** Shares of biotech company Jasper Therapeutics JSPR.O rise 5% to 87 cents premarket

** JSPR says it was exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, as it looks to maximize shareholder value

** Jasper was developing experimental drug, briquilimab, for mast cell-driven diseases, including chronic spontaneous and inducible urticaria and asthma, in early-stage studies

** Co says its board would evaluate options such as asset sales or licensing, partnerships, a merger, or a sale of the company, as well as a possible wind-down

** Co adds it would review cost-cutting measures to preserve cash while maintaining regulatory compliance, but did not set a timeline for the process

** Up to last close, stock down 54.7% YTD