Lisata Acquires Marea Therapeutics And Secures $225M Financing To Advance Next-Generation Medicines For Cardioendocrine Diseases

Combined company to focus on developing first-in-class next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseasesMarea has multiple late-stage clinical product candidates: MAR001/005 for severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) currently in Phase 2b and MAR002 for the treatment of acromegaly which is advancing to a Phase 2 studyConcurrent financing of $225 million from leading life sciences investors and other institutional investors projected to fund operations into 2028LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lisata Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:LSTA) ("Lisata"), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, today announced that it has acquired Marea Therapeutics, Inc. ("Marea"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company harnessing the latest advances in human genetics to develop first-in-class, next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseases.Concurrent with the acquisition, Lisata entered into a definitive purchase agreement for the sale of Series C non-voting convertible preferred stock in a private placement financing, which is expected to result in gross proceeds to Lisata of approximately $225 million before deducting placement agent and other offering expenses. The oversubscribed financing included participation from leading life sciences investors including RA Capital Management, Forbion, Third Rock Ventures, Alpha Wave, Perceptive Advisors, Sofinnova Investments, Omega Funds, Surveyor Capital (a Citadel company), Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Nantahala Capital, Affinity Asset Advisors, LLC, venBio, Rock Springs Capital and other institutional investors.Lisata plans to use the net proceeds primarily to advance MAR001/005 and MAR002 through key clinical milestones, including the completion of an ongoing Phase 2b trial in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, as well as a Phase 2 trial in patients with acromegaly. Both studies are expected to report topline data in the fourth quarter of 2027. Remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.