Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 07, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	GALT
Entity Registrant Name	GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001133416
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,123,583

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,201	$ 10,489
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	90	198
Total current assets	31,291	10,687
Property and equipment, net	1	3
Equity method investment in Galectin Sciences, LLC	10
Intangible assets, net	17	23
Total assets	31,319	10,713
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	838	762
Accrued expenses	542	1,651
Accrued dividends payable		73
Total current liabilities	1,380	2,486
Total liabilities	1,380	2,486
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders' equity:
Undesignated stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 8,001,000 designated at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock; 5,000,000 shares authorized, 1,402,500 and 1,452,500 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; liquidation value $1,402,500 at September 30, 2014	567	587
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 22,123,583 and 18,386,900 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	22	18
Additional paid-in capital	137,518	102,841
Accumulated deficit	(114,890)	(101,965)
Total stockholders' equity	23,217	1,481
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders' equity	31,319	10,713
Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	1,727	1,715
Series B-2 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	3,272	3,112
Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	$ 1,723	$ 1,919

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Undesignated stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Undesignated stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Undesignated stock, shares designated	8,001,000	8,001,000
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock, issued	1,402,500	1,402,500
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock, outstanding	1,452,500	1,452,500
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock, liquidation value	$ 1,402,500
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, issued	22,123,583	18,386,900
Common stock, outstanding	22,123,583	18,386,900
Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, issued	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, redemption value	1,800,000
Convertible preferred stock, liquidation value	1,800,000
Series B-2 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	2,100,000	2,100,000
Convertible preferred stock, issued	2,100,000	2,100,000
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding	2,100,000	2,100,000
Convertible preferred stock, redemption value	4,200,000
Convertible preferred stock, liquidation value	4,200,000
Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Convertible preferred stock, issued	176	196
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding	176	196
Convertible preferred stock, redemption value	4,806,000
Convertible preferred stock, liquidation value	$ 1,760,000

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating expenses:
Research and development	$ 1,979	$ 1,192	$ 6,345	$ 4,293
General and administrative	1,498	2,353	5,351	5,007
Total operating expenses	3,477	3,545	11,696	9,300
Total operating loss	(3,477)	(3,545)	(11,696)	(9,300)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	12	3	29	11
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences, LLC	(53)		(390)
Total other income (expense)	(41)	3	(361)	11
Net loss	(3,518)	(3,542)	(12,057)	(9,289)
Preferred stock dividends	(278)	(123)	(763)	(613)
Preferred stock accretion	(57)	(58)	(172)	(171)
Warrant modification				(8,763)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders	$ (3,853)	$ (3,723)	$ (12,992)	$ (18,836)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted	$ (0.17)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.60)	$ (1.15)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	22,051	16,988	21,732	16,438

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (12,057)	$ (9,289)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8	9
Stock-based compensation expense	3,271	3,276
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences LLC	390
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets	108	126
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Notes 2 and 8)	(1,033)	45
Other long-term liabilities		(5)
Net cash used in operating activities	(9,313)	(5,838)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Equity method investment in Galectin Sciences LLC	(400)
Net cash used in investing activities	(400)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants	28,238	3,000
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants and options	2,187	3,189
Net cash provided by financing activities	30,425	6,189
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	20,712	351
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	10,489	9,364
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	31,201	9,715
NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payment of preferred stock dividends in common stock	$ 766	$ 694

Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Basis of Presentation

1.	Basis of Presentation

Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (the “Company”) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that is applying its leadership in galectin science and drug development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease and cancer. These drug candidates are based on the Company’s targeting of galectin proteins which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic function. These compounds also may have application for drugs to treat other diseases and chronic health conditions.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as reported in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2014 and the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. All adjustments made to the interim financial statements are those of a normal and recurring nature. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these financial statements are available to be issued. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company should be read in conjunction with its Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The Company has operated at a loss since its inception and has had no significant revenues. The Company anticipates that losses will continue for the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2014, the Company had $31.2 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. The Company believes that with the cash on hand at September 30, 2014, there is sufficient cash to fund currently planned operations through mid-2016. The Company’s ability to fund operations after its current cash resources are exhausted depends on its ability to obtain additional financing or achieve profitable operations, as to which no assurances can be given. Accordingly, based on the forecasts and estimates underlying the Company’s current operating plan, the financial statements do not currently include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

The Company was founded in July 2000, was incorporated in the State of Nevada in January 2001 under the name “Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,” and changed its name to “Galectin Therapeutics Inc.” on May 26, 2011. On March 23, 2012, the Company began trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol GALT. Immediately prior to March 23, 2012, the Company was traded on the Over-the Counter Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) under the symbol GALT.OB.

The Company is subject to a number of risks similar to those of other development-stage companies, including dependence on key individuals, uncertainty of product development and generation of revenues, dependence on outside sources of capital, risks associated with clinical trials of products, dependence on third-party collaborators for research operations, need for regulatory approval of products, risks associated with protection of intellectual property, risks associated with litigation, and competition with larger, better-capitalized companies. Successful completion of the Company’s development program and, ultimately, the attainment of profitable operations is dependent upon future events, including obtaining adequate financing to fulfill its development activities and achieving a level of revenues adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. There are no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all, or successfully market its products.

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-10 “Development Stage Entities (Topic 915)” as of June 30, 2014. This new standard modifies financial statement presentation to eliminate the requirement to include inception-to-date information in the statements of operations and cash flows, among other provisions.

Accrued Expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Accrued Expenses

2.	Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:


	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Legal and accounting fees	$	96	$	103
Accrued compensation		444		526
Severance agreement (Note 8)		—		1,000
Other		2		22

Total	$	542	$	1,651

Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation

3.	Stock-Based Compensation

Following is the stock-based compensation expense related to common stock options, common stock, restricted common stock and common stock warrants:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Research and development	$	224	$	335	$	1,083	$	865
General and administrative		653		1,473		2,188		2,411

Total stock-based compensation expense	$	877	$	1,808	$	3,271	$	3,276

The following table summarizes the stock option activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans, including non-plan grants to Company executives, from December 31, 2013 through September 30, 2014:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		3,348,705		$	4.70
Granted		354,823			12.72
Exercised		(350,728	)		1.91
Options forfeited/cancelled		(24,283	)		3.85

Outstanding, September 30, 2014		3,328,517		$	4.82

As of September 30, 2014, there was $5,063,000 of unrecognized compensation related to 1,103,474 unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted–average period of approximately 2 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value for options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $10.75 and $3.17, respectively.

The fair value of all other options granted is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used:


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate		1.58	%		1.17	%
Expected life of the options		6.0 years			5.3 years
Expected volatility of the underlying stock		114	%		115	%
Expected dividend rate		0	%		0	%

In January 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with a consultant that provided for the grant of common stock as part of the compensation to the consultant. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 3,873 shares of its common stock valued at $50,000 under the agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 8,966 shares of its common stock valued at $100,000 under the agreement. This agreement ended in October 2014.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References+ Details

Common Stock Warrants

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Common Stock Warrants

4.	Common Stock Warrants

The following table summarizes the common stock warrant activity from December 31, 2013 through September 30, 2014:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		6,035,229		$	3.63
Granted		—			—
Exercised		576,734			3.11
Forfeited/cancelled		(7,500	)		15.00

Outstanding, September 30, 2014		5,450,995		$	3.66

Consultant Warrants

In January 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with a consultant that provided for the grant of warrants for the purchase of 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.65 per share. The following assumptions were used to value the warrants: an expected life of 3 years, volatility of 87%, risk free interest rate of 0.42% and zero dividends. The Company recognized an expense of $7,000 related to these warrants at the time of grant as they were vested upon issuance.

Warrants Modification

On May 6, 2013, the Company modified the terms of the Class A-2 and Class B warrants that were originally issued to the 10X Fund with the Series B Preferred Stock offering. The Class B warrants were modified to allow for the cashless exercise of all 4,000,000 outstanding Class B warrants. Previously, only half of the Class B warrants allowed for cashless exercise. The Class A-2 warrants for the purchase of 1,000,000 shares of common and all of the Class B warrants had their exercisable life extended by an additional five years. In exchange for these modifications, the 10X Fund agreed to a future amendment of the Company’s Series B certificate of designation to remove the redemption provision such that the Series B Preferred Stock will no longer be redeemable, if and when the Company will no longer be required to issue Dr. Platt a promissory note as may currently be required under the separation agreement (see Note 8). Should the Company amend their Series B certificate of designation in the future as described above, the Company will be required at that time to evaluate whether such amendment is to be accounted for as a modification or an extinguishment of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock. The Company has accounted for the modified terms of the Class A-2 and Class B warrants pursuant to ASC 718, Stock Compensation, whereby the Company has recognized a charge for the change in fair value of the warrants immediately before and immediately after the modification. The Company recognized a charge of $8,763,000 related to the extension of the 5,000,000 warrants in the quarter ended June 30, 2013. The following assumptions were used to value the extension of the warrants immediately before and immediately after the modification: a) immediately before the modification—an expected life range of 0.77 to 2.01 years, volatility range of 77% to 96%, risk free interest rate range of 0.11% to 0.22% and zero dividends and; b) immediately following the modification—an expected life range of 5.78 to 7.02 years, volatility range of 113% to 122%, risk free interest rate range of 0.74% to 1.19% and zero dividends.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

5.	Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates their carrying value due to their short-term nature. There were no level 2 or level 3 assets held at fair value at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References+ Details

Loss Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Loss Per Share

6.	Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and other potential common shares then outstanding. Potential common shares consist of common shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of in-the-money stock options and warrants and potential common shares related to the conversion of the preferred stock. The computation of diluted net loss per share does not assume the issuance of common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per share.

Dilutive shares which could exist pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock instruments and which were not included in the calculation because their affect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows:


	September 30, 2014 (shares)		September 30, 2013 (shares)
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock		5,450,995		6,548,029
Options to purchase shares of common stock		3,328,517		3,507,005
Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock		2,527,103		2,618,772

		11,306,615		12,673,806

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Common Stock

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Common Stock

7.	Common Stock

At Market Issuance of Common Stock

On October 25, 2013, the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “At Market Agreement”) with a sales agent under which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $30.0 million from time to time through the sales agent. Sales of the Company’s common stock through the sales agent, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed an “at the market” offering as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company will pay to the sales agent a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock sold through the sales agent under the At Market Agreement. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had issued 99,942 shares of its common stock through its At Market issuance program at an average price of $9.02 per share resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $944,000. The Company incurred one time, initial legal and accounting costs of approximately $82,000 and commissions of $29,000 resulting in net proceeds of $833,000 as of December 31, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 2,674,500 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $28,238,000.

2013 Private Placement of Common Stock

On August 16, 2013, the Company issued 500,000 unregistered shares of its common stock for proceeds of $3,000,000 to a single investor pursuant to a private placement. There were no warrants or placement fees associated with this transaction.

Other Issuances of Common Stock

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 the Company issued shares of common stock in exchange for cash proceeds of $2,187,000 and $3,189,000, respectively, related to the exercise of stock options and warrants.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

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+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies

8.	Commitments and Contingencies

Separation Agreement

In February 2009, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement in connection with the resignation of David Platt, Ph.D., the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Separation Agreement provides for the deferral of a $1.0 million separation payment due to Dr. Platt upon the earlier occurrence of any of the following milestone events: (i) the approval by the Food and Drug Administration for a new drug application (“NDA”) for any drug candidate or drug delivery candidate based on the Company’s GM-CT-01 technology (whether or not such technology is patented), in which case Dr. Platt is also entitled to a fully vested 10-year cashless-exercise stock option to purchase at least 83,334 shares of common stock at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the common stock determined as of the date of grant; (ii) consummation of a transaction with a pharmaceutical company expected to result in at least $10.0 million of equity investment or $50 million of royalty revenue to the Company, in which case Dr. Platt is also entitled to stock options on the same terms to purchase at least 50,000 shares of common stock; or (iii) the renewed listing of the Company’s securities on a national securities exchange and the achievement of a market capitalization of $100 million. Payment upon the events (i) and (iii) may be deferred up to six months, and if the Company has insufficient cash at the time of any of such events, it may issue Dr. Platt a secured promissory note for such amount. If the Company files a voluntary or involuntary petition for bankruptcy, whether or not a milestone event has occurred, such event shall trigger the obligation to pay the $1.0 million with the result that Dr. Platt may assert a claim for such obligation against the bankruptcy estate. During 2011, when it became probable that the Company could be relisted on a national securities exchange and eventually reach a market capitalization of $100 million, the Company recognized the $1.0 million severance payment due to Dr. Platt which was included in accrued expenses at December 31, 2013.

On May 2, 2012, Dr. Platt instituted an arbitration with the American Arbitration Association seeking the $1 million payment based on a claim that the milestone event in the Separation Agreement described in clause (iii) above had occurred. Although the Company had listed its common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Markets as of March 22, 2012, the market capitalization since the listing had not reached $100 million when the arbitration was heard in October 2012. On November 1, 2012, the arbitrator denied Dr. Platt’s demand in all respects.

On October 12, 2012, Dr. Platt commenced a lawsuit under the Massachusetts Wage Act against Dr. Traber and Mr. McGauley who in their capacities as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, respectively, can be held individually liable under the Wage Act for non-payment of wages. The lawsuit is based on the facts and issues raised in the arbitration regarding the payment of the $1.0 million separation payment under the Separation Agreement, and other unspecified “wages”. The statute provides that a successful claimant may be entitled to multiple damages, interest and attorney’s fees. On April 29, 2013, the Superior Court allowed Dr. Traber’s and Mr. McGauley’s motion to dismiss. On May 28, 2013, Dr. Platt filed a Notice of Appeal to appeal the Superior Court’s order allowing the defendants’ motion to dismiss. On April 14, 2014, the Appeals Court denied Dr. Platt’s appeal of the dismissal in full.

On March 29, 2013, the Company instituted arbitration before the American Arbitration Association, seeking to rescind or reform the Separation Agreement discussed above. The Company claimed that Dr. Platt fraudulently induced the Company to enter into the Separation Agreement, breached his fiduciary duty to the Company, and was unduly enriched from his conduct. Along with removal of the $1.0 million milestone payment under the Separation Agreement, the Company sought repayment of all separation benefits paid to Dr. Platt to date.

On August 1, 2013, the market capitalization of the Company’s common stock exceeded $100 million and the Company received a letter dated October 1, 2013, demanding payment of the $1 million. As described in the preceding paragraph, the Company had previously instituted an arbitration proceeding against Dr. Platt seeking to rescind the Separation Agreement, including the milestone payment provision, and the Company delayed payment pending the outcome of this arbitration. In June 2014, the arbitrator issued a judgment in favor of Dr. Platt. In July 2014, the Company paid the $1 million severance obligation.

Shareholder Class Actions and Derivative Lawsuits

Between July 30, 2014, and August 6, 2014, three putative class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada against the Company and certain of its officers and directors on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s stock between January 6, 2014 and July 28, 2014. The complaints allege that the defendants made false or misleading statements in certain press releases and other public statements in violation of the federal securities laws. The complaints seek class certification, unspecified monetary damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations in the complaints and intends to vigorously defend against the claims. By order entered August 22, 2014, the Court consolidated the three putative class actions. The Court’s consolidation order relieves the defendants of any obligation to respond to the complaints currently on file and provides that defendants may respond to a consolidated amended complaint once it is filed by the lead plaintiff(s) to be appointed by the Court. Defendants’ motion to transfer the consolidated putative securities class action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia is currently fully briefed and pending.

On August 1 and 25, 2014, persons claiming to be Galectin shareholders filed putative shareholder derivative complaints in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, seeking recovery on behalf of the Company against certain of the Company’s directors and officers. The putative derivative complaints allege that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s shareholders by causing or permitting the Company to make allegedly false and misleading public statements concerning the Company’s financial results, prospects, and internal controls over financial reporting, and by allegedly failing to ensure that the Company had adequate internal controls over financial reporting. Collectively, the complaints also allege that defendants were unjustly enriched, aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties, abused their control of and grossly mismanaged the Company, and violated the federal securities laws by allegedly making false or misleading statements of material fact in the Company’s proxy filings. One of the complaints also alleges that certain defendants breached their fiduciary duties through allegedly improper sales of Galectin stock. The complaints seek unspecified monetary damages on behalf of the Company, corporate governance reforms, disgorgement of profits, benefits and compensation by the defendants, costs, and attorneys’ and experts’ fees. By order entered September 10, 2014, the Court consolidated the putative derivative actions. The Court’s consolidation order relieves the defendants of any obligation to respond to the complaints currently on file and provides that defendants may respond to a consolidated amended complaint once it is filed by the plaintiffs. Defendants’ motion to transfer the consolidated putative derivative litigation to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia is currently fully briefed and pending.

On August 29, 2014, another alleged Galectin shareholder filed a putative shareholder derivative complaint in state court in Las Vegas, Nevada, seeking recovery on behalf of the Company against the same directors and officers who are named as defendants in the derivative litigation pending in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. The state court derivative complaint alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets, based on allegations that are substantially similar to those in the derivative complaints pending in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, and seeks unspecified monetary damages on behalf of the Company, corporate governance reforms, disgorgement of profits, benefits and compensation by the defendants, costs, and attorneys’ and experts’ fees. The defendants in the state court derivative litigation have not yet been required to respond to the allegations of the complaint and therefore have not yet done so.

Other Legal Proceedings

The Company records accruals for such contingencies to the extent that the Company concludes that their occurrence is probable and the related damages are estimable, except as noted above. There are no other pending legal proceedings except as noted above.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

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Galectin Sciences LLC

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Galectin Sciences LLC

9.	Galectin Sciences LLC

In January 2014, we created Galectin Sciences, LLC (the “LLC” or “Investee”), a collaborative joint venture co-owned by SBH Sciences, Inc. (“SBH”), to research and develop small organic molecule inhibitors of galectin-3 for oral administration. The LLC was initially capitalized with a $400,000 cash investment to fund future research and development activities, which was provided by the Company, and specific in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) contributed by SBH. The estimated fair value of the IPR&D contributed by SBH, on the date of contribution, was $400,000. Both the Company and SBH have a 50% equity ownership interest in the LLC, with neither party having control over the LLC. Accordingly, the Company has accounted for its investment in the LLC using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s investment was initially recorded at cost with subsequent adjustments to the carrying value to recognize additional investments in or distributions from the Investee, as wells the Company’s share of the Investee’s earnings, losses and/or changes in capital. The estimated fair value of the IPR&D contributed to the LLC was immediately expensed upon contribution as there was no alternative future use available at the point of contribution. The Company’s portion of the LLC’s net loss for the nine month period ending September 30, 2014 was $390,000, which includes the Company’s proportionate share of the non-cash charge associated with the contributed IPR&D of $200,000.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group.

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Accrued Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:


	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Legal and accounting fees	$	96	$	103
Accrued compensation		444		526
Severance agreement (Note 8)		—		1,000
Other		2		22

Total	$	542	$	1,651

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Common Stock Options, Common Stock, Restricted Common Stock and Common Stock Warrants

Following is the stock-based compensation expense related to common stock options, common stock, restricted common stock and common stock warrants:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Research and development	$	224	$	335	$	1,083	$	865
General and administrative		653		1,473		2,188		2,411

Total stock-based compensation expense	$	877	$	1,808	$	3,271	$	3,276

Summary of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes the stock option activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans, including non-plan grants to Company executives, from December 31, 2013 through September 30, 2014:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		3,348,705		$	4.70
Granted		354,823			12.72
Exercised		(350,728	)		1.91
Options forfeited/cancelled		(24,283	)		3.85

Outstanding, September 30, 2014		3,328,517		$	4.82

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Options Granted

The fair value of all other options granted is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used:


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate		1.58	%		1.17	%
Expected life of the options		6.0 years			5.3 years
Expected volatility of the underlying stock		114	%		115	%
Expected dividend rate		0	%		0	%

Common Stock Warrants (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Common Stock Warrant Activity

The following table summarizes the common stock warrant activity from December 31, 2013 through September 30, 2014:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		6,035,229		$	3.63
Granted		—			—
Exercised		576,734			3.11
Forfeited/cancelled		(7,500	)		15.00

Outstanding, September 30, 2014		5,450,995		$	3.66

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of warrants or rights issued. Warrants and rights outstanding are derivative securities that give the holder the right to purchase securities (usually equity) from the issuer at a specific price within a certain time frame. Warrants are often included in a new debt issue to entice investors by a higher return potential. The main difference between warrants and call options is that warrants are issued and guaranteed by the company, whereas options are exchange instruments and are not issued by the company. Also, the lifetime of a warrant is often measured in years, while the lifetime of a typical option is measured in months. Disclose the title of issue of securities called for by warrants and rights outstanding, the aggregate amount of securities called for by warrants and rights outstanding, the date from which the warrants or rights are exercisable, and the price at which the warrant or right is exercisable.

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Loss Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dilutive Shares Which Could Exist Pursuant to Exercise of Outstanding Stock Instruments and Which were not Included in Calculation


	September 30, 2014 (shares)		September 30, 2013 (shares)
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock		5,450,995		6,548,029
Options to purchase shares of common stock		3,328,517		3,507,005
Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock		2,527,103		2,618,772

		11,306,615		12,673,806

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,201	$ 10,489	$ 9,715	$ 9,364

- Definition

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

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Accrued Expenses (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2009
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Legal and accounting fees	$ 96	$ 103
Accrued compensation	444	526
Severance agreement (Note 8)		1,000	1,000
Other	2	22
Total	$ 542	$ 1,651

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for professional fees, such as for legal and accounting services received. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

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- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

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Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Common Stock Options, Restricted Common Stock and Common Stock Warrants (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 877,000	$ 1,808,000	$ 3,271,000	$ 3,276,000
Research and development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	224,000	335,000	1,083,000	865,000
General and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 653,000	$ 1,473,000	$ 2,188,000	$ 2,411,000

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Shares
Beginning Balance	3,348,705
Granted	354,823
Exercised	(350,728)
Options forfeited/cancelled	(24,283)
Ending Balance	3,328,517
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	$ 4.70
Granted	$ 12.72
Exercised	$ 1.91
Options forfeited/cancelled	$ 3.85
Ending Balance	$ 4.82

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 Consultant	Sep. 30, 2014 Consultant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 5,063,000
Unvested option	1,103,474
Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period	2 years
Weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted	$ 10.75	$ 3.17
Common stock options granted, shares			3,873	8,966
Fair market value of shares			$ 50,000	$ 100,000
Agreement end date				2014-10

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Options Granted (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.58%	1.17%
Expected life of the options	6 years	5 years 3 months 18 days
Expected volatility of the underlying stock	114.00%	115.00%
Expected dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%

Common Stock Warrant Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Common Stock Warrant Activity (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Shares
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	6,035,229
Granted
Exercised	576,734
Forfeited/cancelled	(7,500)
Outstanding, September 30, 2014	5,450,995
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	$ 3.63
Granted
Exercised	$ 3.11
Forfeited/cancelled	$ 15.00
Outstanding, September 30, 2014	$ 3.66

Common Stock Warrants - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013 Warrant	Jan. 31, 2013 Warrant	Jun. 30, 2013 Before Modification	Jun. 30, 2013 After Modification	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum Before Modification	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum After Modification	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum Before Modification	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum After Modification	May 06, 2013 Class B Warrants	May 06, 2013 Class B Warrants	May 06, 2013 Class A-2 Warrants	May 06, 2013 Class A-2 Warrants
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock							5,000
Exercise price of warrant							$ 2.65
Expected life				6 years	5 years 3 months 18 days	3 years				9 months 7 days	5 years 9 months 11 days	2 years 4 days	7 years 7 days
Expected volatility of the underlying stock				114.00%	115.00%	87.00%
Risk-free interest rate				1.58%	1.17%	0.42%
Expected dividend rate				0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 877,000	$ 1,808,000		$ 3,271,000	$ 3,276,000	$ 7,000
Warrants for purchase common stock shares			5,000,000												4,000,000		1,000,000
Warrants exercisable life extended period														5 years		5 years
Expense related to extension of warrants			8,763,000
Volatility rate, minimum								77.00%	113.00%
Volatility rate, maximum								96.00%	122.00%
Risk free interest, minimum								0.11%	0.74%
Risk free interest, maximum								0.22%	1.19%
Expected dividend payment								$ 0	$ 0

Dilutive Shares Which Could Exist Pursuant to Exercise of Outstanding Stock Instruments and Which were not Included in Calculation (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	11,306,615	12,673,806
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	5,450,995	6,548,029
Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	3,328,517	3,507,005
Contingently Issuable Shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	2,527,103	2,618,772

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

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Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 16, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 At Market Agreement	Dec. 31, 2013 At Market Agreement	Oct. 25, 2013 At Market Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price						$ 30,000,000
Commission to sales agent as a percentage of gross proceeds						3.00%
Shares of common stock issued	500,000			2,674,500	99,942
Price of common stock per share					$ 9.02
Gross proceeds from sale of common stock					944,000
Initial legal and accounting costs					82,000
Commissions					29,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		28,238,000	3,000,000	28,238,000	833,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock	3,000,000
Warrants issued	0
Stock issuance costs	0
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants and options		$ 2,187,000	$ 3,189,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Aug. 06, 2014 LegalMatter	Mar. 29, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012	May 02, 2012	Jul. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2009	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 01, 2013
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Severance payment due to Dr. Platt						$ 1,000,000		$ 1,000,000
Number of options vested						83,334
Equity investment							10,000
Royalty revenue						50,000,000
Market capitalization						100,000,000			100,000,000
Severance payment period						6 months
Separation based payments				1,000,000
Lawsuit payment			1,000,000
Milestone payments		1,000,000
Expected future payment									1,000,000
Payment of severance obligation					1,000,000
Number of putative class action complaints filed	3
Minimum
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Cashless stock option exercisable period						10 years
Equity investment						$ 10,000,000
Cashless stock option exercisable						50,000

Galectin Science LLC - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Initial capital contribution for research and development	$ 400,000
Fair value of research and development services	400,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		50.00%	50.00%
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences, LLC		(53,000)	(390,000)
Non-cash charge for in-process research and development			$ 200,000

- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

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