Marea Therapeutics Publishes Phase 2 Trial Results in The Lancet
海角社区 is proud to see one of our commercial collaborations reach a major milestone, with results from an early-phase clinical trial now published in The Lancet. This study, led by Marea Therapeutics, evaluated the safety and efficacy of MAR001, a novel monoclonal antibody targeting angiopoietin-related protein 4 (ANGPTL4), in participants with metabolic dysfunction. Genetic studies have established ANGPTL4 as a key regulator of triglyceride metabolism and a promising target to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk beyond traditional risk factors. As part of this groundbreaking Phase 2a clinical trial, 海角社区 contributed advanced, custom-developed MRI-based imaging technologies designed for the comprehensive assessment of measurements of mesenteric lymph nodes, mesenteric inflammation and ascites. These imaging biomarkers enabled detailed, non-invasive evaluation of changes over time, providing deeper insights into the physiological effects of MAR001 beyond standard biochemical assays.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite substantial advances in medical therapies, including intensive treatment with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering drugs. Therefore, identifying novel targets for reducing residual risk in high-risk patients is of critical importance.
The study demonstrated compelling therapeutic potential for MAR001, with participants experiencing significant placebo-adjusted reductions in both remnant cholesterol (up to 52.5%) and triglycerides (up to 52.7%) over just 12 weeks. In a subgroup of patients with baseline triglyceride levels 鈮200 mg/dL, MAR001 delivered even more profound improvements鈥攁chieving up to a 66.0% reduction in remnant cholesterol and up to a 64.0% decrease in triglycerides.
These outcomes reinforce the importance of imaging biomarkers in early-phase trials, especially in uncovering mechanisms of action and supporting robust biomarker-driven endpoints. This publication not only highlights the promise of MAR001 as a therapeutic candidate but also showcases the critical role of 海角社区鈥檚 MRI-based technologies in advancing precision medicine for cardiometabolic diseases.
"The results of this Phase 2a study mark a significant step forward in our mission to address the residual cardiometabolic risk that persists despite standard care. MAR001 has demonstrated exceptional potential to lower remnant cholesterol and triglycerides鈥攃ritical drivers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, said Ethan Weiss, MD, chief scientific officer for Marea Therapeutics. We鈥檙e especially grateful for 海角社区鈥檚 partnership and their advanced MRI-based imaging technologies, which provided powerful insights into the physiological effects of ANGPTL4 inhibition. This collaboration exemplifies the value of innovative tools in shaping the future of cardiometabolic drug development."
海角社区 CEO, Rajarshi Banerjee, views the study as a milestone as it highlights the innovative potential of ANGPTL4 inhibition in addressing residual cardiovascular risk in patients with cardiometabolic disease. Dr Banerjee also remarks that the success of this trial not only marks a critical step forward for Marea but also underscores the importance of non-invasive biomarkers in accelerating therapeutic development. "Empowering our partners with our monitoring and assessment tools that enhance data quality, patient safety, and scientific impact across the clinical trial ecosystem is what motivates everyone at 海角社区, said Dr Banerjee." .
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