TPST to Evaluate Strategic Options for Pipeline Studies, Stock Up

Core Viewpoint - Tempest Therapeutics, Inc. is exploring strategic options to enhance stockholder value, which may include mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, or licensing arrangements [1] Company Development Plans - Tempest is developing amezalpat (TPST-1120), a PPAR-alpha antagonist, for first-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [2] - The company is also working on TPST-1495, a selective EP2-EP4 dual antagonist, for treating familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) [2] - Tempest has partnered with Roche to evaluate amezalpat in combination with Roche's Tecentriq and Avastin for HCC treatment [5] - The FDA has cleared Tempest to begin a pivotal phase III study for amezalpat in combination with Roche's therapy for HCC [6] - Ongoing studies have shown that amezalpat combined with Roche's therapy resulted in a six-month improvement in median overall survival compared to the standard therapy alone [7] - The FDA has granted Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations to amezalpat for HCC treatment [7] - Tempest has received a "Study May Proceed" letter from the FDA for a phase II study on TPST-1495, expected to start in 2025 [9] - The FDA has also granted Orphan Drug designation to TPST-1495 for FAP treatment [9] - Management believes that amezalpat has blockbuster potential in HCC, while TPST-1495 also shows promise [10] Stock Performance - Following the announcement of strategic options, Tempest's shares rose by 6.3% in after-hours trading on April 9 [2] - Year-to-date, Tempest's shares have decreased by 34.1%, compared to a 14.6% decline in the industry [3]