Trial Success for MAR001 Phase 2a and New Acromegaly Program Unveiled by Marea Therapeutics
Marea Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation treatments for cardio-endocrine diseases, shared important updates on its progress as it prepares for the upcoming J.P. Morgan 43rd Annual Healthcare Conference. The event will take place from January 13-16, 2025, in San Francisco, CA.
Josh Lehrer, M.D., M.Phil., FACC, CEO of Marea Therapeutics, expressed optimism about the company’s growth, noting, “Since our launch in June 2024, Marea has made significant strides. We are preparing to advance MAR001 into Phase 2b clinical trials in 2025 following positive results from our Phase 2a trial. These findings demonstrate that MAR001 could address the lipid and metabolic drivers of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients. We are also excited to announce our second pipeline program for acromegaly, which will enter clinical development in the latter half of 2025. With these advancements and the expansion of our leadership team, we are positioned for a pivotal year ahead.”
Positive Phase 2a Results for MAR001
MAR001 is a promising monoclonal antibody targeting ANGPTL4, a protein found in adipose tissue that plays a role in lipid metabolism. In a Phase 2a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Marea evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of multiple doses of MAR001 in participants with metabolic dysfunction.
The trial enrolled 55 participants with hypertriglyceridemia (fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL but ≤499 mg/dL), who were randomly assigned to receive either MAR001 or a placebo. Participants were divided into four groups, with doses of MAR001 ranging from 150 mg to 450 mg.
The topline results were promising, showing significant reductions in both remnant cholesterol and triglycerides. In the 300mg and 450mg dose groups, MAR001 produced approximately 50% placebo-corrected lowering of remnant cholesterol, suggesting the potential for substantial clinical benefit in reducing cardiovascular risk. MAR001 was generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or deaths reported, and no participants discontinuing due to side effects.
Marea plans to present additional data from the study at an upcoming medical meeting and expects to initiate a Phase 2b clinical trial for MAR001 in the first half of 2025. Ethan Weiss, M.D., Marea’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented, “The positive clinical data, combined with strong human genetic evidence supporting ANGPTL4 as a target, solidifies MAR001’s potential as a leading therapy for reducing residual cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients.”
MAR002: A New Approach to Acromegaly Treatment
Marea is also advancing a second promising pipeline asset, MAR002, an anti-growth hormone receptor (GHR) antibody aimed at treating acromegaly, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Acromegaly is characterized by excessive growth hormone and is associated with significant morbidity, including insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications, and lipotoxicity. Current treatments are often ineffective or associated with suboptimal disease control.
With over 30,000 patients in the U.S. suffering from acromegaly, MAR002 presents a potentially first-in-class approach to addressing this unmet need. Marea expects to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of MAR002 in the second half of 2025, expanding its pipeline of novel therapeutics.
Corporate and Leadership Updates
Since its inception in June 2024, Marea has made significant progress in securing funding and expanding its leadership team. The company raised $190 million in Series A and B financings to support its pipeline development. Marea has also strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointments of Ian Clements, Ph.D., as Chief Financial Officer, Rebecca Juliano, Ph.D., as Chief Development Officer, and Max Zeiberg as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. Additionally, Robert A. Harrington, M.D., has joined Marea’s Board of Directors.
J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Presentation
Marea will participate in the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, where its management team will present an overview of the company on Wednesday, January 15, at 11:30 a.m. PT. The company will also hold individual meetings with investors to discuss its progress and upcoming milestones for 2025.
About Marea Therapeutics
Marea Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that leverages cutting-edge advances in human genetics to develop first-in-class treatments for cardio-endocrine diseases. Its lead program, MAR001, is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for metabolic dysfunction and high cardiovascular risk, while the company is advancing MAR002 for the treatment of acromegaly. Marea is committed to delivering innovative therapies that address unmet needs in cardio-metabolic and endocrine disorders.
