NORCROSS, Ga., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:GALT), the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins, announced today that Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi of Indiana University will present a poster demonstrating the use of vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) for non-invasively measuring liver stiffness (LSM) as a proven surrogate for identifying the progression of cirrhosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These data were collected from a 137 patient baseline subset of Galectin Therapeutics’ Phase 2b NASH-CX trial of its antifibrotic agent, GR-MD-02, in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The study will be presented at The Liver Meeting® in Washington D.C. on October 19-23, 2017 and is co-authored by investigators involved in the NASH-CX trial. Topline results from the trial will be reported in December, 2017.
Based on previous studies that showed a strong correlation between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) as a valid predictor of the development of complications from cirrhosis, investigators examined the potential utility of VCTE to measure LSM in patients with NASH cirrhosis as well as the ability to detect clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in this patient population.
Vibration-controlled transient elastography is a non-invasive tool that measures the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) reliably. Several studies have reported a good correlation between LSM and HPVG and its ability to detect CPSH.
“Measuring HVPG is an invasive and expensive procedure that requires special expertise, therefore, having a non-invasive diagnostic tool that predicts HPVG is very valuable in the management of cirrhosis,” said Peter Traber, M.D., president, chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Galectin Therapeutics and co-investigator of both studies. “This research suggests that LSM by VCTE is a useful test for prognostication in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis with low MELD scores. It can non-invasively identify patients who are at risk for complications of cirrhosis and better target those who might need invasive diagnostics such as HVPG and liver biopsy. Additionally, it can be used to help identify subjects in clinical trials.”
Details for poster presentation at The Liver Meeting:
Friday, October 20, 2017
Poster Session I
“Liver Stiffness Measured By Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography Is An Excellent Surrogate for Identifying Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension In Patients With Compensated NASH Cirrhosis,” R. Vuppalanchi, et al. Abstract #446.
Galectin Therapeutics anticipates to announce top-line results from their NASH-CX trial in December 2017. Further information on the NASH-CX trial is also available at www.clinicaltrials.gov
About Galectin Therapeutics
Galectin Therapeutics is dedicated to developing novel therapies to improve the lives of patients with chronic liver and skin diseases and cancer. Galectin's lead drug (GR-MD-02) is a carbohydrate-based drug that inhibits the galectin-3 protein that is directly involved in multiple inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases. The lead development program is in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with cirrhosis, the most advanced form of NASH related fibrosis. This is the most common liver disease and one of the largest drug development opportunities available today. Additional development programs are for treatment of severe atopic dermatitis, moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and in combination immunotherapy for advanced melanoma and other malignancies. Galectin seeks to leverage extensive scientific and development expertise as well as established relationships with external sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient development. Additional information is available at www.galectintherapeutics.com.
Contact:
Jack Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer
678-620-3186
ir@galectintherapeutics.com