The Long Run with Luke Timmerman Ep179: Ethan Weiss & Josh Lehrer on a New Idea for Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes
May 28, 2025
Ethan Weiss, co-founder and CSO of Marea Therapeutics, brings expertise in novel treatment approaches for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while CEO Josh Lehrer leads the charge in innovative therapies. They discuss a groundbreaking monoclonal antibody targeting ANG-PTL4 and its promising clinical trial outcomes. The duo shares insights on the importance of remnant cholesterol in risk assessment and health management. Their journey from UCSF Moffett Hospital to biotech showcases pivotal moments in collaboration, emphasizing the shift from research to clinical applications.
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How Ethan and Josh Met
- Ethan Weiss and Josh Lehrer first met at UCSF in 2001 through clinical work in cardiology.
- They reconnected years later through mutual friends and work, leading to Marea Therapeutics formation.
Fat Function Over Fat Amount
- Marea Therapeutics targets fat function rather than total fat or obesity for cardiometabolic disease.
- Dysfunctional or misplaced fat, not amount alone, drives risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease.
ANGPTL4 Mutation Benefits
- Loss-of-function variants in ANGPTL4 gene lead to lower triglycerides, improved insulin resistance, and unusual fat distribution.
- Carriers of this mutation have reduced risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes.