On May 13, 2025 Tempest Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TPST), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class1 targeted and immune-mediated therapeutics to fight cancer, reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Tempest Therapeutics, MAY 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234652990]).

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"The amezalpat program continues to produce data that reinforce its potential as a cancer therapy, most recently in a presentation at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) showing that amezalpat reduced immunosuppression and activated the immune system to attack tumors. We were pleased to present these data that elucidate one part of the amezalpat mechanism of action and support the positive randomized Phase 2 data, including the benefit seen in patients with markers of immune resistance," said Stephen Brady, president and chief executive officer of Tempest. "We are actively engaged in exploring strategic alternatives to advance our promising clinical-stage programs and maximize stockholder value and, given the data, continue to have strong conviction in the potential of our oncology portfolio to drive meaningful impact for patients facing cancer."

Recent Highlights

Amezalpat (TPST-1120) (clinical PPARα antagonist):
Reported new data at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting supporting the immune component of amezalpat’s dual mechanism of action and reinforcing its potential as a novel cancer treatment.
Granted both Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for amezalpat for the treatment of patients with HCC.
TPST-1495 (clinical dual EP2/4 prostaglandin receptor antagonist):
Granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA to treat patients with FAP.
Received a "Study May Proceed" letter from the FDA for the Phase 2 trial for the treatment of FAP.
This trial, run by CP-CTNet and financially supported by the NCI’s Division of Cancer Prevention, underscores the urgent need for innovative cancer prevention strategies in high-risk patient populations. The Phase 2 study is expected to begin in 2025.
Corporate:
Announced (i) plans to explore a full range of strategic alternatives to advance the company’s promising clinical-stage programs and maximize stockholder value and (ii) a reduction in force that was completed on April 30, 2025.
Using cash on hand, the company repaid $3.5 million in full satisfaction of Loan and Security Agreement with Oxford Finance LLC in April 2025.

Financial Results

First Quarter 2025

Tempest ended the quarter with $21.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $30.3 million on December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to cash used in operating activities, offset by proceeds of $1.5 million from the at-the-market offering program.
Net loss and net loss per share for the quarter were $10.9 million and $3.16, respectively, compared to $7.9 million and $4.62, respectively, for the same period in 2024.
Research and development expenses for the quarter were $7.6 million compared to $4.3 million for the same period in 2024. The $3.3 million increase was primarily due to an increase in costs incurred from engaging contract research and manufacturing organizations in preparation for our pivotal Phase 3 trial of amezalpat for the treatment of first-line HCC.
General and administrative expenses for the quarter were $3.3 million compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 2024. The $0.3 million decrease was primarily due to a decrease in consulting services.