Lisata Therapeutics acquires Marea Therapeutics and secures $225 million to advance MAR001/005 in severe hypertriglyceridemia and MAR002 in acromegaly.
Written By: Creola Gonsalves, MS Biotech
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Lisata Therapeutics has completed the acquisition of Marea Therapeutics, bringing Marea’s clinical-stage portfolio into the Nasdaq-listed company and shifting its development focus toward cardioendocrine diseases.
The lead program, MAR001/005, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b study for severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG). Marea’s second clinical candidate, MAR002, is advancing toward a Phase 2 study in acromegaly.
Both programs are expected to generate topline clinical data in the fourth quarter of 2027.
MAR001/005 Targets Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Severe hypertriglyceridemia is characterized by markedly elevated blood triglyceride concentrations and can substantially increase the risk of acute pancreatitis, particularly at very high triglyceride levels. Patients with severe disease may have limited treatment options when conventional lipid-lowering approaches do not adequately control triglycerides.
MAR001/005 is the lead clinical asset added through the acquisition. The program is currently in a Phase 2b trial, with the new financing expected to support completion of the study and progression toward later-stage development.
The acquisition announcement did not provide interim efficacy, safety, or statistical results from the ongoing Phase 2b study. The next major clinical milestone is topline data expected in Q4 2027.
MAR002 Advances in Acromegaly
Marea’s second program, MAR002, is moving into Phase 2 development for acromegaly, a rare endocrine disorder caused by excessive growth hormone signaling, most often from a pituitary adenoma.
Current treatment options include surgery, somatostatin receptor ligands, growth hormone receptor antagonists and dopamine agonists. Disease control can vary among patients, creating a need for additional therapeutic approaches.
The acquisition provides capital to advance MAR002 through a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study. Topline results are also expected in Q4 2027.
Phase 3 Development Planned After Phase 2 Milestones
Lisata CEO David J. Mazzo said the acquisition expands the company’s focus while providing capital to advance Marea’s clinical programs. Newly appointed President and COO Josh Lehrer, who will also serve as Marea CEO, said the transaction provides resources to advance MAR001 and MAR002 toward key clinical milestones and potential Phase 3 registrational studies.
The company expects the $225 million financing to fund operations into 2028. Near-term priorities include completing the MAR001/005 Phase 2b study, initiating the MAR002 Phase 2 program and preparing both assets for later-stage development.
Alongside the acquired programs, Lisata will continue evaluating potential next steps for certepetide, its existing development program. The transaction therefore marks a substantial change in the company’s pipeline while retaining its existing program as part of its broader development strategy.
$225 Million Financing Supports Marea Pipeline
Under the acquisition agreement, Marea equity holders received 1,793,129 shares of Lisata common stock and 211,365.213 shares of Series C preferred stock. On an as-converted basis, the preferred shares represent approximately 213.16 million common shares.
Alongside the acquisition, Lisata raised approximately $225 million in gross proceeds through a private placement of Series C non-voting convertible preferred stock. The financing included participation from leading life sciences and institutional investors.
The company plans to use the proceeds primarily to advance MAR001/005 through its ongoing Phase 2b study in severe hypertriglyceridemia and MAR002 through Phase 2 development in acromegaly. The financing is expected to fund Lisata’s operations into 2028 and support the programs through their next major clinical milestones.
Reference
Lisata Therapeutics Announces Acquisition of Marea Therapeutics and $225 Million Concurrent Private Placement, Lisata Therapeutics, 17 September 2026
About the Writer
Creola Gonsalves (Linkedin) is an M.S. Biotechnology postgraduate with a strong interest in clinical research, evidence interpretation, and healthcare writing, with a focus on translating life-science knowledge into meaningful real-world insights.
She is trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), clinical research principles, and critical interpretation of randomized clinical trials, with certifications from NIH and Stanford University.
Her research background in biotechnological applications and microbial research strengthens her ability to understand scientific evidence and develop clear, accurate, and research-driven healthcare content.