Press Release

Galectin Therapeutics Receives Notice of Australian Patent to be Granted for the Use of GR-MD-02 in Liver, Kidney, Lung or Heart Fibrosis

NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, today announced that the Company has received a Notice of Allowance from the Australian Government Patent Office for its patent application for "Composition of Novel Carbohydrate Drug for Treatment of Human Diseases." When issued, the patent will extend coverage of the Company's lead compound, GR-MD-02, to Australia to treat patients at risk of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders in which galectins are at least in part involved. The patent will not expire until 2032.

GR-MD-02, a proprietary polysaccharide pharmaceutical preparation that inhibits galectin proteins, is currently in two Phase 2 clinical trials in subjects with NASH with cirrhosis and NASH with advanced fibrosis, as well as in preclinical testing for lung, kidney and cardiovascular fibrosis. GR-MD-02 is also being studied in two clinical trials at Providence Portland Medical Center in advanced melanoma patients in combination with Keytruda® and Yervoy®, as well as in a Phase 2a trial in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

"The allowance of these claims in Australia further strengthens the protection of the intellectual property behind our proprietary compound, GR-MD-02," said Peter G. Traber, M.D., chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Galectin Therapeutics and inventor on the patent. "This is but one of more than 50 patent applications we have pending in 10 foreign countries, which, in addition to Australia, include Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South Africa. All of these countries are viewed as significant markets for the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or the manufacture of the API. When issued, this patent will augment our current intellectual property portfolio for treatment of liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, lung fibrosis or heart fibrosis."

About Galectin Therapeutics

Galectin Therapeutics is developing promising therapies for the treatment of fibrotic liver disease and cancer based on the Company's unique understanding of galectin proteins, which are key mediators of biologic function. Galectin seeks to leverage extensive scientific and development expertise as well as established relationships with external sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient development. The Company is pursuing a development pathway to clinical enhancement and commercialization for its lead compounds in liver fibrosis, psoriasis and cancer. Additional information is available at www.galectintherapeutics.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or future financial performance, and use words such as "may," "estimate," "could," "expect" and others. They are based on management's current expectations and are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These statements include those regarding the hope that its lead compounds will be successful in treating fibrosis, cancer and psoriasis and that the patents issued and pending will provide meaningful commercial protection to the Company. Regardless of the results of any of its development programs, Galectin may be unsuccessful in developing partnerships with other companies or raising additional capital that would allow it to further develop and/or fund any studies or trials. For a discussion of additional factors impacting Galectin's business, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and subsequent filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although subsequent events may cause its views to change, management disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Galectin Therapeutics and its associated logo is a registered trademark of Galectin Therapeutics Inc.

Galectin Therapeutics, Inc.
Jack Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer
678-620-3186
ir@galectintherapeutics.com
or
Gregory FCA
Joe Hassett, Senior Vice President
610-228-2110
joeh@gregoryfca.com

Source: Galectin Therapeutics, Inc.

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