Galectin Therapeutics to Present at 4th Global NASH Congress

NORCROSS, Ga., April 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins, today announced that Pol F. Boudes, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, will present the belapectin program at the 4th Global NASH Congress taking place virtually on April 28 and 29, 2021.

On Thursday, April 29th, Dr. Boudes will review Galectin Therapeutics’ scientific and clinical activities in NASH cirrhosis, followed by a Q&A session. Only registered attendees are able to view the presentation. Additional details can be found below:

Title: An innovative clinical development program: belapectin for NASH cirrhosis
Date: Thursday, April 29, 2021
Time: 11:45 am, British Summer Time, 6:45 am Eastern

Belapectin, a galectin-3 (Gal-3) inhibitor, is in development for the prevention of esophageal varices in patients with NASH cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis are in dire need of new therapeutic options as, currently, their only hope is a liver transplant. Gal-3, a glycan binding protein, orchestrates liver inflammation and fibrosis in NASH cirrhosis. Belapectin is a large polysaccharide that binds Gal-3 and is primarily captured by macrophages, thus inhibiting Gal-3 at its main site of production.

A phase 2 study indicated that belapectin appeared safe, was well tolerated, and could reduce portal hypertension and prevent esophageal varices in patients who have not yet developed them. Galectin is conducting a seamless, adaptive, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled phase 2b/3 global study in patients with portal hypertension due to NASH cirrhosis who have not yet developed varices. The primary outcome is the development of esophageal varices at 18 months.

The annual Global NASH Congress, usually held in London, will be taking place virtually on April 28 and 29, 2021. The conference aims to facilitate collaboration among the multiple communities working on liver health, especially those researching non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To learn more, visit: http://www.global-engage.com/event/nash/.

About Galectin Therapeutics

Galectin Therapeutics is dedicated to developing novel therapies to improve the lives of patients with chronic liver disease and cancer. Galectin’s lead drug belapectin (formerly known as GR-MD-02) is a carbohydrate-based drug that inhibits the galectin-3 protein which is directly involved in multiple inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases, for which it has Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The lead development program is in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with cirrhosis, the most advanced form of NASH-related fibrosis. This is the most common liver disease and one of the largest drug development opportunities available today. Additional development programs are in treatment of combination immunotherapy for advanced melanoma and other malignancies. Galectin seeks to leverage extensive scientific and development expertise as well as established relationships with external sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient development. Additional information is available at www.galectintherapeutics.com.