Peter G. Traber, M.D., CEO And CMO Of Galectin, To Speak On The Medical Applications Of Plant-Derived Complex Carbohydrates

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.

“Use of Plant-Derived Complex Carbohydrates for Disease Treatment”

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.