Hepion Pharmaceuticals Changes Independent Auditor, Engages RRBB

What Happened

• Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that on September 21, 2026 its audit committee approved dismissing Grassi & Co., CPAs, P.C. as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm and approved engaging Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman P.A. (RRBB) to audit the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2026. Grassi was informed of its dismissal on September 22, 2026, effective immediately.
• Grassi’s audit reports for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer, but did include an explanatory paragraph noting substantial doubt about Hepion’s ability to continue as a going concern due to significant operating losses and negative cash flows.

Key Details

• Date of audit committee approval: September 21, 2026; Grassi notified: September 22, 2026; Grassi’s response letter dated September 24, 2026 (filed as Exhibit 16.1).
• New auditor engaged: Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman P.A. (RRBB) to audit year ended December 31, 2026.
• No reportable events or disagreements with Grassi for fiscal years 2025 and 2024 through September 21, 2026, except previously disclosed material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting (disclosed in Form 10-Ks and Form 10-Qs filed May 14, 2026 and August 13, 2026).
• Audit committee authorized Grassi to respond fully to RRBB’s inquiries about the internal control weaknesses.

Why It Matters

• An auditor change is a material governance event: RRBB will perform the 2026 audit and could affect timing or focus of the company’s financial reporting and disclosures.
• The filing confirms prior auditor reports included a going concern explanatory paragraph and that material weaknesses in internal controls remain disclosed — facts investors should consider when assessing financial risk and the reliability/timing of future financial statements.
• No reported disagreements with the prior auditor and the committee’s cooperation with Grassi may indicate an orderly transition, but investors should watch for RRBB’s audit results and any updates on internal control remediation.