SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. — October 5, 2026
Marea Therapeutics, LLC, a subsidiary of Lisata Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2 clinical trial of MAR002 for the treatment of acromegaly, a rare and chronic endocrine disorder caused by prolonged exposure to excess growth hormone. The Phase 2 study follows promising results from a first-in-human Phase 1 trial, which demonstrated deep and durable suppression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and pharmacokinetic properties that may support dosing as infrequently as once every two weeks.
MAR002 Targets Growth Hormone Receptor Signaling
MAR002 is a first-in-class, allosteric, half-life-extended human monoclonal antibody designed to target and block the growth hormone receptor (GHR). By directly inhibiting growth hormone signaling at the receptor level, MAR002 is intended to reduce downstream IGF-1 production and potentially provide biochemical disease control for a broad population of patients with acromegaly. Phase 1 data presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society showed proof-of-mechanism, including sustained IGF-1 suppression and pharmacokinetic characteristics compatible with less frequent subcutaneous administration compared with the daily injections associated with current standard treatment.
Phase 2 Study Evaluates IGF-1 Reduction
The Phase 2 clinical trial is expected to enroll approximately 72 participants with acromegaly across three MAR002 dose arms following an initial 900 mg loading dose, with placebo as the comparator. The primary endpoint is the reduction in IGF-1 after 10 weeks of treatment. Participants who complete the initial 10-week treatment period and meet eligibility criteria will have the option to enter an open-label extension study. The trial is designed to further evaluate MAR002’s ability to achieve biochemical control while potentially reducing treatment frequency and burden.
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Marea Advances Cardioendocrine Pipeline
The Phase 2 initiation strengthens Marea Therapeutics’ development strategy focused on genetically informed treatments for cardioendocrine diseases. MAR002 is being developed alongside MAR001, which is in Phase 2b development for severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG). Acromegaly affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States and can cause serious metabolic and cardiovascular complications when inadequately controlled. With the first patient now dosed in Phase 2, Marea is advancing MAR002 toward a potentially more convenient treatment option that could provide sustained IGF-1 control with substantially less frequent dosing.
Source:Marea Therapeutics, press release
