Hepion Pharmaceuticals Issues Letter to Shareholders Urging Support for Proposed Merger with Pharma Two B

Rhea-AI Summary

Hepion Pharmaceuticals (HEPA) has issued a letter to shareholders urging support for its proposed merger with Pharma Two B at the upcoming Special Meeting on December 12, 2024. The company's board unanimously recommends the merger after reviewing strategic alternatives, citing financial challenges and inability to fund clinical development. The merger would allow shareholders to participate in Pharma Two B's late-stage Parkinson's Disease treatment, P2B001. If the merger fails to receive shareholder approval, Hepion warns of potential Nasdaq delisting and bankruptcy risks due to financial resources. While Pharma Two B doesn't plan to advance Hepion's drug pipeline, Hepion remains committed to attempting to monetize its assets for shareholder benefit.

Positive

• Merger provides shareholders access to Pharma Two B's late-stage Parkinson's Disease treatment P2B001
• Post-merger company expected to be well-funded for clinical trials
• Potential additional value from monetization of Hepion's legacy assets

Negative

• Company lacks financial resources to advance clinical trials
• Current drug development efforts have not yielded desired results
• Risk of Nasdaq delisting and bankruptcy if merger fails
• Pharma Two B will not advance Hepion's existing drug pipeline
• No formal interest received in monetizing current assets

Transaction Creates Opportunity to Share in Potential Upside of Pharma Two B’s Late-Clinical Stage Candidate to Treat Parkinson’s Disease

Hepion’s Board Unanimously Recommends Shareholders Approve the Merger Following Review of Strategic Alternatives – Including Challenges of Remaining a Stand-Alone Company

EDISON, NJ, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: HEPA) (“Hepion” or the “Company”), today sent an open letter to shareholders urging them to vote for Hepion’s proposed merger with Pharma Two B Ltd. (“Pharma Two B”) at the Company’s upcoming Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) on December 12, 2024.

The full text of the letter is below:

December 2, 2024

Dear Shareholders of Hepion Pharmaceuticals,

We are writing to encourage your support for Hepion’s proposed merger with Pharma Two B, which, we believe, best positions the Company’s shareholders to maximize the value of their investment. Since the Company’s formation over a decade ago, Hepion has worked on developing new drugs aimed at addressing critical diseases with the goal of improving the lives of a significant patient population. Regrettably, these efforts have not yielded the desired results and, after conducting a thorough review of strategic alternatives, Hepion’s board of directors concluded a merger with Pharma Two B is in the best interests of all shareholders. We therefore urge you to VOTE FOR this transformational transaction.

As outlined in Hepion’s definitive proxy statement dated November 8, 2024 (see link: Hepion Proxy Statement 2024 Special Meeting), the continued clinical development of the Company’s drug pipeline has become increasingly challenging due to numerous risk factors- including Hepion’s inability to continue funding such development and the investment community’s waning appetite for follow-on financing given the deteriorating risk profile. Quite simply, the Company lacked the financial resources to advance its clinical trials and the capital markets reflected no interest in funding further development of Hepion’s pipeline on acceptable terms.

Fortunately, the Company’s review of strategic alternatives yielded a compelling opportunity to merge with Pharma Two B, a late-clinical stage biotechnology company developing an innovative treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. Upon consummation of the proposed merger, Hepion’s shareholders will be able to participate in the potential upside of Pharma Two B’s promising product candidate known as P2B001.

Furthermore, while Pharma Two B has indicated it has no plans to advance the clinical development of Hepion’s legacy drug pipeline, Hepion remains committed to monetizing its value for the benefit of all shareholders. Although its efforts to date have not yielded any formal indications of interest, any such monetization could potentially provide further upside beyond Pharma Two B’s compelling prospects. Of course, there can be no guaranty of the magnitude and timing of any potential sale, if at all.

In the event Hepion’s proposed merger with Pharma Two B does not receive the required shareholder support, the Company faces potentially dire consequences due to its limited financial resources. A stand-alone Hepion would be unable to fund the continued development of its legacy drug pipeline and would likely face delisting of its common stock from Nasdaq and potential bankruptcy. Any adjournment to solicit additional shareholder support could erode precious financial resources.

Clearly, there is a better path forward for Hepion’s shareholders. Pharma Two B presents an opportunity to share in the potential upside of its innovative drug candidate to treat Parkinson’s Disease. P2B001’s development is already more advanced than any candidates in Hepion’s legacy pipeline and the post-merger company is expected to be well-funded to advance continued clinical trials with filing of a New Drug Application with the FDA on the horizon.

We therefore strongly urge you to VOTE FOR Hepion’s proposed merger with Pharma Two B. Please vote today to approve this important transaction. EVERY VOTE COUNTS! No matter how many shares you may own, the outcome of the special meeting may have a material impact on the value of your investment.

If you have any questions regarding the Special Meeting or need assistance voting, please contact Hepion’s proxy solicitation firm Campaign Management, LLC toll-free at 1-855-422-1042 or via email at info@campaign-mgmt.com If you have already voted for Hepion’s proposed merger with Pharma Two B, thank you for your support. If you have previously cast your vote against the merger, you can still change your vote at any time prior to the Special Meeting as only your latest dated vote will count.

Sincerely,

Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Contacts

Investors:
Michael Fein
Campaign Management
(212) 632-8422
michael.fein@campaign-mgmt.com

FAQ

When is Hepion Pharmaceuticals (HEPA) Special Meeting for the Pharma Two B merger?

The Special Meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2024.

What happens if HEPA shareholders don't approve the Pharma Two B merger?

If shareholders don't approve the merger, Hepion faces potential Nasdaq delisting and bankruptcy risks due to financial resources.

What will happen to Hepion's (HEPA) existing drug pipeline after the merger?

Pharma Two B has indicated it has no plans to advance Hepion's legacy drug pipeline, though Hepion will attempt to monetize these assets.

What is the main benefit of the HEPA-Pharma Two B merger for shareholders?

Shareholders will gain exposure to Pharma Two B's late-stage Parkinson's Disease treatment candidate P2B001 and participate in its potential upside.