Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Overview
Pro stress-test →Hepion Pharmaceuticals (OTCQB: HEPA) is pioneering early cancer detection solutions with novel advanced liquid biopsy diagnostics. The company leverages deep expertise in liver biology with platforms for precise diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in people with cirrhosis – a clinically validated methylated DNA (SEPT9) biomarker test for near-term commercialization, and a circulating tumor RNA (ctRNA) biomarker assay with potential application across a variety of solid tumors.
Strategic Profile
Pro stress-test →The company in-licensed a novel circulating tumor RNA (ctRNA) biomarker assay from Cirna Diagnostics in March 2026 to aid early diagnosis and surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In April 2026, the company closed a private placement offering for $700,000 at $0.04 per share to accredited investors. Recent leadership transitions include CEO Dr. Kaouthar Lbiati's resignation in March 2026, with Gary Stetz appointed as interim CEO, and employment agreements signed with Vincent LoPriore (Executive Chairman) and Gary Stetz (Chief Executive Officer) in May 2026.
Competitive Landscape
Pro stress-test →Hepion competes in the liquid biopsy diagnostic space for HCC early detection against larger diagnostics companies including Guardant Health (liquid biopsy oncology), Exact Sciences (multi-cancer detection), and specialized HCC diagnostic players. The company's methylated DNA (SEPT9) platform faces competition from other ctDNA-based HCC tests, while its newer ctRNA assay differentiates via broader potential applications. Scale disadvantage is significant: larger public diagnostics companies have vastly superior capital, clinical validation resources, and commercialization reach.
Industry Context
Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates in Oncology liquid biopsy diagnostics.
Key facts
Founded: 2013 · Headquarters: Edison, New Jersey, USA · Employees: 2 · Revenue: Not disclosed; pre-commercial diagnostic stage · Market cap: ~$5M (highly volatile OTC; ~2M shares outstanding at $0.05 June 2026)