HEPA 8-K: CFO and Board Member Brancaccio Steps Down

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: HEPA) filed a Form 8-K to disclose the resignation of Chief Financial Officer and director John Brancaccio. His departure, attributed to personal reasons, is effective June 30, 2025. The filing, made pursuant to Item 5.02, notes that Kaouthar Lbiati signs as Interim CFO. No additional management changes, compensation details, or financial data were provided.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• CFO and director John Brancaccio resigns effective June 30, 2025, creating leadership uncertainty in finance and governance.

Insights

Financial Analyst

TL;DR: CFO exit is modestly negative—may unsettle investors until permanent replacement named.

The sudden resignation of both the CFO and a board member removes a key steward of Hepion’s financial strategy. While reasons are listed as personal, investors now face execution risk around capital allocation, fundraising and financial reporting. The appointment of Kaouthar Lbiati on an interim basis limits operational disruption but does not resolve succession uncertainty. In the absence of financial guidance or strategic updates, market reaction will hinge on speed and quality of the permanent replacement.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 25, 2025

Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		001-36856		46-2783806
(State or other jurisdiction of		(Commission		(IRS
incorporation or organization)		File Number)		Identification No.)

55 Madison Ave., Suite 400- PMB# 4362

Morristown, NJ 07960

(Address of principal executive offices)

(732) 902-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share		HEPA		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers: Election of Directors; Appointment of  Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On June 25, 2025, John Brancaccio, the CFO and a director of Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), resigned as CFO and a director, effective June 30, 2025 for personal reasons.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:	June 30, 2025	Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
		By:	/s/ Kaouthar Lbiati
			Kaouthar Lbiati
			Interim Chief Financial Officer

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FAQ

Why did Hepion Pharmaceuticals' CFO resign?

The filing states that John Brancaccio resigned for personal reasons.

When is the CFO resignation at HEPA effective?

John Brancaccio's resignation becomes effective June 30, 2025.

Who will oversee finances at Hepion Pharmaceuticals after the resignation?

The Form 8-K is signed by Kaouthar Lbiati, Interim Chief Financial Officer.

Does the 8-K mention any other management or board changes at HEPA?

No, the filing only reports the departure of the CFO and director; no additional changes are disclosed.

Were any financial results or earnings figures disclosed in this 8-K?

No financial metrics or earnings data were included in the filing.