** Shares of cancer drug developer Tempest Therapeutics TPST.O rise ~9% to $7.79 in extended trading
** TPST says it is exploring strategic alternatives, such as mergers or partnerships, to advance its cancer treatment programs
** Company's pipeline includes its lead liver cancer drug, amezalpat, and TPST-1495, a treatment for familial adenomatous polyposis, a rare genetic disorder
** Amezalpat received both Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the US FDA
** As of last close, stock down 34% YTD
(Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru)
((Kamal.Choudhury@thomsonreuters.com;))