Lisata Therapeutics has acquired Marea Therapeutics in a stock-for-stock transaction and secured a concurrent oversubscribed $225 million private placement as the combined company shifts its focus toward developing next-generation treatments for cardioendocrine diseases.
Marea’s lead programs include MAR001/005 for severe hypertriglyceridemia, currently in Phase 2b development, and MAR002 for acromegaly, which is advancing through Phase 2. Lisata expects the financing to fund operations into 2028.
Investors participating in the financing include RA Capital Management, Forbion, Third Rock Ventures, Alpha Wave, Perceptive Advisors, Sofinnova Investments, Omega Funds, Surveyor Capital, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Nantahala Capital, Affinity Asset Advisors, venBio and Rock Springs Capital.
Lisata plans to use most of the proceeds to advance MAR001/005 and MAR002. Topline results from the Phase 2b severe hypertriglyceridemia study and Phase 2 acromegaly trial are both expected in the fourth quarter of 2027.
MAR001 is a monoclonal antibody targeting ANGPTL4, a protein highly expressed in adipose tissue. By inhibiting ANGPTL4, the therapy is intended to increase lipoprotein lipase activity, lower triglycerides and improve adipose function. Marea has also developed MAR005, a half-life-extended version intended to become the Phase 3 candidate.
MAR002 is a half-life-extended growth hormone receptor antagonist antibody being developed for acromegaly. In a Phase 1 study involving healthy volunteers, MAR002 produced dose-dependent suppression of IGF-1 and was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.
The Marea acquisition was completed through an exchange of Marea equity for Lisata common stock and Series C non-voting convertible preferred shares.
On a fully diluted, as-converted basis, pre-transaction Marea shareholders are expected to own approximately 59.54% of Lisata, private-placement investors approximately 38.07% and pre-acquisition Lisata shareholders approximately 2.39%.
Lisata will continue evaluating potential next steps for its existing oncology candidate certepetide while prioritizing Marea’s cardioendocrine pipeline.
KEY QUOTES:
“After a thorough review of strategic alternatives, the acquisition of Marea marks a significant milestone for Lisata as we broaden our focus toward advancing Marea’s product candidate portfolio, which addresses significant unmet need across a range of cardioendocrine diseases.”
Dr. David J. Mazzo, CEO of Lisata Therapeutics
“This transaction provides the combined company with the resources to advance our two clinical stage drug candidates through pivotal milestones, including MAR001 topline Phase 2b data in severe hypertriglyceridemia and MAR002 Phase 2 proof of concept data in patients with acromegaly next year, as well as initiation of Phase 3 registrational studies for both programs.”
Dr. Josh Lehrer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Lisata Therapeutics and CEO of Marea Therapeutics
