Dr. Traber to speak on Galectin Therapeutics' Development of GR-MD-02
for treatment of human disease
NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GALT), the leading developer
of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and
cancer, today announced that Peter G. Traber, M.D., chief executive
officer and chief medical officer, has been invited to speak at the 10th
Georgia Glycoscience Symposium and 2016 Plant Polysaccharide Workshop to
be held at the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center at the University of
Georgia on July 14 and 15.
Dr. Traber will speak on the "Use of Plant-Derived Complex Carbohydrates
for Disease Treatment," outlining Galectin Therapeutics' development of
GR-MD-02, a compound derived from a plant-based complex carbohydrate
called pectin. GR-MD-02 is currently in two Phase 2 clinical trials in
subjects with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with cirrhosis and
NASH with advanced fibrosis, as well as in preclinical testing for lung,
kidney and cardiovascular fibrosis. GR-MD-02 is also being studied in
two clinical trials at Providence Portland Medical Center in advanced
melanoma patients in combination with Keytruda® and Yervoy®, as well as
in a Phase 2a trial in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
"For many years, plant-derived compounds have been used as drugs for the
treatment of many human diseases." said Dr. Traber. "Our novel drug
candidate, GR-MD-02, is derived from complex carbohydrates, which are
long chains of sugar molecules, and represents a new class of
plant-derived drugs that may have important medical applications in a
broad range of disease."
About GR-MD-02
GR-MD-02 is a complex carbohydrate drug that targets galectin-3, a
critical protein in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease and
fibrosis. Galectin-3 plays a major role in diseases that involve
scarring of organs including fibrotic disorders of the liver, lung,
kidney, heart and vascular system. The drug binds to galectin proteins
and disrupts their function. Preclinical data in animals have shown that
GR-MD-02 has robust treatment effects in reversing liver fibrosis and
cirrhosis.
About Fatty Liver Disease with Advanced Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as fatty liver disease,
has become a common disease of the liver with the rise in obesity rates.
NASH is estimated to affect up to 28 million people in the U.S. Fatty
liver disease is characterized by the presence of fat in the liver along
with inflammation and damage in people who consume little or no alcohol.
Over time, patients with fatty liver disease can develop fibrosis, or
scarring of the liver, and it is estimated that as many as 1-2 million
individuals in the U.S. have cirrhosis, a severe liver disease for which
liver transplant is the only treatment available. Approximately 6,300
liver transplants are performed annually in the U.S. There are no drug
therapies approved for the treatment of NASH or liver fibrosis. A recent
analyst estimate indicated that by 2025 the worldwide market for NASH
treatments could approach $35 billion.
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, psoriasis
and cancer. Additional information is available at www.galectintherapeutics.com.
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 fibrosis, cancer and 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.
Galectin Therapeutics and its associated logo is a registered trademark
of Galectin Therapeutics Inc.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160713005262/en/
Galectin Therapeutics, Inc.
Jack Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer
678-620-3186
ir@galectintherapeutics.com
or
Gregory
FCA
Joe Hassett, Senior Vice President
610-228-2110
joeh@gregoryfca.com
Source: Galectin Therapeutics, Inc.
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