- Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ:GALT) says it will not pursue development of NASH candidate GR-MD-02 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis after a small open-label Phase 2a study failed to demonstrate at least a 75% improvement in symptoms after 24 weeks of treatment. Results for four patients showed an improvement in PASI scores of 27 - 60% after 13 doses (8 mg/kg infusions every other week).
- The company explored the new indication after one patient in its Phase 1 NASH study reported the resolution of her psoriasis following treatment with GR-MD-02. Her condition remained in remission for 17 months following her fourth infusion.
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GR-MD-02, the company's lead product candidate in its fibrosis program, is a complex carbohydrate drug that targets galectin-3, a protein that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease and fibrosis.