Galectin Therapeutics to Present Promising New Therapeutic Approach for Fatty Liver Disease at Digestive Disease Week 2012
NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 16, 2012 - 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.
Contact: Galectin Therapeutics Inc.
Maureen Foley, 617-559-0033
Chief Operating Officer
foley@galectintherapeutics.com
Posted: April 2012
