Marea Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company incubated by Third Rock Ventures, has officially launched with a combined $190 million from Series A and B financings. The Series A round was spearheaded by Third Rock Ventures, while the Series B round saw leadership from Sofinnova Investments, with co-leadership by Forbion, Perceptive Xontogeny Venture Fund, and venBio. Additional participants included Alpha Wave Global, Omega Funds, Surveyor Capital (a Citadel company), and Third Rock Ventures as the founding investor. This funding will support the Phase 2 development of Marea’s leading program, MAR001, and the advancement of other pipeline projects.
“Marea Therapeutics aims to revolutionize the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases by leveraging large-scale human genetics and expertise in adipose biology to target central, yet overlooked, factors contributing to these conditions,” said Josh Lehrer, M.D., M.Phil., FACC, CEO of Marea. “Our innovative approach could offer new hope for patients with cardiometabolic diseases who continue to face high risks despite current treatments.”
“Marea, with its initial clinical validation, esteemed scientific founders, and seasoned leadership, is positioned to become a leader in cardiometabolic disease treatment,” said Jeffrey Tong, Ph.D., board member and partner at Third Rock Ventures. “We are dedicated to accelerating the development of new medicines, including MAR001, to address key unmet needs in cardiometabolic diseases, potentially providing new therapeutic options for millions.”
Targeting Cardiometabolic Diseases at Their Core
Marea’s flagship program, MAR001, is a monoclonal antibody that targets ANGPTL4, a protein highly expressed in adipose tissue. By inhibiting ANGPTL4, MAR001 enhances lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in adipose tissue, aiming to lower remnant cholesterol, improve metabolic function, and reduce cardiovascular events. Remnant cholesterol, carried by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is highly atherogenic and drives cardiovascular events independently of traditional risk factors like LDL cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity. Currently, no therapies specifically target remnant cholesterol or metabolic function.
Human genetic studies have identified ANGPTL4 as a promising therapeutic target, with loss of function alleles leading to remnant cholesterol clearance, improved triglyceride distribution, better insulin sensitivity, and protection from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes through an adipose-specific mechanism.
Preclinical models of MAR001 have shown reductions in triglycerides, remnant cholesterol, and ectopic fat, along with improved insulin sensitivity. MAR001 has shown strong results in Phase 1 trials and is now in Phase 2 development for adults with metabolic dysfunction.
“ANGPTL4 genetics indicate the potential to reverse adipose dysfunction, which is inadequately addressed by current therapies, including weight loss and LDL cholesterol treatments,” said Ethan J. Weiss, M.D., co-founder and chief scientific officer of Marea. “Over five million cardiovascular patients in the U.S. alone have elevated remnant cholesterol, increasing their risk of heart attacks. MAR001 could uniquely benefit these patients by addressing the root cause of elevated remnant cholesterol and metabolic dysfunction.”
“In Phase 1 trials, a single dose of MAR001 significantly lowered remnant cholesterol levels and improved metabolic biomarkers. We are excited about this compound’s potential,” said Maha Katabi, Ph.D., general partner at Sofinnova Investments. “With a team of renowned experts in genetics and cardiometabolic diseases, Marea is well-equipped to advance MAR001 and other pipeline programs, potentially ushering in a new era of cardiovascular care.”
Marea Therapeutics is also developing additional candidates to address other critical aspects of cardiometabolic diseases, aiming to fill unmet needs in this therapeutic area.