Press Release

NORCROSS, Ga., April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, today announced that its abstract was accepted by the European Association for the Study of the Liver for presentation on April 27, 2013 at the International Liver Congress to be held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The abstract, "Regression of fibrosis and reversal of cirrhosis in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis following treatment with galectin inhibitors" provides evidence in a pre-clinical model that Galectin's drugs are able to reverse established fibrosis and cirrhosis.

"Data continues to accumulate showing the effectiveness of our galectin inhibitor drugs in pre-clinical models," said Dr. Peter G. Traber, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Galectin Therapeutics. "Research will be presented on how both GR-MD-02 and GM-CT-01 are effective in reversing fibrosis and cirrhosis in established disease. The findings add confidence for the possibility of this mechanism extending to human disease. Following the presentation, additional information will be announced and the data will be posted on the Galectin website."

About Galectin Therapeutics Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GALT) is developing promising carbohydrate-based therapies for the treatment of fibrotic liver disease and cancer based on the Company's unique understanding of galectin proteins, key mediators of biologic function. We are leveraging extensive scientific and development expertise as well as established relationships with external sources to achieve cost effective and efficient development. We are pursuing a clear development pathway to clinical enhancement and commercialization for our lead compounds in liver fibrosis and cancer. Additional information is available at www.galectintherapeutics.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains, in addition to historical information, 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 our current expectations and are subject to factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. Factors that could cause our actual performance to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, among others: incurrence of operating losses since our inception, uncertainty as to adequate financing of our operations, extensive and costly regulatory oversight that could restrict or prevent product commercialization, inability to achieve commercial product acceptance, inability to protect our intellectual property, dependence on strategic partnerships, product competition, and others stated in risk factors contained in our SEC filings. We cannot assure that we have identified all risks or that others may emerge which we do not anticipate. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although subsequent events may cause our views to change, we disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Galectin Therapeutics Inc.

Galectin Therapeutics Inc., Peter G. Traber, Chief Executive Officer, (678) 620-3186, ir@galectintherapeutics.com