Galectin Therapeutics is pursuing therapies for indications in which galectins have a demonstrated role in the pathogenesis of a particular disease. We focus on diseases with serious, life-threatening consequences to patients, and those where current treatment options are limited. Though we do not have any current marketed products, our research and development programs, designed to ultimately help patients and their physicians, are focused on:
Fibrosis
Fibrosis is the development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ when exposed to a chronic disease. The longer the disease affects the organ, the more fibrous tissue is deposited and this ultimately results in the failure of the organ. Galectin Therapeutics’ drug candidates provide a promising and exciting new approach for the treatment of fibrotic diseases, including liver, lung and kidney fibrosis. Significant unmet need exists for treatment options in fibrosis. For example, there are currently no approved medical treatments available for the millions of patients in the U.S. who have non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with advanced fibrosis – commonly known as fatty liver disease. Learn about fibrosis and our research in this area including galectin effects on liver fibrosis, lung fibrosis and kidney fibrosis.
Cancer
Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors. Research shows the potential for galectin inhibition to play an important role in cancer therapy, particularly tumor immunotherapy – an emerging treatment that enhances the activity of the immune system against cancer cells. There are more than 100 types of cancers, and for many of these cancers, few treatment options exist. Our drug candidates provide a new and complimentary approach to other drugs on the market for the treatment of cancer. Learn more about cancer and immunotherapy.