Galectin Therapeutics
Galectin Therapeutics develops novel therapies for chronic liver disease and cancer, with a focus on diseases with limited treatment options. Their lead drug, belapectin, targets the galectin-3 protein and is being studied for its potential in treating NASH cirrhosis and cancer.
Services
Galectin Therapeutics develops novel therapies aimed at improving the lives of patients suffering from chronic liver disease and cancer. The company focuses on conditions with significant, life-threatening consequences where current treatment options are limited. Their approach includes exploring the potential treatment of diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis, fibrosis, and different types of cancer.
Lead Drug Belapectin
Belapectin (GR-MD-02) is the lead drug developed by Galectin Therapeutics. It is a carbohydrate-based drug that inhibits the galectin-3 protein, which is involved in many inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases. Belapectin targets extracellular galectins and has shown potential in treating NASH cirrhosis and cancer. Patent protection for belapectin extends through at least 2035.
NASH Cirrhosis Treatment
The company's primary development program focuses on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. Their lead drug, belapectin, is being investigated in the Phase 2b/3 NAVIGATE Study, which is focused on NASH cirrhosis patients exhibiting clinical signs of portal hypertension and at risk of developing esophageal varices. Belapectin may offer the first potential treatment to prevent esophageal varices in these patients.
Combination Immunotherapy
Galectin Therapeutics is exploring the use of belapectin in combination immunotherapy clinical trials for advanced melanoma and head and neck cancer. The drug has demonstrated a 50% objective response rate when combined with KEYTRUDA in treating advanced melanoma. This approach is part of the company's broader exploration of therapies where galectins play a crucial role in the progression of inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases.
Collaborations and Research Initiatives
Galectin Therapeutics has established collaborations with academic institutions to aid in the discovery of new compounds that may serve as effective galectin inhibitors. Notably, the company has a collaborative drug discovery program with the University of Georgia focused on discovering new carbohydrate molecules for therapeutic use. Additionally, Galectin Therapeutics supported a small, open-label, investigator-initiated study on the use of GR-MD-02 in treating atopic dermatitis.