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Lisata Therapeutics is acquiring fellow clinical-stage company Marea Therapeutics, with the combined company targeting first-in-class, next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseases.

Concurrently, Lisata agreed to the sale of Series C non-voting convertible preferred stock in a private placement financing. This may result in gross proceeds to Lisata of approximately $225 million (before deducting placement agent and other offering expenses).

Marea Drugs in Development

Marea’s lead candidate, MAR001, is in Phase IIb development for treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia. MAR005, a half-life-extended version, is nearing Phase III development.

Meanwhile, another candidate, MAR002, is in a Phase II trial in patients with acromegaly.

Lisata plans to use the net proceeds from its private placement to advance both MAR001/005 and MAR002 through key milestones.

“After a thorough review of strategic alternatives, the Marea acquisition marks a significant milestone,” Lisata CEO David Mazzo, PhD, said. “Marea’s product candidate portfolio … addresses significant unmet need across a range of cardioendocrine diseases. This pipeline, led by MAR001, is designed to overcome the limitations of current treatment paradigms. [It] has the potential to establish a new standard of care in the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia … We believe that we are well-positioned to drive these programs through their next stages of development.”

Marea CEO Josh Lehrer, MD, now becomes Chief Operating Officer and President of Lisata.

“This transaction provides the combined company with the resources to advance our two clinical stage drug candidates,” Lehrer said. “Joining with Lisata gives our first-in-class antibody programs a faster path to patients who today have limited options … We’re grateful for the continued confidence of our new and existing investors.”

Lisata Backed By Host of Investors

Investors involved in the oversubscribed financing included:

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

Rock Springs Capital

Topline data from the studies of MAR001/005 and MAR002 should be released by the fourth quarter of 2027.