Dec. 16, 2011, 8:00 a.m. EST
NEWTON, Mass., Dec 16, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Galectin Therapeutics Inc., the leader in developing carbohydrate-based therapeutic compounds to inhibit galectin proteins, today announced that it presented a poster at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Special Conference on Liver Transplantation in Lisbon, Portugal. The data show that galectin inhibitor candidate GR-MD-02 reversed fibrosis in mouse models of steatohepatitis and prevented collagen deposits in groups treated before fibrotic cells were present. The data suggest that patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also referred to as fatty liver disease, may benefit from galectin inhibition and that GR-MD-02 could drive in a reduction of steatosis, necrosis, inflammation and collagen deposits. Currently, liver transplantation is the only option for patients afflicted with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, and many times the condition recurs in the patient's new liver, creating the need for a safer and more efficacious treatment. The data presented provide promising evidence for advancing GR-MD-02 into clinical studies for the treatment of NASH.
"Galectin Therapeutics has previously demonstrated the robust ability of our galectin inhibitor compounds to arrest and reverse liver fibrosis in preclinical studies," said Dr. Peter G. Traber, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Galectin Therapeutics. "We have now expanded that data to include promising results in preclinical models of NASH, offering hope that a new treatment option could be on the horizon and expanding the potential indications for Galectin Therapeutics to pursue in the clinic. The broad effect of GR-MD-02 on all parameters of NASH liver injury, including fat deposition, liver cell death, inflammation, and fibrosis makes this a particularly attractive drug candidate."
The data presented at EASL Special Conference highlight two carbohydrate-based galectin inhibitors, GM-CT-01 and GR-MD-02, in preclinical mouse models of steatohepatitis. Mice are injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes and then fed a high fat diet. Subsequently, these mice develop fatty liver (steatosis), liver cell death, inflammation between 5 weeks of age, and then, fibrosis by 9 weeks of age. To assess the ability of galectin inhibitors to prevent or reduce fibrosis, mice were separated into early or late treatment groups. Early treatment groups began receiving either GM-CT-01 or GR-MD-02 twice daily at 6 weeks of age, or before fibrosis is evident, until 9 weeks of age. Late treatment groups received either GM-CT-01 or GR-MD-02 twice daily at 9 weeks of age, or when fibrosis is established, until 12 weeks of age. GR-MD-02 demonstrated greater improvements in steatosis, hepatocellular degeneration and inflammation. In the early treatment group, GR-MD-02 prevented the development of collagen deposition, or fibrosis, and was able to completely reverse fibrosis in the late treatment group back to levels of normal mice. GM-CT-01 did show a moderate effect on reducing collagen deposition. Importantly, GR-MD-02 was able to reverse steatohepatitis and fibrosis without having an effect on the diabetic condition of the mice. To view the complete poster presentation, please go to the Galectin Therapeutics' web site at www.galectintherapeutics.com .
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 is developing promising carbohydrate-based therapies for 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.
SOURCE: Galectin Therapeutics
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