The estimate is based on a price of $300,000 a year per patient that is similar to costs of other drugs for diseases with few treatment options, he said. Kimberly Lee, a Think Equity Partners analyst in San Francisco, said peak sales may reach $450 million. Aegerion is in discussions with the FDA to study lomitapide in pediatric patients and plans to begin a trial as soon as possible after the drug is approved in adult patients, the company said. Trading in Aegerion shares was halted Wednesday, after the stock gained 9.7% to end at $19.15 on Tuesday. The shares rose 14 percent this year through Tuesday. The advisory panel will consider a similar drug from Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sanofi Thursday.