Press Release
Galectin Therapeutics to Present Promising New Therapeutic Approach for Fatty Liver Disease at Digestive Disease Week 2012
NEWTON, Mass., Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, today announced that it will present at Digestive Disease Week May 19-22, 2012, in San Diego, CA. Peter G Traber, MD, President, CEO and CMO of Galectin, will present "Galectin Inhibition: a Promising New Strategy to Treat NASH and Liver Fibrosis" at the Product Theater on May 21, 2012, at 2 pm PT. Dr. Traber will discuss the role of galectins in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as fatty liver disease, and how the Company's galectin inhibitor compounds have been efficacious in preclinical models of disease. The broad effect of galectin inhibitors in preclinical models on all parameters of NASH liver injury, including fat deposition, liver cell death, inflammation and fibrosis makes this class of compounds particularly attractive drug candidates. In addition, Galectin Therapeutics will host Booth #3424 in Exhibit Hall E.
"We believe that our preclinical results suggest that galectin inhibition may be a robust and novel therapy for NASH and liver fibrosis, conditions for which there are no currently approved therapies," said Dr. Traber. "Presentation of our preclinical results at DDW provides exposure to the world's largest gathering of physicians and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery."
About NASH
NASH is a common disease of the liver, affecting 9 to 15 million people in the United States and is characterized by the presence of fat in the liver along with inflammation and damage in people who drink little or no alcohol. Over time, patients with NASH can develop fibrosis, or scarring of the liver, that can lead to cirrhosis, a severe liver disease where transplantation is the only current treatment available. Galectin Therapeutics is developing drug candidates as an alternative to transplantation and lead candidates have reversed fibrosis in preclinical disease models.
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