SCHEDULE: Executive Boosts Stake in Hepion Pharmaceuticals

Gary Stetz, interim CEO and director of Hepion Pharmaceuticals, has increased his beneficial ownership to 5.7% through recent share and warrant purchases.

Summary

• Gary Stetz, interim CEO and a director of Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has increased his beneficial ownership of the company's common stock to 5.7%.
• This ownership stake includes 5,250,000 shares, with 2,000,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants.
• The total number of outstanding shares used for this calculation is 90,219,317 as of August 10, 2026.
• Mr. Stetz acquired 1,250,000 shares on April 21, 2026, for $50,000.
• On July 31, 2026, he acquired an additional 2,000,000 shares and one warrant to purchase 2,000,000 shares for $100,000.
• The warrant is exercisable at $0.06 per share, subject to a beneficial ownership limitation.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral to slightly positive filing, primarily due to the acquisition of shares and warrants by a key executive, indicating personal investment and confidence. However, the lack of significant operational updates or financial performance data tempers a more enthusiastic outlook.

Positives

• Key executive (interim CEO and director) Gary Stetz has increased his personal investment in the company.
• The acquisition of shares and warrants by Mr. Stetz suggests confidence in the company's future prospects.
• The warrant provides an opportunity for further equity participation at a defined price ($0.06 per share).

Negatives

• The filing does not provide any new financial performance data or operational updates.
• The total purchase price for the shares and warrants acquired by Mr. Stetz is relatively modest ($150,000 total).
• The beneficial ownership limitation on the warrant could restrict full exercise.

Risks

• The filing does not explicitly mention any new or evolving risks.
• Potential future acquisitions by Mr. Stetz are mentioned, which could further dilute existing shareholders if not accompanied by positive company performance.

Future Outlook

The filing indicates that Gary Stetz may make further acquisitions of the Common Stock from time to time. No other forward-looking statements or guidance are provided.

Management Comments

• The Common Stock owned by the Reporting Person was acquired for investment purposes.
• The Reporting Person may make further acquisitions of the Common Stock from time to time.
• Except for the foregoing, the Reporting Person has no plans or proposals which relate to, or could result in, any of the matters referred to in Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider buying, especially by a CEO or director, is often interpreted as a positive signal of confidence in the company's future. However, this filing is a Schedule 13D, which primarily reports significant ownership changes and does not contain operational or financial performance details typical of earnings reports.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased ownership by a key executive may be viewed positively, signaling confidence. However, the lack of operational updates means no immediate impact on share value is indicated by this filing alone.
• Management: Reinforces the role of Gary Stetz as a significant stakeholder and leader within the company.

Next Steps

• Gary Stetz may make further acquisitions of Hepion Pharmaceuticals' Common Stock.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing indicates an increase in beneficial ownership by the interim CEO and director, which is a positive signal of confidence. However, the Schedule 13D filing lacks substantive operational or financial updates that would typically drive a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation. The investment appears to be for personal investment purposes, and while positive, it does not provide enough new information to warrant a change from a 'hold' position without further context on the company's performance.

Keywords

Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Gary Stetz, Schedule 13D, Beneficial Ownership, Securities Purchase Agreement, Warrants, Director, CEO