Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Sudden CEO Resignation

Key Highlights from the SEC Form 8-K Filing

• CEO Resignation: On March 16, 2026, Dr. Kaouthar Lbiati, the Chief Executive Officer of Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Hepion” or the “Company”), submitted her resignation to the Board of Directors, effective immediately. The resignation was for personal reasons.
• Immediate Impact: The departure of the CEO is effective as of the announcement date, which means the Company is now without its chief executive leadership until a replacement is named.
• Regulatory Disclosure: This development was disclosed in a Form 8-K, a mandatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under Item 5.02, which relates to the departure of directors or certain officers, election of directors, appointment of certain officers, or compensatory arrangements of certain officers.
• Company Profile: Hepion Pharmaceuticals, trading under the symbol HEPA on the OTCQB, is headquartered at 399 Thornall Street, First Floor, Edison, NJ 08837. It was formerly known as ContraVir Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Stock Details: The Company’s main listed security is its Common Stock, par value \$0.0001 per share, traded under the symbol HEPA on the OTCQB marketplace.
• Emerging Growth Company Status: Hepion has indicated in its filing that it does not qualify as an emerging growth company under current SEC definitions.

Potential Implications for Shareholders

• Leadership Uncertainty: The unexpected resignation of the CEO, particularly without a named successor or interim CEO, introduces uncertainty regarding the Company’s strategic direction and ongoing leadership. This could weigh on investor confidence and impact the Company’s share price in the near-term.
• No Details on Successor: The filing does not mention any plans for succession, interim leadership, or a search process, which may increase speculation and volatility.
• No Indication of Underlying Issues: The resignation is stated to be for “personal reasons,” and there is no disclosure of disagreements with the Board or issues related to operations, policies, or practices. However, investors may speculate on the reasons behind the departure.
• Price Sensitivity: Executive departures, especially at the CEO level, are typically considered material events and can have a direct impact on share price due to perceived instability or changes in strategic direction.

Other Regulatory and Corporate Details

• SEC Compliance: The Form 8-K filing confirms that Hepion Pharmaceuticals is in compliance with recent SEC regulations on disclosure of material events.
• No Pre-Commencement Offers: The filing indicates that there are no written communications, soliciting materials, or pre-commencement tender offers associated with this event.
• Former Name and Address: The Company was formerly known as ContraVir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and has previously used an address at 55 Madison Ave., Suite 400-PMB# 4362, Morristown, NJ 07960.

What Investors Should Watch For Next

• Appointment of New CEO: Investors should closely monitor the Company’s announcements regarding the appointment of a new CEO or interim leadership, as this will be crucial for restoring confidence and setting the future strategy.
• Market Reaction: The Company’s share price may experience volatility as the market digests the news and awaits further updates from the Board regarding leadership succession.
• Further Disclosures: Watch for any additional filings that may provide more context or details about the circumstances surrounding the CEO’s resignation.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information disclosed in Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Form 8-K filing with the SEC. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions. The Company’s stock may be subject to volatility as a result of this news.

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