NORCROSS, Ga., Oct. 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: GALT ), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, today announced it will present two posters that demonstrate the use of alternative non-invasive tests on the progression of cirrhosis and fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The studies will be presented at The Liver Meeting® in Boston, Massachusetts on November 11-15, 2016, and highlight the potential utility of non-invasive imaging methods in the development of novel therapies in this patient population.
Investigators examined the relationship between three leading non-invasive tests: multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (LiverMultiScan®), liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using vibration controlled transient elastography (FibroScan®), and LSM using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis. In addition, researchers analyzed the relationship between FibroScan and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in patients with NASH cirrhosis.
“While these three imaging methods are approved for diagnostic use and are currently available to physicians, they have not been used in prospective, therapeutic clinical trials to assess drug efficacy in NASH,” said Peter Traber, M.D., president, chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Galectin Therapeutics and co-investigator of both studies. “We at Galectin Therapeutics are taking the opportunity in our Phase 2 trials, NASH-FX and NASH-CX, to validate and better understand utility of these non-invasive testing methods for use in future clinical trials and drug approvals, adding tremendous momentum in this area of medicine.”
Galectin Therapeutics presentations at The Liver Meeting:
Saturday, November 12, 2016, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. ET. Poster Session II “Baseline Patient Characteristics and Non-invasive Image Analysis in a Phase 2 Therapeutic Trial of GR-MD-02 in NASH Patients with Stage 3 Fibrosis,” S. Harrison, et al . Abstract #1151.
Monday, November 14, 2016, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. ET. Poster Session IV “Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) is Useful in Identifying Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension in Patients with NASH Cirrhosis,” R. Vuppalanchi, et al . Abstract #1709.
“Currently, the only broadly accepted way to assess a patient’s NASH condition is via a liver biopsy, an invasive method that is fraught with potential adverse side effects and inaccuracies,” added Dr. Traber. “As treatments for NASH become available, it would be a major benefit for physicians and patients if there was a more efficient and accurate, non-invasive test that would enable us to diagnose and track the progression of disease without resorting to biopsy.”
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 and cancer. Additional information is available at www.galectintherapeutics.com .
Further information on the NASH-CX trial is also available at www.clinicaltrials.gov
Contacts: Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. Jack Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer 678-620-3186 ir@galectintherapeutics.com or Gregory FCA Jessica Stanek, Account Executive 215-297-3606 jessicas@gregoryfca.com
