Press Release
Galectin Therapeutics Receives U.S. Patent for Potential Ground-Breaking Treatment for Chronic Liver Disease with Fibrosis (Scarring) and Cirrhosis
NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 23, 2012-- Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, today announced that it has received a notice of issuance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for Patent Number 8,236,780 “Galactose-prolonged polysaccharides in a formulation for antifibrotic therapies”. The patent covers key methods of derivation and use for the Company’s carbohydrate-based galectin inhibitor compound for use in patients with chronic liver disease associated with the development of fibrosis, established liver fibrosis or end-stage scarring, or cirrhosis. Fibrotic disease of the liver is highly prevalent in the population because all chronic liver disease of multiple causes (e.g., viral hepatitis, fatty liver, alcohol) results in fibrosis of the liver and there are no currently approved pharmaceutical therapies.
“The issuance of this patent asserts Galectin Therapeutics as the leader in developing galectin inhibitors for the treatment of liver fibrosis, and its broad coverage allows us protection as we explore the range of liver fibrosis for which our compounds could be efficacious,” said Peter G. Traber, MD, President, CEO and CMO of Galectin Therapeutics. “There is a truly vast unmet medical need for liver fibrosis, with the only current treatment option being liver transplantation. Preclinical results of our candidates have shown reversal of fibrosis in rodent models of disease, particularly in non-steatohepatitis, NASH, or fatty liver disease, which will be our first clinical indication for our fibrosis program.”
The major claim is for a method of obtaining the galectin inhibitor compound, obtaining a composition for parenteral administration in an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier and administering to a subject having at least one of the following: chronic liver disease associated with the development of fibrosis, established liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. The use covers inhibiting or slowing the progression of fibrosis or the reversal of fibrosis. The lead compound in development for NASH with fibrosis, GR-MD-02, is covered by this patent and it provides opportunities for development of additional compounds in the class.
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
Galectin Therapeutics Inc.
Maureen Foley, 617-559-0033
Chief Operating Officer