LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. — September 17, 2026
Lisata Therapeutics announced the acquisition of Marea Therapeutics, combining the companies to advance next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseases. Marea’s clinical-stage portfolio includes MAR001/005 for severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), currently in Phase 2b development, and MAR002 for acromegaly, which is advancing toward a Phase 2 study. The transaction shifts Lisata’s strategic focus toward Marea’s cardioendocrine pipeline while the company continues evaluating potential next steps for its existing certepetide program in advanced solid tumors.
$225 Million Financing Supports Clinical Development
Lisata is raising approximately $225 million in gross proceeds through a concurrent private placement of Series C non-voting convertible preferred stock, with participation from leading life sciences and institutional investors. The financing includes RA Capital Management, Forbion, Third Rock Ventures, Alpha Wave, Perceptive Advisors, Sofinnova Investments, Omega Funds and other investors. Lisata plans to use the net proceeds primarily to advance MAR001/005 through its ongoing Phase 2b study in severe hypertriglyceridemia and MAR002 through a Phase 2 study in acromegaly. Topline results from both programs are expected in the fourth quarter of 2027, with remaining funds allocated to general corporate purposes. The company expects the financing to provide operational funding into 2028
Marea Programs Target Severe Hypertriglyceridemia and Acromegaly
MAR001 is the lead program in Marea’s clinical pipeline and is being evaluated in Phase 2b for severe hypertriglyceridemia, a cardioendocrine disease characterized by very high triglyceride levels. MAR002 is being developed for acromegaly and is advancing toward Phase 2 proof-of-concept evaluation. The combined company intends to use the new capital base to advance both antibody programs toward key clinical milestones and, subject to future data and regulatory progress, initiate Phase 3 registrational studies. The transaction provides Marea’s programs with additional financial resources and integrates them into Lisata’s publicly traded corporate structure.
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Lisata Repositions Around Cardioendocrine Drug Development
The acquisition was structured as a stock-for-stock transaction, with Marea equity holders receiving a combination of Lisata common stock and Series C non-voting convertible preferred stock. On a fully diluted, as-converted basis, Marea equity holders are expected to hold approximately 59.54% of Lisata’s common stock, while investors participating in the concurrent financing are expected to hold approximately 38.07% and Lisata’s pre-transaction equity holders approximately 2.39%. Subject to stockholder approval, the Series C preferred stock can convert into common stock. Following the transactions, Lisata will be led by Josh Lehrer as President and Chief Operating Officer of Lisata and CEO of Marea, while David J. Mazzo continues as Lisata CEO. The combined company will retain Lisata’s existing certepetide and CendR Platform® activities while prioritizing Marea’s cardioendocrine development programs.
Source: Lisata Therapeutics, press release
