clean,
neat and safe condition and for any costs it incurs to do so.

     8.   Use of Leased Premises.
          ----------------------

          (a)  Tenant may use the Premises as an animal vivarium for purposes of
research and development and for no other purpose without Landlord's prior
written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Tenant shall not use the Premises for any purpose in violation of any law,
municipal ordinance or regulation, including, without limitation, the zoning
ordinance of the Township of Pittsfield, Michigan. Tenant shall, at its sole
cost and expense, obtain any permits or licenses necessary to operate the
Premises as permitted by this Section.

          (b)  Tenant shall, at Tenant's sole expense, comply in all respects
with all applicable laws, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, of any
governmental authorities and with any directive of any public officer which
shall Impose any violation, order or duty upon Landlord or Tenant with respect
to the Premises or the use or occupation thereof or signage thereon, including,
without limitation, any governmental law or statute, rule, regulation,
ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law now or hereafter in effect
relating to the environment, health or safety with the exception of any pre-
existing condition, which shall be the responsibility of the Landlord.

          (c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing subsection, Landlord shall be
solely responsible for any structural, electrical or mechanical changes to the
Premises mandated by applicable law and that are not mandated by reason of
Tenant's use of the Premises. Landlord shall indemnify, save and hold Tenant
harmless from and against any claim, liability, loss, damage or expense
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements)
arising out of Landlord's failure to observe the foregoing covenant, which
indemnity obligation shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.

          (d)  Tenant shall not use or permit the Premises to be used in any
manner that will result in waste or the creation of a nuisance, and Tenant shall
maintain the Premises free of any objectionable noises, odors, or disturbances,
taking into account the use of the Premises permitted hereby.

          (e)  Tenant shall provide notice to Landlord of the make, model and
license plate number of each of its employees working at the Premises and shall
update such information

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as necessary, but in any event at each anniversary of the Commencement Date.
Tenant's employees, agents and contractors shall only park their vehicles in the
last row of the parking lot serving the Premises, which is adjacent to the
Premises.

          (f)  Tenant shall indemnify, save and hold Landlord harmless from and
against any claim, liability, loss, damage or expense (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements) arising out of any
violation of the covenants of Tenant contained in this Section by Tenant, or out
of any violation of applicable law, rule and regulation, its owners, employees,
agents, contractors, customers, guests and invitees, which indemnity obligation
shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.

     9.   Environmental Compliance.

          (a)  Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense at all times during
the Term, comply in all respects with the Environmental Laws (as defined below)
in its use and operation of the Premises.

          (b)  Tenant shall not use the Premises for the purpose of storing
Hazardous Materials (as defined below) except In full compliance with the
Environmental Laws and other applicable law, and shall not cause the release of
any Hazardous Material.

          (c)  Tenant shall notify Landlord promptly and in reasonable detail in
the event that Tenant becomes aware of or suspects (i) the presence of any
Hazardous Material on the Premises (other than any Permitted Hazardous
Materials, as defined below), or (ii) a violation of the Environmental Laws on
the Premises.

          (d)  If Tenant uses or permits the Premises to be used so as to
subject Tenant, Landlord or any occupant of the Premises to a claim of violation
of the Environmental Laws (unless contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings), Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, immediately cease or
cause cessation of such use or operations and shall remedy and fully cure any
conditions arising therefrom.

          (e)  At its sole cost and expense, Tenant shall (i) immediately pay,
when due, the cost of compliance with the Environmental Laws within the
Premises, and (ii) keep the Premises free of any liens imposed pursuant to the
Environmental Laws if such payments or liens are caused by the Tenant. Tenant
shall, at all times, use, handle and dispose of any Permitted Hazardous Material
in a commercially reasonable manner and In compliance with the Environmental
Laws and applicable industry standards. Tenant shall cooperate with Landlord in
arty program between Landlord and any governmental entity for proper disposal
and/or recovery of any Permitted Hazardous Material.

          (f)  Tenant shall Indemnify, save and hold Landlord harmless from and
against any claim, liability, loss, damage or expense (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements) arising out of any
violation of the covenants of Tenant contained in this Section by Tenant, or out
of any violation of the Environmental Laws by Tenant, its owners, employees,
agents, contractors, customers, guests and invitees, which indemnity obligation
shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease.

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          (g)  In the event that Tenant fails to comply with the any of the
foregoing requirements of this Section, after the expiration of the cure period
permitted under the Environmental Laws, if any, and after not less than ten (10)
days advance written notice from Landlord, Landlord may, but shall not be
obligated to (i) elect that such failure constitutes a default under this Lease;
and/or (ii) take any and all actions, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, that
Landlord deems necessary or desirable to cure any such noncompliance. Tenant
shall reimburse Landlord for any costs incurred by Landlord in exercising its
options under this subsection within ten (10) days after receipt of a bill
therefor.

          (h)  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section to the
contrary, Landlord shall indemnify, save and hold Tenant harmless from and
against any claim, liability, loss, damage or expense (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements) arising out of any
violation of the Environmental Laws by, or the existence of any Hazardous
Material on or about the Premises as of the Commencement Date by reason of the
act or omission of, Landlord, its owners, employees, agents, contractors,
customers, guests and invitees, which indemnity obligation shall survive the
expiration or termination of this Lease.

          (i)  The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or
termination of the Term.

         Capitalized terms used in this Section and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the following meanings:

                  "Hazardous Materials" means any of the following as defined by
                   -------------------
         the Environmental Laws: solid wastes; medical or nuclear waste or
         materials; toxic or hazardous substances; natural gas, liquefied
         natural gas or synthetic fuel gas; petroleum products or derivatives,
         wastes or contaminants (including, without limitation, polychlorinated
         biphenyl's); paint containing lead; urea-formaldehyde foam insulation;
         asbestos (including, without limitation, fibers and friable asbestos);
         explosives, and discharges of sewage or effluent.

                  "Environmental Laws" means all requirements of environmental,
                   ------------------
         ecological, health, or industrial hygiene laws or regulations or rules
         of common law related to the Property, including all requirements
         imposed by any law, rule, order, or regulation of any federal, state,
         or local executive, legislative, Judicial, regulatory, or
         administrative agency, board, or authority, which relate to (i) noise;
         (ii) pollution or protection of the air, surface water, ground water,
         or land; (iii) solid, gaseous, or liquid waste generation, treatment,
         storage, disposal, or transportation; (iv) exposure to Hazardous
         Materials; or (v) regulation of the manufacture, processing,
         distribution and commerce, use, or storage of Hazardous Materials.

                  "Permitted Hazardous Material" means any Hazardous Material
                   ----------------------------
         which is necessary and commercially reasonable for the provision of any
         good or service related to the use of the Premises permitted by this
         Lease.

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     10.  Maintenance and Repairs.
          -----------------------

          (a)  Landlord shall, at its sole cost and expense, maintain in good
repair, order, and serviceable condition the Premises and every part thereof,
including, without limitation, all structural elements of the Premises and
building; all plumbing, ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and electrical
systems and equipment in, on, or exclusively serving, the Premises; and all
windows, doors, storefronts, plate glass, interior walls, and ceilings which are
part of the Premises.

          (b)  Except in the case of an emergency, Landlord shall give Tenant
reasonable advance notice of Landlord's intent to enter the Premises to perform
its obligations under the foregoing Section. Landlord shall use commercially
reasonable efforts not to interfere with Tenant.

          (c)  If Landlord refuses or neglects to make repairs or maintain the
Premises in the manner required by this Section, Tenant shall, upon giving
Landlord ten (10) days prior written notice, have the right to perform such
maintenance or make such repairs on behalf of and for the account of Landlord.
In the event Tenant so elects, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for the cost of
such repairs, maintenance, or replacements within ten (10) days following
receipt of a bill therefor.

          (d)  Subject to the landlord's obligation in section 10(a), Tenant
shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep the interior of the Premises in good
condition and repair and maintain the Premises in a good and safe condition.

          (e)  If Tenant refuses or neglects to make repairs or maintain the
Premises in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and as required by the
foregoing subsection, without prejudice to any other remedy Landlord may have
hereunder, upon giving Tenant ten (10) days prior written notice, Landlord shall
have the right to enter the Premises and perform such maintenance or make such
repairs on behalf of and for the account of Tenant. In the event Landlord so
elects, Tenant shall pay the cost of such repairs, maintenance, or replacements
within ten (10) days following receipt of a bill therefor.

     11.  Use of Personal Property. As part of this Lease and during the Term,
          ------------------------
Tenant shall have the right to use the cages. cage washer and other personal
property (Exhibit B) currently located on the Premises. Tenant shall, at its
sole cost and expense, maintain the same in good condition and repair, shall
riot remove any of such property from the Premises, and shall repair or replace
any of such property damaged during the Term. Upon expiration or termination of
the Lease Term,, Tenant shall surrender such property to Landlord in the same
condition and quantity as when taken, reasonable wear and tear (but not
casualty) excepted. Any personal property belonging to the Tenant, located in
the Premises, shall remain the property of Tenant and may be removed by Tenant
at expiration of the Term. The obligations of Tenant under this Section shall
survive expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

     12.  Improvements; Condition of Premises.
          -----------------------------------

          (a)  Landlord will make the improvements to the Leases Premises
specified on Exhibit A attached hereto (the "Improvements"). Upon delivery of
                                             ------------
the Premises to the Tenant in

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accordance with the terms of the Lease, Tenant shall pay Landlord $20,000.00 to
defer the cost of the Improvements.

          (b)  Excepting the Improvements, Tenant accepts the Premises in its
"as is" condition. Tenant acknowledges that Landlord makes no warranty of any
kind with respect to the Premises. Accordingly, Tenant agrees that so long as
Landlord is not in breach of its obligation to maintain the Premises as set
forth in Section 10 hereof, Tenant is barred from making any claim or demand
upon, or bringing any action against, Landlord for any loss, cost, injury,
damage or other expense caused by any failure or defect, structural or non-
structural, of the Premises or any part thereof.

     13.  Alterations.
          -----------

          (a)  Tenant shall not make any alteration of any kind to the Premises
without the prior written consent of Landlord. Any such consent may be
conditioned upon Tenant removing any such alterations upon the expiration or
termination of this Lease and restoring the Premises to its condition as of the
Commencement Date, normal wear and tear excepted. Properly qualified and
licensed personnel shall do all work with respect to any alteration in a good
and workmanlike manner, and such work shall be diligently prosecuted to
completion.

          (b)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may make cosmetic changes
to the Interior of the Premises without Landlord's consent so long as such
changes do not affect the structure or function of the Premises or violate
applicable law.

     14.  Liens. Tenant shall do all things necessary to prevent the filing of
          -----
any liens or encumbrances against the Premises, or any part thereof, or upon any
interest of Landlord or any mortgagee in any portion of the Premises, by reason
of labor, services or materials supplied or claimed to have been supplied to
Tenant, or anyone holding the Premises, or arty part thereof, through or under
Tenant. If any such lien or encumbrance shall at any time be filed against all
or any portion of the Premises, Tenant shall either cause same to be discharged
of record within thirty (30) days after the date of filing of same or, if Tenant
in good faith determines that such lien should be contested, Tenant shall either
(i) bond over such lien in accordance with applicable law, or (ii) furnish such
security as Landlord shall determine to be necessary and/or required to prevent
any foreclosure proceedings against all or any portion of the Premises during
the pendency of such contest. If Tenant shall fail to discharge or bond over
such lien or encumbrance or fail to furnish such security within such period,
then, in addition to any other right or remedy of Landlord resulting from said
default of Tenant, Landlord may, but shall not be obligated to, discharge the
same either by paying the amount claimed to be due or by procuring the discharge
of such lien by giving security or in such other manner as is, or may be,
prescribed by law, and Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord within ten (10) days
after demand for all costs, expenses, and other sums of money spent in
connection therewith.

     15.  Assignment and Subletting. Tenant shall not assign this Lease or
          -------------------------
sublet the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent
may be withheld in the sole and absolute discretion of Landlord. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Tenant may assign this Lease without Landlord's consent to (a)
any entity controlled by, or under common control with, Tenant, (b) any
successor in interest to Tenant by reason of merger, consolidation or corporate

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reorganization, or by purchase of substantially all of the assets of Tenant;
provided Tenant gives Landlord not less than ten (10) days advance notice of
such assignment and the assignee executes and delivers to Landlord the
instrument of assignment which provides that the assignee agrees to be bounds by
this Lease as of the effective date of the assignment.

     16.  Access to Premises. During the Term, Landlord shall have access to the
          ------------------
Premises, for the purpose of inspecting the same, during reasonable business
hours and upon reasonable notice, or at any time in the event of an emergency.

     17.  Insurance. Tenant shall obtain and maintain during the Term
          ---------
comprehensive general liability insurance against any loss, liability or damage
on, about or relating to the Premises, with limits of not less than $2,000,000
for death or injuries to one person and not less than $2,000,000 for death or
injuries to two or more persons in one occurrence, and not less than $500,000
for damage to property. If such insurance coverage has a deductible clause, the
deductible amount shall not exceed $5,000 per occurrence, and Tenant shall be
liable for such deductible amount. The policies evidencing such insurance shall
name Landlord as an additional insured. Upon execution of the Lease, Tenant
shall provide to Landlord copies of the insurance policy or policies, or
originally signed certificates of insurance therefor, evidencing such coverage.

     18.  Hold Harmless. Tenant shall indemnify, save and hold Landlord harmless
          -------------
from and against any damage, cost or liability arising out of or relating to any
injury or injuries, death(s), damages or losses to any person(s) or property
that may be suffered or sustained by Tenant or subtenant(s) or any of their
respective agents, servants, employees, patrons, customers, invitees, visitors,
licensees or by any other person or persons in or on the Premises or any part
thereof, or arising from the use or occupancy of the Premises by Tenant or its
subtenant(s) or any of their respective agents, servants, employees, patrons,
customers, invitees, visitors or licensees.

     19.  Eminent Domain. If all or any portion of the Premises shall be taken
          --------------
by the exercise of the right of eminent domain for any public or quasi-public
improvement or use, this Lease shall terminate on the date when title to the
Premises, so taken, shall vest in the appropriate authority, or on the date when
any possession is required to be surrendered, whichever Is later.

     20.  Damage to the Premises. In the event the Premises shall be damaged by
          ----------------------
fire or other casualty in such a manner as to be capable of being repaired
within a commercially reasonable time (as determined by Landlord in the exercise
of its sole and absolute discretion) Landlord shall repair the same and, unless
such damage results from the negligence of Tenant, during the time that repairs
to the Premises are being made, the Minimum Monthly Rent shall abate in
proportion to the area of the Premises rendered untenantable by such fire or
other casualty. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES, AGREES AND
UNDERSTANDS THAT TENANT SHALL BE SOLELY LIABLE FOR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND TO THE
PREMISES RESULTING SOLELY FROM THE NEGUGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF TENANT OR
ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR CONTRACTORS. In the event that the Premises
shall be damaged by Lire or other casualty to such an extent that the Premises
cannot be repaired within the time determined by Landlord and noticed to Tenant,
then this Lease shall, at Landlord's option, terminate as of

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the date of such fire or casualty; provided, however, that In the event Landlord
cannot restore the Premises within six (6) months after such casualty, Tenant
may terminate this Lease by giving written notice of such election to Landlord.

     21.  Quiet Enjoyment. Landlord represents and warrants that during the Term
          ---------------
or any extension thereof, and so long as Tenant performs the agreements, terms,
covenants and conditions of this Lease, Tenant shall peaceably and quietly have,
hold and enjoy the Premises for the Term, without hindrance or interference by
or from Landlord, or any other person or persons claiming through Landlord.

     22.  Right to Mortgage. This Lease may be subordinate to any mortgage now
          -----------------
or hereafter encumbering the Premises or the land upon which the Premises is
located, any improvements on such land and to any and all advances to be made
thereunder, interest thereupon, and all renewals, replacements and extensions
thereof, provided the mortgagee named in such mortgage agrees, in the event of a
foreclosure, to recognize the rights of Tenant under this Lease while Tenant is
not in default in Tenant's obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding any provision
herein contained, any mortgagee, at its election, by notice in writing delivered
to Landlord and Tenant, shall be entitled to have this Lease is dated prior to
the lien of its mortgage whether or not the Lease is dated prior or subsequent
to the date of such mortgage.

     23.  Events of Default; Termination. Tenant shall be in default under this
          ------------------------------
Lease if any one or more of the following events (each an "Event of Default")
shall occur:

          (a) Tenant shall default in the payment of rent due hereunder or any
other sums due hereunder when and as the same become due and payable and such
default shall continue for more than ten (10) days after Landlord shall have
given Tenant written notice of such default; or

          (b) Tenant shall default in the performance of, or compliance with any
other term or provision hereof, and such default shall continue for more than
thirty (30) days after Landlord shall have given Tenant written notice of such
default, specifying the default complained of, and Tenant shall not within such
period have commenced with due diligence and dispatch to cure such default, or
if Tenant shall, within such period, have commenced with due diligence and
dispatch the carrying of such default and shall thereafter have failed or
neglected to prosecute and complete with due diligence and dispatch the curing
of such default.

          (c) The admission by Tenant of its inability to pay debts as they
mature.

          (d) Institution by or against Tenant of any bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, receivership or other similar proceeding involving the creditors
of Tenant which, if instituted against Tenant, is not dismissed within sixty
(60) days after the commencement thereof.

          (e) The issuance or filing of any judgment, attachment, levy,
garnishment or the commencement of any related proceeding or the commencement of
any other judicial process upon or with respect to Tenant or substantially all
of the assets of Tenant, or the Premises, which is not dismissed within sixty
(60) days.

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          (f) Dissolution, termination of existence, insolvency, business
failure or assignment for the benefit of creditors of or by Tenant.

     24.  Remedies Upon Default. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default,
          ---------------------
Landlord may pursue any legal and equitable remedy available and may
additionally, at its option, terminate this Lease upon ten (10) days notice to
Tenant and re-enter and repossess the Premises.

     25.  Expenses, Damages, Re-Entry. Should Landlord obtain possession of the
          ---------------------------
Premises by re-entry, summary proceedings, or otherwise, Tenant shall pay
Landlord the expense incurred in obtaining possession of the Premises, all
expenses and commission which may be paid to relet the Premises and all other
damages, including reasonable attorney fees. Landlord shall use its best efforts
to relet the Premises for such rental, upon such terms and from time to time as
Landlord may see fit, and Tenant shall pay each month to Landlord the difference
between the rent due hereunder and the amount of rent that is collected and
received for the Premises for the remainder of the Term obtained by Tenant
remaining after Landlord's taking of possession of the Premises.

     26. Delivery of Possession at Termination. Upon expiration or termination
         -------------------------------------
of this Lease in accordance with the terms hereof, Tenant shall surrender and
deliver up the Premises in like condition as when taken, reasonable wear and
tear excepted, except in the case of termination of this Lease because of
condemnation or casualty as provided in this Lease.

     27.  Holding Over. In the event Tenant holds over after the termination of
          ------------
this Lease, Tenant's tenancy thereafter shall be from month to month in the
absence of a written agreement to the contrary, subject, however, to all of the
obligations of Tenant under this Lease; provided, however, that the Minimum
Monthly Rent due hereunder shall Increase by 50%.

     28.  Security Deposit.
          ----------------

          (a) Landlord acknowledges the receipt from Tenant of the sum of
$5,00O.OO, which Landlord may retain as security for the payment, and
performance of all of the obligations and covenants of Tenant contained in this
Lease and for the personal property referred to in Section 12 hereof (the
"Security Deposit"). Landlord shall have no obligation to apply the Security
Deposit against any amount due or owing from Tenant under this Lease, nor shall
the rights and remedies of Landlord under this Lease shall be affected in any
manner by the fact that Landlord holds the Deposit. Should Landlord apply any
portion of the Security Deposit in respect of any obligation of the Tenant under
this Lease, Tenant shall, within ten (10) after receipt of written notice from
Landlord to do so, pay the amount set forth in such notice necessary to restore
the Security Deposit to its original amount. Landlord may commingle the Security
Deposit with its other funds and shall have no obligation to pay Interest on the
Security Deposit to Tenant.

          (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Landlord may apply the
Security Deposit against any damages or costs suffered by Landlord by reason of
such Event of Default or the exercise of the remedies provided herein for
Landlord upon the occurrence of and Event of Default. Provided Tenant is not
then In default under this Lease upon the expiration of

                                       10
<PAGE>

the Term, Landlord shall promptly return any unapplied portion of the Security
Deposit to Tenant.

     29.  Notices. Whenever under the terms of this Lease any notice is
          -------
required, or whenever a notice or communication is sent, the same shall be in
writing and delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service,
addressed to Landlord and Tenant at the address for each shown in the
introductory paragraph of this Lease, or to such other addresses as either of
the parties above-mentioned shall designate by written notice, receipted for in
writing by the other party.

     30.  No Waiver. No waiver of any covenant or condition contained In this
          ---------
Lease or of any breach or of any such covenant or condition shall constitute a
waiver of any subsequent breath of such covenant or condition by either party,
or justify or authorize a nonobservance on any other occasion of the same or any
other covenant or condition hereof, of either party.

     31.  Binding Any Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided in
          ----------------------------------
this Lease, all covenants, guaranties, provisions and conditions of this Lease
shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their
respective personal representatives, successors and assigns.

     32.  Governing Law. This Lease shall be interpreted and shall in all
          -------------
respects be governed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of
Michigan, without giving effect to principals of conflicts of laws.

     33.  Captions. The captions of the paragraphs and subparagraphs of this
          --------
instrument are solely for convenience and shall not be deemed part of this
instrument for the purpose of construing the meaning thereof or for any other
purpose.

     34.  Entire Agreement. This Lease contains the entire agreement of the
          ----------------
parties hereto with respect to the leasing and renting of the Premises and this
Lease may not be amended, modified, released or discharged, in whole or m part,
except by art instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

     35. Counterparts. This Lease may be executed in one or more counterparts,
         ------------
each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

     The parties hereto have executed this Lease as of the day and year first
above written.

     MAXEY, LLC                    ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC.

By: /s/ Kirk M. Maxey                 By: /s/ Roger S. Newton  1/8/99
   ----------------------------          -----------------------------
   Kirk M. Maxey, M.D.                Roger S. Newton, Ph.D.
   Its Sole Member                    Its President

                                       11
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A

                                 IMPROVEMENTS
                                 ------------

1.   Seal the floor;

2.   Paint the ceiling and walls, as needed;

3.   Repair the boiler;

4.   Repair the cage washer;

5.   Ensure that the existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
     is in good condition and repair;

6.   Ensure that all existing electrical and plumbing systems are in good
     condition and repair; and

7.   Ensure secure exterior locks and provide a set of keys and/or cards to
     Tenant.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT B

                            PERSONAL PROPERTY ITEMS
                            -----------------------

         16       -        Rabbit Cages 24"

         96       -        Rabbit Cages 18"

         10       -        Animal Racks

         11       -        Water Dump Tanks

         1        -        Mouse Rack

         61       -        Mouse Cages with feeders

         50       -        Mouse Cages without feeders

         1        -        Utility Wash Rack

         104      -        Feeder Boxes

         54       -        Hose Couplings

         2        -        Plastic Pallets

         7        -        Squeeges

         2        -        Fire Blankets

         3        -        Fire Extinguishers

         20       -        Rack Drain Troughs

         1        -        Cage Washer

                           Edstrom Animal Watering System to all Animal Rooms

                                      A-2<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                          LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

     This LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is entered into as of March 31, 1999 by
and between SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California-chartered bank, with its principal
place of business at 3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, California 95054 and with a
loan production office located at Wellesley Office Park, 40 William Street,
Suite 350, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, doing business under the name
"Silicon Valley East" ("Bank") and ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC., a Delaware
corporation with its principal place of business at 3621 S. State Street, 695
KMS Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 ("Borrower").

                                   RECITALS
                                   --------

     Borrower wished to obtain credit from time to time from Bank, and Bank
desires to extend credit to Borrower. This Agreement sets forth the terms on
which Bank will advance credit to Borrower, and Borrower will repay the amounts
owing to Bank.

                                   AGREEMENT
                                   ---------

1.   DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
     ----------------------------

     1.1   Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall
           -----------
have the following definitions:

           "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person that owns
or controls directly or indirectly such Person, any Person that controls or is
controlled by or is under common control with such Person, and each of such
Person's senior executive officers, directors, partners and, for any Person that
is a limited liability company, such Person's managers and members.

           "Agreement" means this Loan and Security Agreement.

           "Bank Expenses" means all reasonable costs or expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred in connection with the
preparation, negotiation, administration, and enforcement of the Loan Documents;
and Bank's reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in amending,
enforcing or defending the Loan Documents, (including fees and expenses of
appeal or review, or those incurred in any Insolvency Proceeding) whether or not
suit is brought.

           "Borrower's Books" means all of Borrower's books and records
including, without limitation: ledgers; records concerning Borrower's assets or
liabilities, the Collateral, business operations or financial condition; and all
computer programs, or tape files, and the equipment, containing such
information.

           "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or other
day on which banks in the State of California are authorized or required to
close.

                                       1
<PAGE>

         "Closing Date" means the date of this Agreement.

         "Code" means the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code.

         "Collateral" means the property described on Exhibit A attached
                                                      ---------
hereto.

         "Committed Equipment Line" means a credit extension of up to One
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00), less any other
Obligations outstanding to the Bank.

         "Contingent Obligation" means, as applied to any Person, any direct or
indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with respect to (i)
any indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other obligation of
another, including, without limitation, any such obligation directly or
indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made or discounted or sold with recourse by
that Person, or in respect of which that Person is otherwise directly or
indirectly liable; (ii) any obligations with respect to undrawn letters of
credit issued for the account of that Person; and (iii) all obligations arising
under any interest rate, currency or commodity swap agreement, interest rate cap
agreement, interest rate collar agreement, or other agreement or arrangement
designated to protect a Person against fluctuation in interest rates, currency
exchange rates or commodity prices; provided, however, that the term "Contingent
Obligation" shall not include endorsements for collection or deposits in the
ordinary course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be
deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determined amount of the primary
obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not
stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect
thereof as determined by such Person in good faith; provided, however, that such
amount shall not in any event exceed the maximum amount of the obligations under
the guarantee or other support arrangement.

         "Credit Extension" means each Equipment Advance, or any other extension
of credit by Bank for the benefit of Borrower hereunder.

         "Equipment" means all present and future machinery, equipment, tenant
improvements, furniture, fixtures, vehicles, tools, parts and attachments in
which Borrower has any interest.

         "Equipment Advance" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.1.

         "Equipment Availability End Date No. 1" shall mean and refer to the
Closing Date.

         "Equipment Availability End Date No. 2" shall mean six (6) months
following the Closing Date.

         "Equipment Maturity Date No. 1" means the date which is thirty-six (36)
months from the Closing Date.

                                       2
<PAGE>

         "Equipment Maturity Date No. 2" means the date which is forty-two (42)
months from the Closing Date.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the regulations thereunder.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in
the United States from time to time.

         "Indebtedness" means (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money or the
deferred purchase price of property or services, including without limitation
reimbursement and other obligations with respect to surety bonds and letters of
credit, (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar
instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations and (d) all Contingent
Obligations.

         "Insolvency Proceeding" means any proceeding commenced by or against
any person or entity under any provision of the United States Bankruptcy Code,
as amended, or under any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, including
assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal or informal moratoria,
compositions, extension generally with its creditors, or proceedings seeking
reorganization, arrangement, or other relief.

         "Investment" means any beneficial ownership of (including stock,
partnership, interest or other securities) any Person, or any loan, advance or
capital contribution to any Person.

         "IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the
regulations thereunder.

         "Lien" means any mortgage, lien, deed of trust, charge, pledge,
security interest or other encumbrance.

         "Loan Documents" means, collectively, this Agreement, any note or notes
executed by Borrower, and any other present or future agreement entered into
between Borrower and/or for the benefit of Bank in connection with this
Agreement, all as amended, extended or restated from time to time.

         "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (i) the
business operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) the ability of Borrower to repay the
Obligations or otherwise perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

         "Maturity Date" means, as applicable, (i) the Equipment Maturity Date
No. 1 for Equipment Advances pursuant to Equipment Line No. 1, and (ii) the
Equipment Maturity Date No. 2 for Equipment Advances pursuant to Equipment Line
No. 2.

                                       3
<PAGE>

         "Negotiable Collateral" means all of Borrower's present and future
letters of credit of which it is a beneficiary, and any notes, drafts,
instruments, securities, documents of title, or chattel paper, owned by or
payable to Borrower.

         "Obligations" means all debt, principal, interest, Bank Expenses and
other amounts owed to Bank by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or any other
agreement, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or
hereafter arising, including any interest that accrues after the commencement of
an Insolvency Proceeding and including any debt, liability, or obligation owing
from Borrower to others that Bank may have obtained by assignment or otherwise.

         "Payment Date" means the first calendar day of each month commencing on
the first such date after the Closing Date.

         "Permitted Indebtedness" means:

               (a)   Indebtedness of Borrower in favor of Bank arising under
this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

               (b)   Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and disclosed in
the Schedule:

               (c)   Subordinated Debt;

               (d)   Indebtedness to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary
course of business; and

               (e)   Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens.

         "Permitted Investment" means:

                     (a)   Investments existing on the Closing Date disclosed in
               the Schedule; and

               (b)       (i) Marketable direct obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or any
State thereof maturing within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof,
(ii) commercial paper maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of
creation thereof and currently having the highest rating obtainable from either
Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investment Service, Inc., and (iii)
certificates of deposit maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of
investment therein issued by Bank; and

               (c)   Investments in Esperion AB, a Subsidiary of the Borrower,
in the aggregate amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) per
calendar year.

               "Permitted Liens" means the following:

                                       4
<PAGE>

                     (a)   Any Liens existing on the Closing Date and disclosed
               in the Schedule or arising under this Agreement or the other Loan
               Documents;

               (b) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental
charges or levies, either not delinquent or being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserved are maintained on
Borrower's Books in accordance with GAAP, provided the same have no priority
                                          --------
over any of Bank's security interests;

               (c) Liens (i) upon or in any Equipment acquired or held by
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the purchase price of such
Equipment or indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the
acquisition of such Equipment, or (ii) existing on such equipment at the time of
its acquisition, provided that the Lien is confined solely to the property so
                 --------
acquired and improvements thereon, and the proceeds of such equipment;

               (d) Leases or subleases and licenses or sublicenses granted to
others in the ordinary course of Borrower's business not interfering in any
material respect with the business of Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole;

               (e) Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal or
refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in
clauses (a) through (c) above, provided that any extension, renewal or
                               --------
replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing
Lien and the principal amount of the indebtedness being extended, renewed or
refinanced does not increase;

               (f) Statutory inchoate liens in connection with workmen's
compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security obligations;

               (g) Mechanic's, workman's, materialman's, landlord's carrier's,
warehouseman's, laborer's or other similar liens arising in the ordinary course
of business with respect to obligations that are not due; and

               (h) Judgments that are not an Event or Default under Section 8.8
hereunder.

               "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture trust, unincorporated organization,
association, corporation, institution, public benefit corporation, firm, joint
stock company, estate, entity or governmental agency.

               "Prime Rate" means the variable rate of interest, per annum, most
recently announced by Bank, as its "prime rate," whether or not such announced
rate is the lowest rate available from Bank.

               "Responsible Officer" means each of the Chief Executive Officer,
the President, the Chief Financial Officer and the Controller of Borrower.

                                       5
<PAGE>

                  "Schedule" means the schedule of exceptions attached hereto,
if any.

                  "Subordinated Debt" means any debt incurred by Borrower that
is subordinated to the debt owing by Borrower to Bank on terms acceptable to
Bank (and identified as being such by Borrower and Bank).

                  "Subsidiary" means with respect to any Person, corporation,
partnership, company association, joint venture, or any other business entity of
which more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or other equity
interests is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one
or more Affiliates of such Person.

                  "Tangible Net Worth" means as of any applicable date, the
consolidated total assets of Borrower and its Subsidiaries minus, without
                                                           -----
duplication, (i) the sum of any amounts attributable to (a) goodwill, (b)
intangible items such as unamortized debt discount and expense, patents, trade
and service marks and names, copyrights and research and development expenses
except prepaid expenses, and (c) all reserves not already deducted from assets,
and (ii) Total Liabilities.
---

                  "Total Liabilities" means as of any applicable date, all
obligations that should, in accordance with GAAP be classified as liabilities on
the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower, including in any event all
indebtedness, but specifically excluding Subordinated Debt.

         1.2      Accounting and Other Terms. All accounting terms not
                  --------------------------
specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP and all
calculations and determinations made hereunder shall be made in accordance with
GAAP. When used herein, the term "financial statements" shall include the notes
and schedules thereto. The terms "including" or "includes" shall always be read
as meaning "including (or includes) without limitation", when used herein or in
any other Loan Document.

2.       LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
         -------------------------

         2.1      Credit Extensions. Borrower promises to pay to the order of
                  -----------------
Bank, in lawful money of the United States of America, the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of all Credit Extensions made by Bank to Borrower hereunder.
Borrower shall also pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of such Credit
Extensions at rates in accordance with the terms hereof.

         2.1.1    Equipment Advances.
                  ------------------

                  (a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Bank agrees to make advances (each an "Equipment Advance" and
collectively, the "Equipment Advances") to Borrower in an aggregate amount not
to exceed the Committed Equipment Line in the following manner: (i) first, in
one advance to occur on the Equipment Availability End Date No. 1 (the
"Equipment Line No. 1"), and (ii) thereafter, in an aggregate amount equal to
the Committed Equipment Line, less the outstanding principal amounts advanced
pursuant to Equipment Line No. 1, at any

                                       6
<PAGE>

time from the Closing Date through the Equipment Availability End Date No. 2
(the "Equipment Line No. 2"). To evidence the Equipment Advance or Equipment
Advances, Borrower shall deliver to Bank, at the time of each Equipment Advance
request, an invoice for the equipment to be purchased or refinanced, or tenant
improvements to be performed. Equipment Advance requests under Equipment Line
No. 1 shall only be permitted for Equipment purchased between August 1, 1998 and
November 30, 1998. Equipment Advance requests under Equipment Line No. 2 shall
only be permitted for Equipment purchased on or after December 1, 1998. All
Equipment Advance requests under Equipment Line No. 1 must be submitted by the
Borrower to the Bank on or before the Closing Date in order for such requests to
be eligible for an Equipment Advance. The Equipment Advances shall be used only
to purchase or refinance Equipment or fund tenant improvements and shall not
exceed One Hundred Percent (100%) of the invoice amount of such equipment
approved from time to time by Bank. Taxes, shipping, warranty charges, freight
discounts and installation expense and tenant improvements to be made by
Borrower shall be limited, in the aggregate, to thirty-five percent (35.0%) of
outstanding Equipment Advances, which limitation shall be tested prior to each
Equipment Advance request.

           (b)    Interest shall accrue from the date of each Equipment Advance
at the per annum rate specified in Section 2.2(a) and shall be payable monthly
on the Payment Date of each month. Any Equipment Advances made pursuant to the
Equipment Line No. 1 that are outstanding on the Equipment Availability End Date
No. 1 will be payable in thirty-six (36) equal monthly installments of
principal, plus all accrued interest, beginning on the Payment Date of the month
following the Equipment Availability End Date No. 1 and ending on the Equipment
Maturity Date No. 1. Any Equipment Advances made pursuant to the Equipment Line
No. 2 that are outstanding on the Equipment Availability End Date No. 2 will be
payable in thirty-six (36) equal monthly installments of principal, plus all
accrued interest, beginning on the Payment Date of the month following the
Equipment Availability End Date No. 2 and ending on the Equipment Maturity Date
No. 2. Equipment Advances, once repaid, may not be reborrowed.

           (c)    When Borrower desires to obtain an Equipment Advance, Borrower
shall notify Bank (which notice shall be irrevocable) by facsimile transmission
to be received no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time one (1) Business Day before
the day on which the Equipment Advance is to be made. Such notice shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit B. The notice shall be signed by a
Responsible Officer or its designee and include a copy of the invoice for the
Equipment to be financed.

     2.2   Interest Rates, Payments, and Calculations.
           ------------------------------------------

           (a)    Interest Rate. Except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), any
                  -------------
Advances shall bear interest, on the average daily balance thereof, at a per
annum rate equal to the aggregate of the Prime Rate, plus One percent (1.0%).

                                       7
<PAGE>

           (b) Default Rate. All Obligations shall bear interest, from and after
               ------------
the occurrence of an Event of Default, at a rate equal to five (5) percentage
points above the interest rate applicable immediately prior to the occurrence of
the Event of Default.

           (c) Payments. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable on each
               --------
Payment Date. Borrower hereby authorizes Bank to debit any accounts with Bank,
including, without limitation, Account Number ________________ for payments of
principal and interest due on the Obligations and any other amounts owing by
Borrower to Bank. Bank will notify Borrower of all debits which Bank has made
against Borrower's accounts. Any such debits against Borrower's accounts in no
way shall be deemed a set-off. Any interest not paid when due shall be
compounded by becoming a part of the Obligations, and such interest shall
thereafter accrue interest at the rate then applicable hereunder.

           (d) Computation. In the event the Prime Rate is changed from time to
               -----------
time hereafter, the applicable rate of interest hereunder shall be increased or
decreased effective as of 12:01 a.m. on the day the Prime Rate is changed, by an
amount equal to such change in the Prime Rate. All interest chargeable under the
Loan Documents shall be computed on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day
year for the actual number of days elapsed.

     2.3   Crediting Payments. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default,
           ------------------
Bank shall credit a wire transfer of funds, check or other item of payment to
such deposit account or Obligation as Borrower specifies. After the occurrence
of an Event of Default, the receipt by Bank of any wire transfer funds, check,
or other item of payment, whether directed to Borrower's deposit account with
Bank or to the Obligations or otherwise, shall be immediately applied to
conditionally reduce Obligations, but shall not be considered a payment in
respect of the Obligations unless such payment is immediately available federal
funds or unless and until such check or other item of payment is honored when
presented for payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, any wire transfer or payment received by Bank after 3:00 P.M. Eastern
time shall be deemed to have been received by Bank as of the opening of business
on the immediately following Business Day. Whenever any payment to Bank under
the Loan Documents would otherwise be due (except by reason of acceleration) on
a date that is not a Business Day, such payment shall instead be due on the next
Business Day, and additional fees or interest, as the case may be, shall accrue
and be payable for the period of such extension.

                                       8
<PAGE>

     2.4   Fees.  Borrower shall pay to Bank the following:
           ----

           (a) Facility Fee. A Facility Fee equal to Five Thousand Six Hundred
               ------------
Twenty-Five Dollars ($5,625.00), which fee shall be due on the Closing Date and
shall be fully earned and non-refundable;

           (b) Financial Examination and Appraisal Fees. Bank's customary fees
               ----------------------------------------
and out-of-pocket expenses for each appraisal of Collateral and financial
analysis and examination of Borrower performed from time to time by Bank or its
agents, which appraisals are limited to once per year until after the occurrence
of an Event of Default hereunder;

           (c) Bank Expenses. Upon demand from Bank, including, without
               -------------
limitation, upon the date hereof, all Bank Expenses incurred through the date
hereof, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, and after the date
hereof, all Bank Expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, as
and when they become due.

     2.5   Additional Costs. In case any law, regulation, treaty or official
           ----------------
directive or the interpretation or application thereof by any court or any
governmental authority charged with the administration thereof or the compliance
with any guideline or request of any central bank or other governmental
authority (whether or not having the force of law):

           (a) subjects Bank to any tax with respect to payments of principal or
interest or any other amounts payable hereunder by Borrower or otherwise with
respect to the transactions contemplated hereby (except for taxes on the overall
net income of Bank imposed by the United States of America or any political
subdivision thereof);

           (b) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any deposit insurance,
reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets held by, or
deposits in or for the account of, or loans by, Bank; or

           (c) imposes upon Bank any other condition with respect to its
performance under this Agreement,

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to Bank, reduce
the income receivable by Bank or impose any expense upon Bank with respect to
any loans, Bank shall notify Borrower thereof. Borrower agrees to pay to Bank
the amount of such increase in cost, reduction in income or additional expense
as and when such cost, reduction or expense is incurred or determined, upon
presentation by Bank of a statement of the amount and setting forth Bank's
calculation thereof, all in reasonable detail, which statement shall be deemed
true and correct absent manifest error.

     2.6   Term. Except as otherwise set forth herein, this Agreement shall
           ----
become effective on the Closing Date and subject to Section 12.7, shall continue
in full force and

                                       9
<PAGE>

effect for a term ending on the Maturity Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Bank shall have the right to terminate its obligation to make Credit Extensions
under this Agreement immediately and without notice upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of an Event of Default. Notwithstanding termination of
this Agreement, Bank's lien on the Collateral shall remain in effect for so long
as any Obligations are outstanding.

3.   CONDITIONS OF LOANS
     -------------------

     3.1   Conditions Precedent to Initial Credit Extension. The obligation of
           ------------------------------------------------
Bank to make the initial Credit Extension is subject to the condition precedent
that Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank the
following:

           (a)      this Agreement;

           (b)      a certificate of the Secretary of Borrower with respect to
articles, bylaws, incumbency and resolutions authorizing the execution and
delivery of this Agreement;

           (c)      financing statements (Forms UCC-1);

           (d)      insurance certificate;

           (e)      payment of the fees and Bank Expenses then due specified in
Section 2.4 hereof;

           (f)      Certificates of Good Standing and Foreign Qualification; and

           (g)      such other documents, and completion of such other matters,
as Bank may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate.

     3.2   Conditions Precedent to all Credit Extensions. The obligations of
           ---------------------------------------------
Bank to make each Credit Extension, including the initial Credit Extension, is
further subject to the following conditions:

           (a)      timely receipt by Bank of the Payment/Advance From as
provided in Section 2.1; and

           (b)      the representations and warranties contained in Section 5
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such
Payment/Advance Form and on the effective date of each Credit Extension as
though made at and as of each date, and no Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, or would result from such Credit Extension. The making of
each Credit Extension shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by
Borrower on the date of such Credit Extension as to the accuracy of the facts
referred to in this Section 3.2(b).

                                       10
<PAGE>

4.   CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST
     -----------------------------

     4.1  Grant of Security Interest. Borrower grants and pledges to Bank a
          --------------------------
continuing security interest in all presently existing and hereafter acquired or
arising Collateral in order to secure payment of any and all Obligations and in
order to secure prompt performance by Borrower of each of its covenants and
duties under the Loan Documents. Except as set forth in the Schedule, such
security interest constitutes a valid, first priority security interest in the
presently existing Collateral, and will constitute a valid, first priority
security interest in Collateral acquired after the date hereof. Notwithstanding
termination of this Agreement, Bank's Lien on the Collateral shall remain in
effect for so long as any Obligations are outstanding.

     4.2  Delivery of Additional Documentation Required. Borrower shall from
          ---------------------------------------------
time to time execute and deliver to Bank, at the request of Bank, all financing
statements and other documents that Bank may reasonably request in form
satisfactory to Bank, to perfect and continue perfected Bank's security
interests in the Collateral and in order to fully consummate all of the
transactions contemplated under the Loan Documents.

     4.3  Right to Inspect. Bank (through any of its officers, employees, or
          ----------------
agents) shall have the right, upon reasonable prior notice, from time to time
during Borrower's usual business hours, to inspect Borrower's Books and to make
copies thereof and to check, test, and appraise the Collateral in order to
verify Borrower's financial condition or the amount, condition of, or any other
matter relating to, the Collateral.

5.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
     ------------------------------

     Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

     5.1  Due Organization and Qualification. Borrower and each Subsidiary is a
          ----------------------------------
corporation or entity duly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
state of incorporation or organization and qualified and licensed to do business
in, and is in good standing in, any state in which the conduct of its business
or its ownership of property requires that it be so qualified, except where the
failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

     5.2  Due Authorization; No Conflict. The execution, delivery, and
          ------------------------------
performance of the Loan Document are within Borrower's corporate powers, have
been duly authorized, and are not in conflict with nor constitute a breach of
any provision contained in Borrower's Articles/Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws, nor will they constitute an event of default under any material
agreement to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower is bound. Borrower
is not in default under any material agreement to which it is a party or by
which it is bound, which default could have a Material Adverse Effect.

     5.3  No Prior Encumbrances. Borrower has good and indefeasible title to the
          ---------------------
Collateral, free and clear of Liens, except for Permitted Liens.

                                       11
<PAGE>

     5.4  Name; Location of Chief Executive Office.  Except as disclosed in the
          ----------------------------------------
Schedule, Borrower has not done business and will not without at least thirty
(30) days prior written notice to Bank do business under any name other than
that specified on the signature page thereof. The chief executive office of
Borrower is located at the address indicated in Section 10 hereof.

     5.5  Litigation. There are no actions or proceedings pending, or, to
          ----------
Borrower's knowledge, threatened by or against Borrower or any Subsidiary before
any court or administrative agency in which an adverse decision could have a
Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on Borrower's interest or
Bank's security interest in the Collateral.

     5.6  No Material Adverse Change in Financial Statements. All consolidated
          --------------------------------------------------
financial statements related to Borrower and any Subsidiary that have been
delivered to Bank fairly present in all material respects Borrower's
consolidated financial condition as of the date thereof and Borrower's
consolidated results of operations for the period then ended. There has not been
a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition of Borrower
since the date of the most recent of such financial statements submitted to Bank
on or about the Closing Date.

     5.7  Solvency.  Borrower is able to pay its debts (including trade debts)
          --------
as they mature.

     5.8  Regulatory Compliance.  Borrower and each Subsidiary has met the
          ---------------------
minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect to any employee benefit plans
subject to ERISA. No event has occurred resulting from Borrower's failure to
comply with ERISA that is reasonably likely to result in Borrower's incurring
any liability that could have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower is not an
"investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Borrower is not engaged
principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending
credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the
meaning of Regulations T and U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System). Borrower has complied with all the provisions of the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act, except to the extent such failure to comply would not have a
Material Adverse Effect. Borrower has not violated any statutes, laws,
ordinances or rules applicable to it, violation of which could have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     5.9  Environmental Condition.  None of Borrower's or any Subsidiary's
          -----------------------
properties or assets has ever been used by Borrower or any Subsidiary in the
disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat, release, or transport, any
hazardous waste or hazardous substance other than in accordance with applicable
law; to the best of Borrower's knowledge, none of Borrower's properties or
assets has ever been designed or identified in any manner pursuant to any
environmental protection statute as a hazardous waste substance disposal site,
or a candidate for closure pursuant to any environmental protection statute; no
lien arising under any environmental protection statute has attached to any
revenues or to any real or personal property owned by Borrower or any

                                       12
<PAGE>

Subsidiary; and neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received a summons,
citation, notice, or directive from the Environmental Protection Agency or any
other federal, state or other governmental agency concerning any action or
omission by Borrower or any Subsidiary resulting in the release, or other
disposition of hazardous waste or hazardous substances into the environment.

     5.10  Taxes.  Borrower and each Subsidiary has filed or caused to be filed
           -----
all tax returns required to be filed on a timely basis (subject to applicable
extensions), and has paid, or has made adequate provision for the payment of,
all taxes reflected therein, except those being contested in good faith by
proper proceedings with adequate reserves under GAAP.

     5.11  Subsidiaries.  Borrower does not own any stock, partnership interest
           ------------
or other equity securities of any Person, except for Permitted Investments, and
the Borrower's ownership interests in Esperion AB, a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

     5.12  Government Consents.  Borrower and each Subsidiary has obtained all
           -------------------
consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings
with, and given all notices to, all governmental authorities that are necessary
for the continued operation of Borrower's business as currently conducted,
except where the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

     5.13  Full Disclosure.  No representation, warranty or other statement made
           ---------------
by Borrower in any certificate or written statement furnished to Bank contains
any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements contained in such certificates or
statements not misleading.

6.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
     ---------------------

     Borrower covenants and agrees that, until payment in full of all
outstanding Obligations, and for so long as Bank may have any commitment to make
a Credit Extension hereunder, Borrower shall do all of the following:

     6.1   Good Standing.  Borrower shall maintain its and each of its
           -------------
Subsidiaries' corporate existence and good standing in its jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization and maintain qualification in each jurisdiction in
which the failure to so qualify could have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower
shall maintain, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, to the
extent consistent with prudent management of Borrower's business, in force all
licenses, approvals and agreements, the loss of which could have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     6.2   Government Compliance.  Borrower shall meet, and shall cause each
           ---------------------
Subsidiary to meet, the minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect to
any employee benefit plans subject to ERISA. Borrower shall comply, and shall
cause each Subsidiary to comply, with all statutes, laws, ordinances end
government rules and regulations to which it is subject, noncompliance with
which could have a Material

                                       13
<PAGE>

Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the Collateral or the priority of
Bank's Lien on the Collateral.

     6.3  Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates.  Borrower shall deliver
          -------------------------------------------
to Bank: (a) as soon as available, but in any event within thirty (30) days
after the end of each month, a company prepared consolidated balance sheet and
income statement covering Borrower's consolidated operations during such period,
in a form and certified by an officer of Borrower reasonably acceptable to Bank;
(b) as soon as available, but in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days
after the end of Borrower's fiscal year, audited consolidated financial
statements of Borrower prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied,
together with an unqualified opinion on such financial statements of an
independent certified public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Bank; (c)
promptly upon receipt of notice thereof, a report of any legal actions pending
or threatened against Borrower or any Subsidiary that could result in damages or
costs to Borrower or any Subsidiary of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)
or more; and (d) such budgets, sales projections, operating plans or other
financial information as Bank may reasonably request from time to time.

     Within thirty (30) days after the last day of each month, Borrower shall
deliver to Bank with the monthly financial statements a Compliance Certificate
signed by a Responsible Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto.
                                                             ---------

     6.4  Inventory; Returns.  Borrower shall keep all Inventory in good and
          ------------------
marketable condition, free from all material defects. Returns and allowances, if
any, as between Borrower and its account debtors shall be on the same basis and
in accordance with the usual customary practices of Borrower, as they exist at
the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Borrower shall
promptly notify Bank of all returns and recoveries and of all disputes and
claims, where the return, recovery, dispute or claim involves more than Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($50,000).

     6.5  Taxes.  Borrower shall make, and shall cause each Subsidiary to make,
          -----
due and timely payment or deposit of all material federal, state, and local
taxes, assessments, or contributions required of it by law (subject to
applicable extensions), and will execute and deliver to Bank, en demand,
appropriate certificates attesting to the payment or deposit thereof; and
Borrower will make, and will cause each Subsidiary to make, timely payment or
deposit of all material tax payments and withholding taxes required of it by
applicable laws, including, but not limited to, those law concerning F.I.C.A.,
F.U.T.A., state disability, and local, state, and federal income taxes, and
will, upon request, furnish Bank with proof satisfactory to Bank indicating that
Borrower or a Subsidiary has made such payments or deposits; provided that
Borrower or a Subsidiary need not make any payment if (i) the amount or validity
of such payment is contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii)
Borrower or Subsidiary, as the case may be, has established proper reserves (to
the extent required by GAAP) and (iii) no lien other than a Permitted Lien
results.

                                       14
<PAGE>

     6.6    Insurance.
            ---------

            (a)     Borrower, at its expense, shall keep the Collateral insured
against loss or damage by fire, theft, explosion, sprinklers, and all other
hazards and risks, and in such amounts, as ordinarily insured against by other
owners in similar businesses conducted in the locations where Borrower's
business is conducted on the date hereof. Borrower shall also maintain insurance
relating to Borrower's ownership and use of the Collateral in amounts and of a
type that are customary to businesses similar to Borrower's.

            (b)     All such policies of insurance shall be in such form, with
such companies, and in such amounts as are reasonably satisfactory to Bank. All
such policies of property insurance shall contain a lender's loss payable
endorsement, in a form satisfactory to Bank, showing Bank as an additional loss
payee thereof and all liability insurance policies shall show the Bank as an
additional insured, and shall specify that the insurer must give at least twenty
(20) days notice to Bank before canceling its policy for any reason. At Bank's
request, Borrower shall deliver to Bank certified copies of such policies of
insurance and evidence of the payments of all premiums therefor. All proceeds
payable under any such policy shall, at the option of Bank, be payable to Bank
to be applied on account of the Obligations.

     6.7    Depository.  Borrower shall maintain its principal depository-and
            ----------
operating accounts with Bank.

     6.8    Liquidity Ratio. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of each
            ---------------
calendar month, a ratio of the Borrower's cash plus cash equivalents acceptable
to the Bank divided by Obligations, of at least 2.0 to 1.0.

     6.9    Tangible Net Worth. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of
            ------------------
each calendar month, a Tangible Net Worth of not less than Three Million Dollars
($3,000,000.00).

     6.10   Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time Borrower shall
            ------------------
execute and deliver such further instruments and tae such further action as may
reasonably be requested by Bank to effect the purposes of this Agreement.

7.   NEGATIVE COVENANTS
     ------------------

     Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Credit Extension
hereunder shall be available and until payment in full of the outstanding
Obligations or for so long as Bank may have any commitment to make any Equipment
Advances, Borrower will not do any of the following:

     7.1    Dispositions.  Convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of
            ------------
(collectively, a "Transfer"), or permit any of its Subsidiaries to Transfer, all
or any part of its business or property, other than Transfers: (i) of inventory
or other business property in the ordinary course of business, (ii) of
non-exclusive licenses and similar arrangements

                                       15
<PAGE>

for the use of the property of Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary
course of business; (iii) that constitute payment of normal and usual operating
expenses in the ordinary course of business; or (iv) of worn-out or obsolete
Equipment.

     7.2    Changes in Business, Ownership, or Management, Business Locations.
            -----------------------------------------------------------------
Engage in any business, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any
business, other than the businesses currently engaged in by Borrower aid any
business substantially similar or related thereto (or incidental thereto), or
suffer a material change in Borrower's ownership or management without the
consent of Bank which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Borrower will not
without at least thirty (30) days prior written notification to Bank, relocate
its chief executive office or add any new offices or business locations.

     7.3    Mergers or Acquisitions.  Merge or consolidate, or permit any of its
            -----------------------
Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with or into any other business
organization, or acquire, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to acquire, all or
substantially all of the capital stock or property of another Person.

     7.4    Indebtedness.  Create, incur, assume or be or remain liable with
            ------------
respect to any Indebtedness, or permit any Subsidiary so to do, other than
Permitted Indebtedness.

     7.5    Encumbrances. Create, Incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien with
            ------------
respect to any of the Collateral, or assign or otherwise convey any right to
receive income, except for Permitted Liens.

     7.6    Distributions.  Pay any dividends or make any other distribution or
            -------------
payment on account of or in redemption, retirement or purchase of any capital
stock.

     7.7    Investments.  Directly or indirectly acquire or own, or make any
            -----------
Investment in or to any Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries so to do,
other than Permitted Investments.

     7.8    Transactions with Affiliates.  Directly or Indirectly enter into or
            ----------------------------
permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower except
for Permitted Investments, and transactions that are in the ordinary course of
Borrower's business, upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable
to Borrower than would be obtained in an arm's length transaction with a
nonaffiliated Person.

     7.9    Subordinated Debt.  Make any payment in respect of any Subordinated
            -----------------
Debt, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to make any such payment, except in
compliance with the terms of such Subordinated Debt, or amend any provision
contained in any documentation relating to the Subordinated Debt without Bank's
prior written consent.

     7.10   Compliance.  Become an "Investment company" or a company controlled
            ----------
by an "investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, or become principally engaged in, or undertake as one of its important
activities, the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying margin stork, or use the proceeds of any Equipment Advance for such
purpose; fail to meet the

                                       16
<PAGE>

minimum funding requirements of ERISA permit a Reportable Event or Prohibited
Transaction, as defined in ERISA, to occur; fail to comply with the Federal Fair
Labor Standards Act or violate any other law or regulation, which violation
could have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the
Collateral or the priority of Bank's Lien on the Collateral; or permit any of
its Subsidiaries to do any of the foregoing.

8.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT
     -----------------

     Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an Event of
Default by Borrower under this Agreement:

     8.1   Payment Default.  If Borrower fails to pay, when due, any of the
           ---------------
Obligations.

     8.2   Covenant Default.
           ----------------

           (a)  If Borrower fails to perform any obligation under Sections 6.3,
6.6, 6.7, 6.8, or 6.9 or violates any of the covenants contained in Article 7 of
this Agreement; or

           (b)  If Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe any
other material term, provision condition, covenant, or agreement contained in
this Agreement, in any of the Loan Documents, or in any other person or future
agreement between Borrower and Bank and as to any default under such other term,
provision, condition covenant or agreement that can be cured, has failed to cure
such default within thirty (30) days after the occurrence thereof; provided,
however, that if the default cannot by its nature be cured within the thirty
(30) day period or cannot after diligent attempts by Borrower be cured within
such thirty (30) day period, and such default is likely to be cured within a
reasonable time, then Borrower shall have an additional reasonable period (which
shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) days) to attempt to cure such default,
and within such reasonable time period the failure to have cured such default
shall not be deemed an Event of Default (provided that no Equipment Advances
will be required to be made during such cure period);

     8.3   Material Adverse Change.  If there (i) occurs a Material Adverse
           -----------------------
Effect, or (ii) is a material impairment of the priority of Bank's security
interests in the Collateral;

     8.4   Attachment.  If any material portion of Borrowers assets is attached,
           ----------
seized, subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or is levied upon, or comes
into the possession of any trustee, receiver or person acting in a similar
capacity and such attachment, seizure, writ or distress warrant or levy has not
been removed, discharged or rescinded within ten (10) days, or if Borrower is
enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to
conduct all or any material part of its business affairs, or if a judgment or
other claim becomes a lien or encumbrance upon any material portion of
Borrower's assets, or if a notice of lien, levy, or assessment is filed of
record with respect to any of Borrower's assets by the United States Government,
or any

                                       17
<PAGE>

department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county,
municipal, or governmental agency, and the same is not paid within ten (10) days
after Borrower receives notice thereof, provided that none of the foregoing
shall constitute an Event of Default where such action or event is stayed or an
adequate bond has been posted pending a good faith contest by Borrower (provided
that no Credit Extensions will be required to be made during such cure period);

     8.5  Insolvency. If Borrower becomes insolvent, or if an Insolvency
          ----------
Proceeding is commenced by Borrower, or if an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced
against Borrower and is not dismissed or stayed within 30 days (provided that no
Equipment Advances will ho made prior to the dismissal of such Insolvency
Proceeding);

     8.6  Other Agreements. If there is a default in any agreement to which
          ----------------
Borrower is a party with a third party or parties resulting in a right by such
third patty or parties, whether or not exercised, to accelerate the maturity of
any Indebtedness in an amount in excess-of One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($100,000) or that could have a Material Adverse Effect;

     8.7  Subordinated Debt.  If Borrower makes any payment on account of
          -----------------
Subordinated Debt, except to the extent such payment is allowed under any
subordination agreement entered into with Bank;

     8.8  Judgments. If a judgment or judgments for the payment of money in an
          ---------
amount, individually or in the aggregate, of at least Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000) shall be rendered against Borrower and shall remain unsatisfied and
unstayed for a period of ten (10) days (provided that no Credit Extensions will
be made prior to the satisfaction or stay of such judgment); or

     8.9  Misrepresentations. If any material misrepresentation or material
          ------------------
misstatement exists now or hereafter in any warranty or representation set forth
herein or in any certificate or writing delivered to Bank by Borrower or any
Person acting on Borrower's behalf pursuant to this Agreement or to induce Bank
to enter into this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

9.   BANK'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
     --------------------------

     9.1  Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
          -------------------
an Event of Default, Bank may, at its election, without notice of its election
end without demand, do any one or more of the following, all of which are
authorized by Borrower.

          (a)  Declare all Obligations, whether evidenced by this Agreement, by
     any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise, immediately due and payable
     (provided that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in
     Section 8.5 all Obligations shall become immediately due and payable
     without any action by Bank);

                                       18
<PAGE>

          (b)  Cease advancing money or extending credit to or for the benefit
     of Borrower under this Agreement or under any other agreement between
     Borrower and Bank;

          (c)  Without notice to or demand upon Borrower, make such payments and
     do such acts as Bank considers necessary or reasonable to protect its
     security interest in the Collateral. Borrower agrees to assemble the
     Collateral if Bank so requires, and to make the Collateral available to
     Bank as Bank may designate. Borrower authorizes Bank to enter the premises
     where the Collateral is located, to-take and maintain possession of the
     Collateral, or any part of it, and to pay, purchase, contest, or compromise
     any encumbrance, charge, or lien which in Bank's determination appears to
     be prior or superior to its security interest and to pay all expenses
     incurred in connection therewith. With respect to any of Borrower's
     premises, Borrower hereby grants Bank a license to enter such premises and
     to occupy the same, without charge in order to exercise any of Bank's
     rights or remedies provided herein, at law, in equity, or otherwise;

          (d)  Without notice to Borrower set off mad apply to the Obligations
     any and all (i) balances and deposits of Borrower held by Bank, or (ii)
     Indebtedness at any time owing to or for the credit or the account of
     Borrower held by Bank;

          (e)  Ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain, repair, prepare
     for sale, advertise for sale, and sell (in the manner provided for herein)
     the Collateral. Bank is hereby granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free
     license or other right, solely pursuant to the provisions of this Section
     91, to use, without charge, Borrowers labels, patents, copyrights, mask
     works, rights of use of any name, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks,
     service marks, and advertising matter, or any property of a similar nature,
     as it pertains to the Collateral, in completing production of, advertising
     for sale, and selling any Collateral and, in connection with Bank's
     exercise of its rights under this Section 91, Borrower's rights under all
     licenses and all franchise agreements shall inure to Bank's benefit;

          (f)  Sell the Collateral at either a public or private sale, or both,
     by way of one or more contracts or transactions, for cash or on terms, in
     such manner and at such places (including Borrower's premises) as Bank
     determines is commercially reasonable, and apply the proceeds thereof to
     the Obligations in whatever manner or order it deems appropriate;

          (g)  Bank may credit bid and purchase any Collateral at any public
     sale, or at any private sale as permitted by law and

          (h)  Any deficiency that exists after disposition of the Collateral as
     provided above will be paid immediately by Borrower.

                                       19
<PAGE>

     9.2  Power of Attorney.  Effective only upon the occurrence and during the
          -----------------
continuance of an Event of Default, Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints. Bank
(and any of Bank's designated officers, or employees) as Borrower's true and
lawful attorney to: (a) make, settle, and adjust all claims under and decisions
with respect to Borrower's policies of insurance; (b) to file, in its sole
discretion, one or more financing or continuation statements and amendments
thereto, relative to any of the Collateral without the signature of Borrower
where permitted by law; and (c) provided Bank may exercise such power of
attorney to sign the name of Borrower on any of the documents described in
Section 4.2 regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred. The
appointment of Bank as Borrower's attorney in fact, and each and every one of
Bank's rights and powers, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable until
all of the Obligations have been fully repaid and performed and Bank's
obligation to provide advances hereunder is terminated.

     9.3  Bank Expenses. If Borrower fails to pay any amounts or furnish any
          -------------
required proof of payment due to third persons or entitles, as required under
the terms of this Agreement, then Bank may do any or all of the following: (a)
make payment of the same or any part thereof; (b) set up such reserves under the
Committed Equipment Line as Bank deems necessary to protect Bank from the
exposure created by such failure; or (c) obtain and maintain insurance policies
o(the type discussed in Section 6.6 of this Agreement, and take any action with
respect to such policies as Basic deems prudent. Any amounts so paid or
deposited by Bank shall constitute Bank Expenses, shall be immediately due and
payable, and shall bear interest at the then applicable rate hereinabove
provided, and shall be secured by the Collateral. Any payments made by Bank
shall not constitute an agreement by Bank to make similar payments in the future
or a waiver by Bank of any Event of Default under this Agreement.

     9.4  Bank's Liability for Collateral.  So long as Bank complies with
          -------------------------------
reasonable banking practices, Bank shall not in any way or manner be liable or
responsible for: (a) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (b) any loss or damage
thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause; (c) any
diminution in the value thereof; or (d) any act or default of any carrier,
warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other person whomsoever. All risk of
loss, damage or destruction of the Collateral shall be borne by Borrower.

     9.5  Remedies Cumulative. Bank's rights and remedies under this Agreement,
          -------------------
the Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative. Bank shall
have all other rights and remedies not expressly set forth herein as provided
under the Code, by law, or in equity. No exercise by Bank of one right or remedy
shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by Bank of any Event of Default on
Borrower's part shall be deemed a continuing waiver. No delay by Bank shall
constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it. No waiver by Bank shall be
effective unless made in a written document signed on behalf of Bank and then
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which it was given.

                                       20
<PAGE>

     9.6  Demand; Protest. Borrower waives demand, protest, notice of protest,
          ---------------
notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, notice of any
default, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension, or
renewal of accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees at
any time held by Bank on which Borrower may in any way be liable.

10.  NOTICES
     -------

     Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands by any
party relating to this Agreement or any other agreement entered into in
connection herewith shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and
other informational documents which may be sent by first-class mall, postage
prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by a recognized. overnight
delivery service, by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested,
or by telefacsimile to Borrower or to Bank, as the case may be, at its addresses
set forth below:

          If to Borrower:   Esperion Therapeutics, Inc,.
                            3621 S. State Street
                            695 KMS Place
                            Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
                            Attn: Mr. Timothy Mayleben, Chief Financial Officer
                            FAX: (734) 332-0516

          with a copy to:   Sills, Cummis, Radin, Tischman, Epstein & Gross
                            One Riverfront Plaza
                            Newark, New Jersey 07102
                            Attention: Ira Rosenberg, Esquire
                            FAX: (723) 643-6500

          If to Bank:       Silicon Valley Bank
                            40 William Street
                            Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
                            Attn:  Mr. Phillip S. Ernst, Vice President
                            FAX: (781) 431-9906

          with a copy to:   Riemer & Braunstein LLP
                            Three Center Plaza
                            Boston, Massachusetts 02018
                            Attn: David A. Ephraim, Esquire
                            FAX: (617) 723-6831

     The parties hereto may change the address at which they are to receive
notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the
other.

                                       21
<PAGE>

11.  CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE: JURY WAIVER
     ------------------------------------

     The laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall apply to this
Agreement. BORROWER ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES,
UNCONDITIONALLY, THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS IN ANY ACTION, SUIT,
OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND, AGAINST IT WHICH ARISES OUT OF OR BY REASON OF THIS
AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IF FOR ANY REASON BANK CANNOT AVAIL ITSELF OF
THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BORROWER ACCEPTS JURISDICTION
OF THE COURTS AND VENUE IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

     BORROWER AND BANK EACH HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL
OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN
DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT
CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR
STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT THE FOREGOING WAIVER
CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR IT TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH
PARTY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL
COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS
FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

12.  GENERAL PROVISIONS
     ------------------

     12.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the
          ----------------------
benefit of the respective successors and permitted assigns of each of the
parties; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder
may be assigned by Borrower without Banks prior written consent, which consent
may be granted or withheld in Bank's sole discretion. Bank shall have the light
without the consent of or notice to Borrower to sell, transfer, negotiate, or
grant participation in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's
obligations, rights and benefits hereunder.

     12.2 Indemnification. Borrower shall, indemnify, defend, protect and hold
          ---------------
harmless Bank and its officers, employees, and agents against: (a) all
obligations, demands, claims, and liabilities claimed or asserted by any other
party in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents;
and (b) all losses or Bank Expenses in any way suffered, incurred, or paid by
Bank as a result of or in any way arising out of, following, or consequential to
transactions between Bank and Borrower whether under the Loan Documents, or
otherwise (including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees and expenses),
except for losses caused by Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

                                       22
<PAGE>

     12.3 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for the performance of all
          ---------------
obligations set forth in this Agreement.

     12.4 Severability of Provisions. Each provision of this Agreement shall be
          --------------------------
severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of
determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

     12.5 Amendments in Writing, Integration. This Agreement cannot be amended
          ----------------------------------
or terminated except by a writing signed by Borrower and Bank. All prior
agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, and negotiations
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement,
if any, are merged into this Agreement and the Loan Documents.

     12.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
          ------------
counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which,
when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of
which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.

     12.7 Survival. All covenants, representations and warranties made in this
          --------
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect so long as any Obligations
remain outstanding. The obligations of Borrower to indemnify Bask with respect
to the expenses, damages, losses, costs and liabilities described in Section
12.2 shall survive until all applicable statute of limitations periods with
respect to actions that may be brought against Bank have run; provided that so
long as the obligations referred to in the first sentence of this Section 12.7
have been satisfied, and Bank has no commitment to make any Credit Extensions or
to make any other loans to Borrower, Bank shall release all security interests.
granted hereunder and redeliver all Collateral held by it in accordance with
applicable law, and shall deliver any and all UCC-3 termination statements and
other documents that Borrower reasonably requests.

     12.8 Confidentiality. In handling any confidential information Bank shall
          ---------------
exercise the same degree of care that it exercises with respect to its own
proprietary information of the same types to maintain the confidentiality of any
non-public information thereby received or received pursuant to this Agreement
except that disclosure of such information may be made (i) to the subsidiaries
or affiliates of Bank in connection with their present or prospective business
relations with Borrower, (ii) to prospective tranaferees or purchasers of any
interest in the Loans, provided that they have entered into a comparable
confidentiality agreement in favor of Borrower and have delivered a copy to
Borrower, (iii) as requited by law, regulations, rule or order, subpoena,
judicial order or similar order, (iv) as may be required in connection with the
examination, audit or similar investigation of Bank, and (v) as may be necessary
in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder. Confidential
information hereunder shall not include information that either: (a) is in the
public domain or in the knowledge or possession of Bask when disclosed to Bank,
or becomes part of the-public domain after disclosure to Bank through no fault
of Bank; or (b) is disclosed to Bank by a

                                       23
<PAGE>

third party, provided Bank does not have actual knowledge that such third party
is prohibited from disclosing such information.

     12.9 Countersignature. This Agreement shall become effective only when it
          ----------------
shall have been executed by Borrower and Bank (provided, however, In no event
shall this Agreement become effective until signed by an officer of Bank in
California).

                                       24
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as a sealed instrument under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts as of the date first above written.

                              ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC.

                              By: /s/ Tim Mayleben
                                 ---------------------------------------------

                              Name: Tim Mayleben
                                   -------------------------------------------

                              Title: Vice President of Finance, CFO and
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     Treasurer
                                     ---------

                              By: /s/ Roger S. Newton
                                 ---------------------------------------------

                              Name: Roger S. Newton
                                   -------------------------------------------

                              Title: President/CEO
                                    ------------------------------------------

                              SILICON VALLEY BANK, d/b/a
                              SILICON VALLEY EAST

                              By: /s/ Jonathan L. Gray
                                 ---------------------------------------------

                              Name: Jonathan L. Gray
                                   -------------------------------------------

                              Title: Senior Vice President
                                    ------------------------------------------

                              SILICON VALLEY BANK

                              By: /s/ Michael Jordan
                                 ---------------------------------------------

                              Name: Michael Jordan
                                   -------------------------------------------

                              Title:  AVP
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    (Signed in Santa Clara County, California)

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

The Collateral shall consist of all right, title and interest of Borrower in and
to the following:

          (a)  All goods and equipment and other fixed assets now owned or
hereafter acquired which are financed or refinanced by the Bank, including,
without limitation, all machinery, fixtures, vehicles (including motor vehicles
and trailers), and any Interest In any of the foregoing, and all attachments,
accessories, accessions, replacements, substitutions, additions, and
improvements to any of the foregoing, wherever located; and

          (b)  Any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and
all substitutions for, additions and accessions to and proceeds thereof.

                                       26
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------

                  LOAN PAYMENT/ADVANCE TELEPHONE REQUEST FORM
             DEADLINE FOR SAME DAY PROCESSING IS 3:00 P.M., E.S.T.

TO:  CENTRAL CLIENT SERVICE DIVISION                 DATE:__________________
  ----------------------------------

FAX #: (781) 431-0755                                TIME:__________________
      ---------------

FROM: EXPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC.
     -------------------------------
       BORROWER'S NAME

FROM:____________________________________________________________
      AUTHORIZED SIGNER'S NAME

_________________________________________________________________
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

PHONE:___________________________________________________________

FROM ACCOUNT #________________        TO ACCOUNT #_______________

----------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
REQUESTED TRANSACTION TYPE                   REQUEST DOLLAR AMOUNT
--------------------------                   ---------------------
PRINCIPAL INCREASE (ADVANCE)                 $
PRINCIPAL PAYMENT (ONLY)                     $
INTEREST PAYMENT (ONLY)                      $
PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST (PAYMENT)             $

OTHER INSTRUCTIONS:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         All representations and warranties of Borrower stated in the Loan and
Security Agreement are true, correct and complete in all material respects as of
the date of the telephone request for an Equipment Advance Confirmed by this
Advance Request; provided, however, that those representations and warranties
expressly referring to another date shall be true, correct and complete in all
material respects as of such date.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                BANK USE ONLY:
                              TELEPHONE REQUEST:
                              ------------------
The following person is authorized to request the loan payment transfer/loan
advance on the advance designated account and is known to me.

-------------------------
Authorized Requester
                                             -----------------------
                                             Authorized Signature (Bank)
                                             Phone #_________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT C
                                   ---------

                            COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

TO:      SILICON VALLEY BANK

FROM:    ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC.

     The undersigned authorized officer of ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC. hereby
certifies that in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan and
Security Agreement between Borrower and Bank (the "Agreement"), (i) Borrower is
in compliance for the period ending ______ with all required covenants except as
noted below and (ii) all representations and warranties of Borrower stated in
the Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof. Attached herewith are the required documents supporting the above
certification. The Officer further certifies that these are prepared in
accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAA) and are
consistently applied from one period to the next except as explained in an
accompanying letter or footnotes. The Officer expressly acknowledges that no
borrowings may be requested by the Borrower at any time or date of determination
that Borrower is not in compliance with any of the terms of the Agreement, and
that such compliance is determined not just at the date this certificate is
delivered.

     Please indicate compliance status by circling Yes/No under "Complies"
column.

Reporting Covenant               Required                              Complies
------------------               --------                              --------
Financial Statements             Monthly within 30 days                Yes  No

Annual (CPA Audited)             FYE within 120 days                   Yes  No

                                 Required                   Actual     Complies
                                 --------                   ------     --------
Financial Covenant
------------------
Maintain on a Monthly Basis:
                                 2.0:1.0                    ____:1.0   Yes  No
Minimum Liquidity
                                                            $_____     Yes  No
Minimum Tangible Net Worth       $3,000,000.00

                                                ------------------------------
                                                      BANK USE ONLY

                                                Received By:_________________
                                                Date:_____________________
                                                Reviewed
                                                By:_______________________
                                                Compliance Status:  Yes/No
                                                ------------------------------
Comments Regarding Exceptions:
Sincerely,
_______________     Date:____________
SIGNATURE

_______________
TITLE

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