Exhibit 99.1

            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


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         I, Roger S. Newton, Chief Executive Officer of Esperion Therapeutics,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby certify that:

         (1) The Company's periodic report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
June 30, 2002 (the "Form 10-Q") fully complies with the requirements of Section
13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

         (2) The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.


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  /s/ Roger S. Newton
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Roger S. Newton,
Chief Executive Officer

Date:    August 14, 2002