Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2015	May 08, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	GALT
Entity Registrant Name	GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001133416
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,729,885

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,349	$ 29,128
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	611	533
Total current assets	29,960	29,661
Property and equipment, net		1
Intangible assets, net	14	15
Total assets	29,974	29,677
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	922	906
Accrued expenses	369	729
Accrued dividends payable		68
Total current liabilities	1,291	1,703
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	1,291	1,703
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders' equity:
Undesignated stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 8,001,000 designated at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
Series A 12% convertible preferred stock; 5,000,000 shares authorized, 1,402,500 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, liquidation value $1,402,500 at March 31, 2015	567	567
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 23,729,885 and 22,277,283 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	23	22
Additional paid-in capital	145,256	139,531
Retained deficit	(123,999)	(118,925)
Total stockholders' equity	21,847	21,195
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders' equity	29,974	29,667
Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	1,735	1,731
Series B-2 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	3,378	3,325
Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock
Current liabilities:
Convertible preferred stock, value	$ 1,723	$ 1,723

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	1,402,500	1,402,500
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	23,729,885	22,277,283
Common stock, outstanding	23,729,885	22,277,283
Series B-1 12% redeemable convertible preferred stock
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued	900,000	900,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares 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, shares issued	2,100,000	2,100,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares 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, shares issued	176	176
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	176	176
Convertible preferred stock, redemption value	5,634,000
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
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating expenses:
Research and development	$ 3,136	$ 2,772
General and administrative	1,704	2,072
Total operating expenses	4,840	4,844
Total operating loss	(4,840)	(4,844)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	14	4
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences, LLC		(270)
Total other income (expense)	14	(266)
Net loss	(4,826)	(5,110)
Preferred stock dividends	(191)	(240)
Preferred stock accretion	(57)	(58)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders	$ (5,074)	$ (5,408)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted	$ (0.22)	$ (0.27)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	23,062	20,270

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (4,826)	$ (5,110)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2	2
Stock-based compensation expense	935	1,648
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences LLC		270
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(78)	47
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Notes 2 and 8)	(344)	(476)
Net cash used in operating activities	(4,311)	(3,619)
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	4,532	28,178
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants and options		1,946
Net cash provided by financing activities	4,532	30,124
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	221	26,105
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	29,128	10,489
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	29,349	36,594
NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payment of preferred stock dividends in common stock	$ 260	$ 312

Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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 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 March 31, 2015 and the results of its operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All adjustments made to the interim financial statements include all 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 for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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 March 31, 2015, the Company had $29.3 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. The Company believes that with the cash on hand at March 31, 2015, there is sufficient cash to fund currently planned operations through September 30, 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.

Accrued Expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Accrued Expenses

2. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:


	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Legal and accounting fees	$	83	$	118
Accrued compensation		214		604
Other		72		7

Total	$	369	$	729

Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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 March 31,
	2015		2014
Research and development	$	317	$	638
General and administrative		618		1,010

Total stock-based compensation expense	$	935	$	1,648

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, 2014 through March 31, 2015:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		3,332,617		$	5.79
Granted		304,000			3.45
Exercised		(95,574	)		1.80
Options forfeited/cancelled		(121,309	)		1.96

Outstanding, March 31, 2015		3,419,734		$	5.83

As of March 31, 2015, there was $4,178,000 of unrecognized compensation related to 920,468 unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted–average period of approximately 1.8 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value for options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2.78 and $11.28, respectively. The Company granted 304,000 stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2015, of which 76,000 options vested upon grant with the remaining 228,000 options vesting over 3 years. Approximately $173,000 of non-cash, stock-based compensation expense was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2015 related to the options granted during the quarter that were vested upon the grant date.

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


	Three Months Ended March 31,	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015	2014
Risk-free interest rate	1.64%	1.58%
Expected life of the options	6.0 years	6.0 years
Expected volatility of the underlying stock	104%	114%
Expected dividend rate	0%	0%

The following table summarizes the restricted stock grant activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans from December 31, 2014 through March 31, 2015:


	Shares
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		416,670
Granted		81,352
Exercised		—
Options forfeited/cancelled		—

Outstanding, March 31, 2015		498,022

On March 12, 2015, the Company granted 81,352 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors as a component of their compensation. A total of 77,784 shares were issued to seven directors representing non-cash compensation cost of $280,000 which will be recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date through May 20, 2016, when the restricted shares will vest in full. A total of 3,568 shares were issued to two directors, who were not nominated for reelection, representing non-cash compensation cost of $12,845 that will be recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date through May 21, 2015, when the restricted shares will vest in full.

In January 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with a consultant that provided for the grant of 3,000 shares of common stock. The Company recognized an expense of $25,000, representing the market value of the common stock, during the three months ended March 31, 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

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Common Stock Warrants

4. Common Stock Warrants

The following table summarizes the common stock warrant activity from December 31, 2014 through March 31, 2015:


	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		5,470,995	$	3.67
Granted		—		—
Exercised		—		—
Forfeited/cancelled		—		—

Outstanding, March 31, 2015		5,470,995	$	3.67

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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 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 March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

- 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

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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:


	March 31, 2015 (shares)		March 31, 2014 (shares)
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock		5,470,995		5,505,579
Options to purchase shares of common stock		3,419,734		3,365,198
Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock		2,527,103		2,550,437

		11,417,832		11,421,214

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Common Stock

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Common Stock

7. Common Stock

2014 At Market Issuance of Common Stock

On March 30, 2014, the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2014 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 2014 At Market Agreement. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had issued 217,622 shares of its common stock through its 2014 At Market Agreement at an average price of $5.49 per share resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $1,196,000. The Company incurred commissions of approximately $36,000 resulting in net proceeds of approximately $1,159,000 as of December 31, 2014. In three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company issued 1,279,416 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $4,532,000 under the 2014 At Market Agreement.

- 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.

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+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies

8. Commitments and Contingencies

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 (the “Nevada District Court”) 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 and 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. On August 22, 2014, the Nevada District Court entered an order consolidating the three cases, relieving the defendants of any obligation to respond to the complaints currently on file, and providing that defendants may respond to a consolidated amended complaint to be filed by the lead plaintiff appointed pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. On January 5, 2015, the Nevada District Court granted Defendants’ motion to transfer the consolidated putative securities class action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lead plaintiff is expected to file a consolidated amended complaint in May 2015.

On August 1 and 25, 2014, persons claiming to be Galectin shareholders filed putative shareholder derivative complaints in the Nevada District Court, seeking recovery on behalf of the Company against certain of the Company’s directors and officers. On September 10, 2014, the Nevada District Court entered an order consolidating the two cases, relieving the defendants of any obligation to respond to the initial complaints, and providing that defendants may respond to a consolidated amended complaint to be filed by the plaintiffs. On January 5, 2015, the Nevada District Court granted Defendants’ motion to transfer the consolidated putative derivative litigation to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on February 27, 2015. The consolidated amended complaint alleges 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 and business prospects. The consolidated amended complaint also alleges that the defendants violated the federal securities laws by allegedly making false or misleading statements of material fact in the Company’s proxy filings, committed “waste” of corporate assets, were unjustly enriched, aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties, and 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. Defendants filed a timely motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint on April 6, 2015. That motion to dismiss currently remains 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 plaintiff filed an amended complaint on December 1, 2014, and filed a second amended complaint on March 27, 2015. The second amended complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s shareholders by causing or permitting the Company and third parties to make allegedly false and misleading public statements and/or omissions of material fact concerning the Company’s financial and business prospects. The second amended complaint also alleges claims for unjust enrichment and waste of corporate assets and alleges insider trading claims against certain of the Company’s directors and officers. The second amended complaint 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. Defendant filed motions to dismiss the second amended complaint on April 22, 2015.

Estimating an amount or range of possible losses resulting from litigation proceedings is inherently difficult and requires an extensive degree of judgment, particularly where the matters involve indeterminate claims for monetary damages, are in the early stages of the proceedings, and are subject to appeal. In addition, because most legal proceedings are resolved over extended periods of time, potential losses are subject to change due to, among other things, new developments, changes in legal strategy, the outcome of intermediate procedural and substantive rulings and other parties’ settlement posture and their evaluation of the strength or weakness of their case against us. For these reasons, we are currently unable to predict the ultimate timing or outcome of, or reasonably estimate the possible losses or a range of possible losses resulting from, the matters described above. Based on information currently available, the Company does not believe that any reasonably possible losses arising from currently pending legal matters will be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.

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. There are no other pending legal proceedings except as noted above.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References+ Details

Galectin Sciences LLC

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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. Initially, the Company and SBH have a 50% equity ownership interest in the LLC, with neither party having control over the LLC. Accordingly from inception through the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company 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 operating agreement provides that if either party does not desire to contribute its equal share of funding required after the initial capitalization, then the other party, providing all of the funding, will have its ownership share increased in proportion to the total amount contributed from inception. In the fourth quarter of 2014, after the LLC had expended the $400,000 in cash, SBH decided not to contribute its share of the funding required. As a result, the Company contributed the $73,000 and $159,000 needed for the fourth quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015 expenses of the LLC, respectively. As a result, the Company’s ownership percentage in the LLC is 61.3% at March 31, 2015. The Company accounts for the interest in the LLC as a consolidated, less than wholly owned subsidiary. The Company’s portion of the LLC’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2014, prior to the change in accounting discussed previously, was $400,000, which includes the Company’s proportionate share of the non-cash charge associated with the contributed IPR&D of $200,000.

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:


	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Legal and accounting fees	$	83	$	118
Accrued compensation		214		604
Other		72		7

Total	$	369	$	729

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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 March 31,
	2015		2014
Research and development	$	317	$	638
General and administrative		618		1,010

Total stock-based compensation expense	$	935	$	1,648

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, 2014 through March 31, 2015:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		3,332,617		$	5.79
Granted		304,000			3.45
Exercised		(95,574	)		1.80
Options forfeited/cancelled		(121,309	)		1.96

Outstanding, March 31, 2015		3,419,734		$	5.83

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:


	Three Months Ended March 31,	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015	2014
Risk-free interest rate	1.64%	1.58%
Expected life of the options	6.0 years	6.0 years
Expected volatility of the underlying stock	104%	114%
Expected dividend rate	0%	0%

Summary of Restricted Stock Grant Activity

The following table summarizes the restricted stock grant activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans from December 31, 2014 through March 31, 2015:


	Shares
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		416,670
Granted		81,352
Exercised		—
Options forfeited/cancelled		—

Outstanding, March 31, 2015		498,022

Common Stock Warrants (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Common Stock Warrant Activity

The following table summarizes the common stock warrant activity from December 31, 2014 through March 31, 2015:


	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2014		5,470,995	$	3.67
Granted		—		—
Exercised		—		—
Forfeited/cancelled		—		—

Outstanding, March 31, 2015		5,470,995	$	3.67

- 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)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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


	March 31, 2015 (shares)		March 31, 2014 (shares)
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock		5,470,995		5,505,579
Options to purchase shares of common stock		3,419,734		3,365,198
Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock		2,527,103		2,550,437

		11,417,832		11,421,214

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,349	$ 29,128	$ 36,594	$ 10,489

- 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	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Legal and accounting fees	$ 83	$ 118
Accrued compensation	214	604
Other	72	7
Total	$ 369	$ 729

- 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
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 935,000	$ 1,648,000
Research and development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	317,000	638,000
General and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 618,000	$ 1,010,000

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Shares
Beginning Balance	3,332,617
Granted	304,000
Exercised	(95,574)
Options forfeited/cancelled	(121,309)
Ending Balance	3,419,734
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	$ 5.79
Granted	$ 3.45
Exercised	$ 1.80
Options forfeited/cancelled	$ 1.96
Ending Balance	$ 5.83

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Options vesting over 3 years	Jan. 31, 2014 Consultant	Mar. 31, 2014 Consultant	Mar. 31, 2015 Stock Options	Mar. 12, 2015 Restricted Stock	Mar. 31, 2015 Restricted Stock	Mar. 12, 2015 Restricted Stock Non Employees Seven Board Of Directors	Mar. 12, 2015 Restricted Stock Non Employees Seven Board Of Directors Director	Mar. 12, 2015 Restricted Stock Non Employees Two Board Of Directors	Mar. 12, 2015 Restricted Stock Non Employees Two Board Of Directors Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 4,178,000
Unvested option	920,468		228,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period	1 year 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted	$ 2.78	$ 11.28
Number of options granted	304,000
Number of options vested	76,000
Options vesting period						3 years
Stock-based compensation expense	935,000	1,648,000			25,000	173,000
Restricted stock awards granted							81,352	81,352	77,784		3,568
Number of non-employee directors										7		2
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense to be recognized										280,000		12,845
Share based compensation, cliff vest in full date									May 20, 2016		May 21, 2015
Common stock options granted, shares				3,000
Fair market value of shares					$ 25,000

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Options Granted (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.64%	1.58%
Expected life of the options	6 years	6 years
Expected volatility of the underlying stock	104.00%	114.00%
Expected dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%

Summary of Restricted Stock Grant Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 12, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		416,670
Granted	81,352	81,352
Exercised		0
Options forfeited/cancelled		0
Ending Balance		498,022

Common Stock Warrant Activity (Detail) (Warrant, USD $)	3 Months Ended
Common Stock Warrant Activity (Detail) (Warrant, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Warrant
Shares
Beginning Balance	5,470,995
Granted	0
Exercised	0
Forfeited/cancelled	0
Ending Balance	5,470,995
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$ 3.67
Granted	$ 0
Exercised	$ 0
Forfeited/cancelled	$ 0
Outstanding, March 31, 2015	$ 3.67

Dilutive Shares Which Could Exist Pursuant to Exercise of Outstanding Stock Instruments and Which were not Included in Calculation (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	11,417,832	11,421,214
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	5,470,995	5,505,579
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	3,419,734	3,365,198
Contingently Issuable Shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares not included in calculation	2,527,103	2,550,437

- 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 $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 At Market Agreement	Dec. 31, 2014 At Market Agreement	Mar. 30, 2014 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			1,279,416	217,622
Price of common stock per share				$ 5.49
Gross proceeds from sale of common stock				1,196,000
Commissions				36,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 4,532,000	$ 28,178,000	$ 4,532,000	$ 1,159,000

Galectin Science LLC - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014 Galectin Sciences, LLC	Mar. 31, 2015 Galectin Sciences, LLC	Dec. 31, 2014 Galectin Sciences, LLC	Dec. 31, 2014 Galectin Sciences, LLC	Jan. 31, 2014 Galectin Sciences, LLC SBH Sciences, Inc In Process Research and Development
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investment in Galectin Sciences LLC	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Estimated fair value of the IPR&D Contributed by SBH						400,000
Subsequent capital contribution			159,000	73,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		50.00%
Ownership Percentage			61.30%
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences, LLC	(270,000)				(400,000)
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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Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events	10. Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred through the date on which the financial statements were issued, with no items noted for disclosure or recording in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 06, 2014 LegalMatter
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of putative class action complaints filed	3