Galectin Taps Titan of Medicine to Steer MASH Cirrhosis Drug

NORCROSS, Ga. – March 17, 2026 – Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ:GALT) has appointed Dr. Henry Brem, a towering figure in translational medicine and neurosurgery, to its Board of Directors, a move that signals a strategic intensification of its efforts to bring its lead drug candidate for advanced liver disease to market.

Dr. Brem, a distinguished neurosurgeon-scientist from Johns Hopkins University, joins the board as the biotechnology company navigates a critical phase in the development of belapectin, its therapeutic for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with cirrhosis. The appointment brings a wealth of experience in guiding novel therapies from the laboratory bench through the complex gauntlet of clinical trials and regulatory approval, a skillset of immense value to a clinical-stage company.

“Dr. Brem is a pioneering physician-scientist whose career exemplifies the successful translation of innovative science into meaningful therapies for patients,” said Richard E. Uihlein, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Galectin Therapeutics, in the official announcement. “His deep experience leading complex clinical development programs and advancing novel therapeutic platforms through regulatory approval will be invaluable as we advance belapectin for patients with MASH cirrhosis and portal hypertension.”

A Pioneer's Playbook for Drug Development

Dr. Brem’s reputation extends far beyond the operating room. He is most renowned for his central role in the development and FDA approval of Gliadel® wafers, a revolutionary localized chemotherapy delivery system for brain tumors. This achievement, which marked the first new therapy approved for brain tumors in over two decades, provides a tangible case study in the kind of expertise he brings to Galectin. The journey of Gliadel® from concept to an approved product required navigating intricate preclinical studies, complex clinical trial designs, and a rigorous regulatory review process—a playbook Galectin hopes to leverage for its own pipeline.

His work, continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for over four decades, includes pioneering image-guided surgical techniques that have become standard of care. With more than 416 peer-reviewed papers and membership in the prestigious National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Brem’s appointment is not merely a name-add; it is an infusion of deep scientific and clinical authority into the company’s highest level of governance.

While his primary background is in neuro-oncology, his core expertise lies in translational medicine—the art and science of bridging the gap between basic research and real-world patient treatments. This cross-disciplinary skill is highly transferable and particularly relevant to Galectin’s focus on developing therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases by targeting the galectin-3 protein.

Charting a Course for Belapectin

The timing of Dr. Brem’s appointment is critical. Galectin's lead candidate, belapectin, is positioned to address MASH with cirrhosis, the most advanced form of fatty liver disease and an area with a significant unmet medical need. The company's pivotal NAVIGATE trial, a Phase 2b/3 study, recently yielded a complex set of results. While the trial did not meet its composite primary endpoint for preventing the development of new esophageal varices in the overall patient population, the data contained compelling signals of the drug's potential.

A closer look at the results revealed a statistically significant 49.3% reduction in new varices among patients in the per-protocol group who received a 2 mg/kg dose of belapectin. Furthermore, biomarker data showed promising antifibrotic effects, including a significant reduction in Pro-C3, a marker of fibrosis, and improvements in liver stiffness as measured by FibroScan®. These nuanced but positive findings suggest a clear biological activity and a potential path forward, but one that requires expert navigation.

The landscape for MASH treatments is intensely competitive. Madrigal Pharmaceuticals recently secured the first-ever FDA approval in the space with Rezdiffra, targeting an earlier stage of MASH fibrosis. This underscores both the immense market opportunity and the high bar for success. Galectin’s belapectin, with its unique mechanism of inhibiting galectin-3, offers a distinct approach, particularly for the more advanced cirrhotic patient population where no approved therapies exist. Dr. Brem's experience in analyzing complex trial data and strategizing with regulatory bodies will be instrumental in charting belapectin's future course.

The Boardroom's Evolving DNA

Dr. Brem's appointment is also emblematic of a broader trend in the biotechnology industry, where deep scientific and clinical expertise is increasingly viewed as a crucial component of effective corporate governance. For clinical-stage companies like Galectin, whose valuation is intrinsically tied to the potential of its scientific pipeline, having a world-class scientist-director provides more than just guidance—it offers a powerful dose of credibility.

Such appointments can significantly de-risk a company in the eyes of investors and potential partners. It signals a commitment to scientific rigor and an understanding that navigating the path to drug approval requires more than just business acumen. A leader with a proven track record of bringing a drug to market can instill confidence that the company can overcome the inevitable hurdles of late-stage development. This strategic move helps assure stakeholders that the company's R&D strategy is being vetted and guided by one of the most respected minds in translational medicine.

Fortifying the Future

The addition of Dr. Brem also aligns with Galectin's financial and strategic imperatives. The company has been largely supported by its chairman, Richard Uihlein, who has provided significant funding, including a recent $10 million line of credit to extend the company's cash runway. However, the company has been clear that advancing its broader pipeline, including programs in oncology, will likely depend on securing a suitable partner.

Dr. Brem's unparalleled reputation and extensive network within the medical and scientific communities could be a key catalyst in attracting such a partnership. A collaboration with a larger pharmaceutical company could provide the necessary resources and scale to conduct a definitive Phase 3 trial for belapectin and explore its potential in other indications. By strengthening its scientific leadership at the board level, Galectin is not only enhancing its drug development capabilities but also making a compelling case to the broader industry that its science is sound and its strategy is guided by proven expertise.