Marea launches with $190m for cardiometabolic therapies development

Marea Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has recently announced its official launch, backed by significant funding of $190 million obtained through combined Series A and B financing rounds. The Series A round, led by Third Rock Ventures, and the Series B round, led by Sofinnova Investments, have provided the necessary capital to push forward the development of treatments for cardiometabolic diseases.

Forbion and the Perceptive Xontogeny Venture Fund co-led the Series B round, with additional contributions from venBio, Alpha Wave Global, Omega Funds, Surveyor Capital, and Third Rock Ventures. These financial resources will be allocated to advance the Phase II development of Marea's lead program, MAR001, as well as to support other pipeline programs under the company's umbrella.

MAR001 is a monoclonal antibody that targets ANGPTL4, a protein found predominantly in adipose tissue. By inhibiting ANGPTL4, MAR001 aims to enhance the activity of lipoprotein lipase in adipose tissue, which is anticipated to lower remnant cholesterol levels, improve metabolic function, and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Remnant cholesterol is associated with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and is known for its atherogenic properties, contributing to cardiovascular events independently of other risk factors like diabetes, LDL cholesterol, or obesity.

Currently, there are no targeted therapies available that specifically address the reduction of remnant cholesterol and improvement of metabolic function. In preclinical studies, MAR001 showed promising results, including reductions in triglycerides, remnant cholesterol, and ectopic fat, along with improved insulin sensitivity. Following successful Phase I outcomes, MAR001 has progressed to Phase II clinical development for adults with metabolic dysfunction.

Josh Lehrer, CEO of Marea Therapeutics, highlighted the company's mission to revolutionize the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. Lehrer emphasized that Marea aims to leverage large-scale human genetics and expertise in adipose function and biology to target genetically validated determinants of cardiometabolic disease risk. He described this approach as the next frontier for patients with cardiometabolic diseases who are at high risk, despite existing therapies.

The potential of MAR001 lies in its ability to address unaddressed drivers of cardiometabolic disease risk. By focusing on ANGPTL4 inhibition, Marea Therapeutics hopes to offer a new therapeutic avenue that could significantly benefit patients suffering from these conditions. The biotech community and investors alike are keeping a close watch on the progress of MAR001 and Marea's other pipeline programs, hopeful that these innovative treatments will bring much-needed advancements in the management of cardiometabolic diseases.