Press Release

NORCROSS, Ga., May 05, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, has received notification that its collaborative abstract with investigators at Augusta University "Galectin-3 Mediates Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension" has been accepted for presentation at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2016 International Conference, taking place May 13-18 in San Francisco.

The research was conducted in the laboratories of Drs. Scott Barman (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology) and David Fulton (Vascular Biology Center) of Augusta University (AU), Augusta, GA. The abstract concludes with the hypothesis that galectin-3 is a central regulator of proliferation and fibrosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension and contributes to pathologic vascular remodeling in this disease. The authors are Scott Barman, Feng Chen, Yunchao Su, David W. Stepp, Jiliang Zhou, Louise Meadows, Yusi Wang, Xueyi Li, Stephen Haigh, Zsuzsanna Bordan, Peter G. Traber, Danny Jonigk, and David J.R. Fulton. The company's lead compound GR-MD-02, one of the galectin-3 inhibitors used in this study, is currently the subject of Phase 2 studies in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and psoriasis.

"We are honored that the outstanding group of investigators at AU used our galectin inhibitor compounds, GR-MD-02 and GM-CT-01, in this important research and to have this research presented at the ATS 2016 International Conference," said Peter G. Traber, M.D., chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Galectin Therapeutics and one of the study's authors. "The detailed results will be presented by the AU investigators who conducted these studies at the ATS meeting and further results will be released at that time."

The abstract will be presented in a poster on May 18^th from 11:00 a.m. — 12:45 p.m. local time.

About the American Thoracic Society
Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical association dedicated to advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The Society's 15,000 members prevent and fight respiratory disease around the globe through research, education, patient care and advocacy. The ATS publishes three journals, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology and the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

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

Note: Augusta University was formerly known as Georgia Regents University.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains 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 management's current expectations and are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These statements include those regarding the hope that its lead compounds will be successful in treating liver cirrhosis and fibrosis due to fatty liver disease and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.  Regardless of the results of any of its development programs, Galectin may be unsuccessful in developing partnerships with other companies or raising additional capital that would allow it to further develop and/or fund any studies or trials.  For a discussion of additional factors impacting Galectin's business, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and subsequent filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although subsequent events may cause its views to change, management disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Contacts
Jack Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer
(678) 620-3186
ir@galectintherapeutics.com

LHA
Kim Golodetz
(212) 838-3777
kgolodetz@lhai.com

Galectin Therapeutics and its associated logo is a registered trademark of Galectin Therapeutics Inc.