Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ:GALT) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, that specializes in the discovery and development of treatments targeting the galectin family of proteins. Founded in 1998 by medicinal chemist Gerard C. Sulikowski, the company’s research focuses on galectin-3, a key mediator of fibrosis and immune regulation. By inhibiting galectin-3, Galectin Therapeutics aims to address a range of fibrotic disorders and enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
The company’s lead product candidate, belapectin (formerly known as GR-MD-02), is a galectin-3 inhibitor currently under investigation for the prevention of esophageal varices in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. Belapectin is also being evaluated in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of melanoma and other solid tumors. In addition to its clinical efforts, Galectin Therapeutics maintains a preclinical pipeline exploring galectin-targeted approaches for cardiovascular and renal fibrotic diseases.
Galectin Therapeutics conducts its clinical trials across multiple regions, including the United States and Europe, collaborating with leading academic medical centers and research institutions. The company’s development strategy emphasizes regulatory engagement and strategic partnerships to advance its pipeline efficiently. Galectin’s intellectual property portfolio includes patents covering galectin inhibitors and their therapeutic applications, underpinning its long-term R&D initiatives.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Peter G. Traber, M.D., Galectin Therapeutics is guided by a management team with deep expertise in hepatology, oncology, and drug development. The board of directors comprises industry veterans and scientific advisors who collectively support the company’s mission to translate galectin science into novel therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
