CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(NASDAQ:AEGR), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to treat debilitating rare diseases, announced today its observance of The FH Foundation’s annual Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Awareness Day.

Chief Executive Officer Mary Szela said, "We share The FH Foundation’s mission of increasing awareness of FH, including homozygous FH (HoFH), a very serious and often undiagnosed disease. Education and awareness help to support early diagnosis and intervention. These are critical steps towards making an impact for people living with the disease.”

FH is a genetic condition that impacts the body’s ability to remove cholesterol that the body naturally produces. As a result, blood cholesterol levels are significantly elevated. There are two forms of the disease: heterozygous FH (HeFH), in which the genetic defect causing the impairment is inherited from one parent; and HoFH, in which the genetic defect is inherited from both parents. HoFH is the most severe form of the disorder.

Established in 2012, FH Awareness Day is a campaign initiated by The FH Foundation to raise awareness of FH in the general public. This annual event is held during National Cholesterol Education Month.

To learn more about familial hypercholesterolemia, visit www.thefhfoundation.org.

About Aegerion Pharmaceuticals
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for patients with debilitating, rare diseases. For more information about the company, please visit www.aegerion.com. 

CONTACT:
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.                                   
Amanda Murphy
Associate Director, Investor & Public Relations                        
857-242-5024