Galectin Therapeutics Receives U.S. Patent Allowance for GR-MD-02 to Treat Pulmonary Fibrosis

NORCROSS, Ga. , Feb. 24, 2016 -- Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, announces receipt of a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for patent application number 13/999,389, titled “Method for Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis.” When issued, the patent will extend coverage of the Company’s lead compound, GR-MD-02, to treat patients at risk of pulmonary fibrosis. In pulmonary fibrosis, scars are formed in the lung tissue, which leads to serious breathing problems. This patent allowance covers the treatment of primary lung fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as secondary lung fibrotic disease.

GR-MD-02, a proprietary polysaccharide pharmaceutical preparation that inhibits galectin proteins, 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 in combination with Yervoy®, as well as in a Phase 2a trial in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.   

“We are pleased to further bolster our intellectual property portfolio with this patent allowance, which expands our portfolio to include pulmonary fibrosis,” said Peter G. Traber, M.D., chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Galectin Therapeutics and inventor on the patent. “Scientific evidence shows that Galectin-3 plays a role in pulmonary fibrosis and we have shown that GR-MD-02 is effective in reducing fibrosis in preclinical models of lung fibrosis. There are currently no effective treatments for this disease, and particularly for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an orphan indication. When issued, this patent will augment our current intellectual property portfolio for treatment of organ fibrosis, and we look forward to opportunities to leverage this towards a more efficacious treatment in lung fibrotic disease.”

About Galectin Therapeutics

Galectin Therapeutics 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, 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 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 liver cirrhosis and fibrosis due to fatty liver disease and in connection with cancer immunotherapy.  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, 2014, 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.

Contacts
Jack Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer
(678) 620-3186
[email protected]

LHA
Kim Golodetz
(212) 838-3777
[email protected]

Galectin Therapeutics and its associated logo is a registered trademark of Galectin Therapeutics Inc.