Marea releases early Phase 2 data for Novartis-licensed cholesterol drug

Marea Therapeutics recently shared promising outcomes from its lead program involving a triglyceride-lowering treatment for cardiovascular diseases, indicating potential wise investment from its $190 million funding received in June. Though the detailed findings from the Phase 2a trial of their drug, MAR001, were limited, the company highlighted significant results. The trial revealed that administering MAR001 at doses of 300 mg and 450 mg successfully reduced patients' remnant cholesterol levels by approximately 50% on a placebo-adjusted basis over a period of three months. Marea suggested these results could translate into substantial clinical benefits. The reduction in remnant triglycerides was also deemed significant, though specific statistics were not provided.

Remnant cholesterol and triglycerides are known to negatively impact cardiovascular disease outcomes. MAR001, acquired from Novartis, operates by targeting ANGPTL4, a protein found in adipose tissues, and could emerge as a pioneering therapy in this field. On a similar front, Lipigon Pharmaceuticals, a Swedish biotechnology firm, advanced its anti-ANGPTL4 RNA medication, Lipisense, into Phase 2 trials last November. Lipigon's trial is focusing on patients suffering from moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes.

In Marea’s Phase 2a trial, participants with hypertriglyceridemia were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either MAR001 or a placebo. Although a 150 mg dose was also evaluated, Marea has not disclosed the outcomes for this group. Importantly, the trial recorded no fatalities or serious adverse effects, and no participants withdrew due to side effects.

The company plans to unveil more detailed data at an upcoming medical conference and is preparing to launch a Phase 2b trial within the next six months. Besides their leading program, Marea Therapeutics introduced its second program, which focuses on developing a growth hormone receptor antagonist for the treatment of acromegaly. The Phase 1 study for this new treatment, MAR002, is slated to commence in the latter half of 2025.

This development reflects Marea Therapeutics' commitment to advancing medical treatments for significant health challenges. The encouraging results from MAR001 offer hope for a new line of treatment that could potentially improve the quality of life for those battling cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the introduction of their second program underscores the company's broader ambition to address other serious health conditions like acromegaly, further solidifying their position in the pharmaceutical landscape.