GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 15, 2025.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 15, 2025
GALT$3.14+5.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-14.
0001140361-24-046726
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-15.
0001140361-25-019149
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 63 previous paragraphs and 81 current paragraphs.
38 unchanged; 21 reworded; 21 added; 4 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 18 previous and 4 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (21)
Current report
• our early stage of development,
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• we have incurred significant operating losses since our inception and cannot assure you that we will generate revenue or profit,
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• our dependence on additional outside capital,
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• we may be unable to enter into strategic partnerships for the development, commercialization, manufacturing and distribution of our proposed product candidates,
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• uncertainties related to any litigation,
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• uncertainties related to our technology and clinical trials, including expected dates of availability of clinical data,
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• we may be unable to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of our developmental product candidates in human trials,
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• we may be unable to improve upon, protect and/or enforce our intellectual property,
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• we are subject to extensive and costly regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by foreign regulatory authorities, which must approve our product candidates in development and could restrict the sales and marketing and pricing of such products,
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• competition and stock price volatility in the biotechnology industry,
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• limited trading volume for our stock, concentration of ownership of our stock, and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in our SEC reports, and
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• the impact resulting from a pandemic or the reemergence of COVID-19, which delayed our clinical trial and development efforts, as well as the impact that such a pandemic has on the volatility of the capital market and our ability to access the capital market and,
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• other risks detailed herein and from time to time in our SEC reports, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and our subsequent SEC filings.
Current report
Based on feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Company decided to analyze stage 1 of the NAVIGATE clinical trial results as a stand-alone trial. Therefore, the decision was made to present full top-line efficacy and safety results, following last patient last visit and database lock which occurred in fall 2024. In December 2024, we presented top-line results of the NAVIGATE clinical trial. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (N=355), while the incidence of varices was 43.2% reduced in the belapectin 2 mg/kg dose group vs placebo, the composite endpoint did not reach statistical significance. The per-protocol population (PPP) was pre-defined as subjects who completed 18 months of therapy with upper endoscopy performed at both baseline and 18 months. In the PPP (n=287), the incidence of varices was reduced by 49.3% (compared to the targeted 52.5% reduction) in the belapectin 2 mg/kg dose group (p-value < 0.05). The Company further analyzed the two thirds of the completer patients in the NAVIGATE trial enrolled in the U.S. (n=186). The incidence of varices in this population was significantly reduced by 68.1% (p=0.02) in patients treated with belapectin 2 mg (4 out of 60) vs placebo (13 out of 62) in the U.S. While all three cohorts of patients in the U.S. had a higher percentage use of GLP-1 and statins than the rest of the world, the belapectin cohorts performed much better than placebo in the U.S. The Company continues to analyze trial data and expects to report additional information on specific biomarkers in the second quarter of 2025.
Current report
As in prior trials, the safety profile of belapectin remains highly encouraging with incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events comparable across the three cohorts. Rates of discontinuation, adverse events (AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs) were comparable to placebo, with no drug-related SAEs reported in the NAVIGATE trial.
Current report
The Company continues to analyze data from approximately 55 patients that completed 36 months of treatment prior to the ending of the trial in February 2025. While data from this group would not change the results of the NAVIGATE clinical trial for patients completing 18 months of treatment, the Company believes that any encouraging results from this group of patients may draw interest from potential strategic partners.
Current report
Our product pipeline is shown below:
Current report
Based on feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Company has decided to analyze stage 1 of the NAVIGATE clinical trial results as a stand-alone trial. Therefore, a decision was made to present full top-line efficacy and safety results, following last patient last visit and database lock which occurred in fall 2024. In December 2024, we presented top-line results of the NAVIGATE clinical trial. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (N=355), while the incidence of varices was 43.2% reduced in the belapectin 2 mg/kg dose group vs placebo, the composite endpoint did not reach statistical significance. The per-protocol population (PPP) was pre-defined as subjects who completed 18 months of therapy with upper endoscopy performed at both baseline and 18 months. In the PPP (n=287), the incidence of varices was reduced by 49.3% (compared to the targeted 52.5% reduction) in the belapectin 2 mg/kg dose group (p-value < 0.05). The Company further analyzed the two thirds of the completer patients in the NAVIGATE trial enrolled in the U.S. (n=186). The incidence of varices in this population was significantly reduced by 68.1% (p=0.02) in patients treated with belapectin 2 mg (4 out of 60) vs placebo (13 out of 62) in the U.S. While all three cohorts of patients in the U.S. had a higher percentage use of GLP-1 and statins than the rest of the world, the belapectin cohorts performed much better than placebo in the U.S. The Company continues to analyze trial data and expects to report additional information on specific biomarkers in the second quarter of 2025.
Current report
As in prior trials, the safety profile of belapectin remains highly encouraging with incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events comparable across the three cohorts. Rates of discontinuation, adverse events (AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs) were comparable to placebo, with no drug-related SAEs reported in the NAVIGATE trial.
Current report
The Company continues to analyze data from the 57 patients that completed 36 months of treatment prior to the ending of the trial in February 2025. While data from this group would not change the results of the NAVIGATE clinical trial for patients completing 18 months of treatment, the Company believes that any encouraging data from this group of patients may draw interest from potential strategic partners.
Removed paragraphs (4)
Previous report
Originally, an interim analysis (IA) of efficacy and safety data will be conducted after all planned subjects in stage 1 Phase 2b component have completed at least 78 weeks (18 months) of treatment and a second esophago-gastro-duodeno endoscopic assessment has been performed. The purpose of the IA is to allow potential seamless adaptive modifications of the phase 3 stage of the study, including: (1) the selection of the optimal dose of belapectin for Phase 3, (2) the re-estimation of the study sample size, (3) the modification of the randomization ratio in favor of the active treatment, (4) and/or termination of the study for overwhelming efficacy or for futility.
Previous report
However, following FDA feedback, the Company decided to analyze the stage 1 portion of the NAVIGATE study as a stand-alone clinical trial and the Company currently does not expect to conduct the originally planned stage 2 portion of study as it was initially designed. The topline efficacy and safety results are expected late in December 2024.
Previous report
The trial design also included a blinded sample size re-estimation (“SSR”) during the Phase 2b, prior to the IA, to allow for potential sample size readjustment. The SSR was conducted when 50% of the patients completed 18 months of therapy. The study design also minimizes invasive testing requirements, such as the measurement of HVPG or repeated liver biopsies, which we believe are particularly risky in patients with portal hypertension and facilitated enrollment of patients and should facilitate their retention. It also originally provided for a seamless transition of patients from the Phase 2b stage into the phase 3 stage, including the potential addition of new patients. The trial design introduces the notion of esophageal varices prevention as a primary pivotal outcome previously discussed with FDA.
Previous report
We believe that these adaptations taken together are innovative and optimize conduct of the NAVIGATE trial with a clinically relevant primary outcome giving belapectin the best opportunity to show a positive therapeutic effect to address an unmet medical need. As a testimony of this innovation, the NAVIGATE trial design was presented to the hepatology community and featured during the meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, in November 2021. If the IA results of the NAVIGATE trial are compelling, there could be the potential for accelerated FDA approval pathway and/or partnership opportunity with a pharmaceutical company.
Reworded paragraphs (21)
Previous wording
We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in drug research and development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease, cancer and selected other diseases. Our drug candidates are based on our method of targeting galectin proteins, which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic functions. We use naturally occurring, readily-available plant products as starting material in manufacturing processes to create proprietary, patented complex carbohydrates with specific molecular weights and other pharmaceutical properties. These complex carbohydrate molecules are appropriately formulated into acceptable pharmaceutical formulations. Using these unique carbohydrate-based candidate compounds that largely bind and inhibit galectin proteins, particularly galectin-3, we are undertaking the focused pursuit of therapies for indications where galectin proteins have a demonstrated role in the pathogenesis of a given disease. We focus on diseases with serious, life- threatening consequences and those where current treatment options are limited specifically in MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) (formerly known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH) with cirrhosis and certain cancer indications. Our strategy is to establish and implement clinical development programs that add value to our business in the shortest period of time possible and to seek strategic partners when one of our programs becomes advanced and requires significant additional resources.
Current wording
We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in drug research and development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease, cancer and selected other diseases. Our drug candidates are based on our method of targeting galectin proteins, which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic functions. We use naturally occurring, readily-available plant products as starting material in manufacturing processes to create proprietary, patented complex carbohydrates with specific molecular weights and other pharmaceutical properties. These complex carbohydrate molecules are appropriately formulated into acceptable pharmaceutical formulations. Using these unique carbohydrate-based candidate compounds that largely bind and inhibit galectin proteins, particularly galectin-3, we are undertaking the focused pursuit of therapies for indications where galectin proteins have a demonstrated role in the pathogenesis of a given disease. We focus on diseases with serious, life-threatening consequences and those where current treatment options are limited specifically in NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) with cirrhosis and certain cancer indications. Our strategy is to establish and implement clinical development programs that add value to our business in the shortest period of time possible and to seek strategic partners when one of our programs becomes advanced and requires significant additional resources.
Previous wording
Our lead galectin-3 inhibitor is belapectin (GR-MD-02), which has been demonstrated in preclinical models to reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and in clinical studies to decrease portal hypertension and prevent its complication: the development of esophageal varices. Belapectin has the potential to treat many diseases due to galectin-3’s involvement in multiple key biological pathways such as fibrosis, immune cell function and immunity, cell differentiation, cell growth, and apoptosis (cell death). The importance of galectin-3 in the fibrotic process is supported by experimental evidence. Animals with the galectin-3 gene “knocked-out” can no longer develop fibrosis in response to experimental stimuli compared to animals with an intact galectin-3 gene. We are using our galectin-3 inhibitor to treat advanced liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in NASH patients. We have completed two Phase 1 clinical studies, a Phase 2 clinical study in MASH patients with advanced fibrosis (NASH-FX) and a second Phase 2b clinical trial in NASH patients with compensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension (NASH-CX).
Current wording
Our lead galectin-3 inhibitor is belapectin (GR-MD-02), which has been demonstrated in preclinical models to reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and in clinical studies to decrease portal hypertension and prevent its complication: the development of esophageal varices. Belapectin has the potential to treat many diseases due to galectin-3’s involvement in multiple key biological pathways such as fibrosis, immune cell function and immunity, cell differentiation, cell growth, and apoptosis (cell death). The importance of galectin-3 in the fibrotic process is supported by experimental evidence. Animals with the galectin-3 gene “knocked-out” can no longer develop fibrosis in response to experimental stimuli compared to animals with an intact galectin-3 gene. We are using our galectin-3 inhibitor to treat advanced liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in NASH patients. We have completed two Phase 1 clinical studies, a Phase 2 clinical study in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis (NASH-FX) and a second Phase 2b clinical trial in NASH patients with compensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension (NASH-CX).
Previous wording
In February 2023, we completed randomizations totaling 357 patients in a large, global clinical trial, the NAVIGATE trial. Our study protocol was filed with the FDA on April 30, 2020, and originally provided for a seamless adaptively-designed Phase 2b/3 clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of our galectin-3 inhibitor, belapectin, for the prevention of esophageal varices in patients with MASH cirrhosis (Further details are available at www.clinicaltrials.gov under study NCT04365868. In September 2020, the Company received a letter from the FDA providing comments, asking questions and providing guidance on various aspects of the ongoing NAVIGATE trial. These comments were addressed, and the study proceeded accordingly. Based on more recent FDA feedback, the Company decided to analyze the stage 1 portion of the NAVIGATE study as a stand-alone clinical trial and currently does not expect to conduct the originally planned stage 2 portion of study as was initially designed.
Current wording
In February 2023, we completed randomizations totaling 357 patients in a large, global Phase 2b/3 clinical trial, the NAVIGATE trial. Our study protocol was filed with the FDA on April 30, 2020, for a seamless adaptively-designed Phase 2b/3 clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of our galectin-3 inhibitor, belapectin, for the prevention of esophageal varices in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis Further details are available atwww.clinicaltrials.gov under study NCT04365868. The information contained therein is not incorporated herein by reference. In September 2020, the Company received a letter from the FDA providing comments, asking questions and providing guidance on various aspects of the ongoing NAVIGATE trial. These comments were addressed, and the study proceeded accordingly.
Previous wording
Additionally, a study protocol entitled “A Single-dose, Open-label, Pharmacokinetic Study of Belapectin (GR-MD-02) in Subjects With Normal Hepatic Function and Subjects With Varying Degrees of Hepatic Impairment” has been filed with the FDA to examine the effects of the drug in subjects with normal hepatic function and subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment (study details are listed under study NCT04332432 onwww.clinicaltrials.gov); this study became fully enrolled in February 2022 and favorable results were reported in 2023.
Current wording
Additionally, a study protocol entitled “A Single-dose, Open-label, Pharmacokinetic Study of Belapectin (GR-MD-02) in Subjects With Normal Hepatic Function and Subjects With Varying Degrees of Hepatic Impairment” has been filed with the FDA to examine the effects of the drug in subjects with normal hepatic function and subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment (study details are listed under study NCT04332432 onwww.clinicaltrials.gov); this study became fully enrolled in February 2022 and favorable results were reported in 2023. The information contained therein is not incorporated herein by reference.
Previous wording
Liver cirrhosis. Belapectin is our lead product candidate for treatment of compensated MASH cirrhosis in patients with portal hypertension. Our preclinical data show that belapectin has a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis as shown in several relevant animal models. In addition, in MASH animal models, belapectin has been shown to reduce liver fat, inflammation, portal pressure, and ballooning degeneration (death of liver cells). Therefore, we chose belapectin as the lead candidate in a development program targeted initially at fibrotic liver disease associated with MASH. In January 2013, an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) was submitted to the FDA with the goal of initiating a Phase 1 study in patients with MASH and advanced liver fibrosis to evaluate the safety of belapectin and pharmacodynamics biomarkers of disease. On March 1, 2013, the FDA indicated we could proceed with a US Phase 1 clinical trial for belapectin with a development program aimed at obtaining support for a proposed indication of belapectin for treatment of MASH with advanced fibrosis. The Phase 1 trial was completed and demonstrated that belapectin up to 8 mg/kg Lean Body Mass (LBM), i.v. was safe and well tolerated.
Current wording
*Liver cirrhosis.*Belapectin is our lead product candidate for treatment of compensated NASH cirrhosis in patients with portal hypertension. Our preclinical data show that belapectin has a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis as shown in several relevant animal models. In addition, in NASH animal models, belapectin has been shown to reduce liver fat, inflammation, portal pressure, and ballooning degeneration (death of liver cells). Therefore, we chose belapectin as the lead candidate in a development program targeted initially at fibrotic liver disease associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In January 2013, an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) was submitted to the FDA with the goal of initiating a Phase 1 study in patients with NASH and advanced liver fibrosis to evaluate the safety of belapectin and pharmacodynamics biomarkers of disease. On March 1, 2013, the FDA indicated we could proceed with a US Phase 1 clinical trial for belapectin with a development program aimed at obtaining support for a proposed indication of belapectin for treatment of NASH with advanced fibrosis. The Phase 1 trial was completed and demonstrated that belapectin up to 8 mg/kg Lean Body Mass (LBM), i.v. was safe and well tolerated.
Previous wording
Our Phase 2 program in fibrotic disease consisted of two separate human clinical trials. The main clinical trial was the Phase 2b NASH-CX study for one year for patients with MASH with compensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension, which began enrolling patients in June 2015. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group Phase 2b trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of belapectin for treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in MASH patients with compensated cirrhosis. A smaller, exploratory NASH-FX trial was conducted to explore potential use of various non-invasive imaging techniques in MASH patients with advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis.
Current wording
Our Phase 2 program in fibrotic disease consisted of two separate human clinical trials. The main clinical trial was the Phase 2b NASH-CX study for one year for patients with NASH with compensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension, which began enrolling patients in June 2015. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group Phase 2b trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of belapectin for treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in NASH patients with compensated cirrhosis. A smaller, exploratory NASH-FX trial was conducted to explore potential use of various non-invasive imaging techniques in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis.
Previous wording
NASH-FX Trial: The NASH-FX trial was a Phase 2a pilot trial for patients with MASH and advanced fibrosis that explored use of three non-invasive imaging technologies. It was a short, single site, four-month trial in 30 NASH patients with advanced fibrosis (F3) randomized 1:1 to either 9 bi-weekly doses of 8 mg/kg LBM of belapectin or placebo. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint as measured using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (LiverMultiScan®, Perspectum Diagnostics). The trial also did not meet secondary endpoints that measure liver stiffness as a surrogate for fibrosis using, magnetic resonance-elastography and FibroScan® score. With a four-month treatment period and a small number of patients per arm the study was not powered to demonstrate efficacy results in established advanced liver fibrosis. In the trial however, belapectin was found to be safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events and showing evidence of a pharmacodynamic effect. These results provided support for further development in MASH.
Current wording
**NASH-FX Trial:**The NASH-FX trial was a Phase 2a pilot trial for patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis that explored use of three non-invasive imaging technologies. It was a short, single site, four-month trial in 30 NASH patients with advanced fibrosis (F3) randomized 1:1 to either 9 bi-weekly doses of 8 mg/kg LBM of belapectin or placebo. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint as measured using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (LiverMultiScan(R), Perspectum Diagnostics). The trial also did not meet secondary endpoints that measure liver stiffness as a surrogate for fibrosis using, magnetic resonance-elastography and FibroScan® score. With a four-month treatment period and a small number of patients per arm the study was not powered to demonstrate efficacy results in established advanced liver fibrosis. In the trial however, belapectin was found to be safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events and showing evidence of a pharmacodynamic effect. These results provided support for further development in NASH.
Previous wording
NASH-CX Trial: The NASH-CX trial was a larger multi-center clinical trial that explored the use of belapectin for the treatment of patients with well-compensated MASH cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Enrollment was completed in September 2016, and a total of 162 patients at 36 sites in the United States were randomized to receive either 2 mg/kg LBM of belapectin, 8 mg/kg LBM of belapectin or placebo. Approximately 50% of patients at baseline had esophageal varices (a complication of portal hypertension). The primary endpoint was a reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), a hemodynamic measure that estimates portal hypertension. Patients received an infusion of belapectin or placebo every other week for one year and were evaluated to determine the change in HVPG as compared with placebo. Secondary or exploratory endpoints included evaluation of fibrosis on liver biopsy, measurement of liver stiffness (FibroScan) and assessment of liver metabolism (13 C-methacetin breath test). Top line data readout was reported in December 2017. The study demonstrated a favorable safety profile and clinically meaningful efficacy results in patients without esophageal varices at baseline as demonstrated by a decrease in portal pressure associated with the prevention of development of varices when compared to placebo.
Current wording
**NASH-CX Trial:**The NASH-CX trial was a larger multi-center clinical trial that explored the use of belapectin for the treatment of patients with well-compensated NASH cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Enrollment was completed in September 2016, and a total of 162 patients at 36 sites in the United States were randomized to receive either 2 mg/kg LBM of belapectin, 8 mg/kg LBM of belapectin or placebo. Approximately 50% of patients at baseline had esophageal varices (a complication of portal hypertension). The primary endpoint was a reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), a hemodynamic measure that estimates portal hypertension. Patients received an infusion of belapectin or placebo every other week for one year and were evaluated to determine the change in HVPG as compared with placebo. Secondary or exploratory endpoints included evaluation of fibrosis on liver biopsy, measurement of liver stiffness (FibroScan) and assessment of liver metabolism (13 C-methacetin breath test). Top line data readout was reported in December 2017. The study demonstrated a favorable safety profile and clinically meaningful efficacy results in patients without esophageal varices at baseline as demonstrated by a decrease in portal pressure associated with the prevention of development of varices when compared to placebo.
Previous wording
In those MASH cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension who have not yet developed esophageal varices at baseline (about 50% of the total population), there was a statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg LBM dose of belapectin on the absolute change in HVPG (-1.08 mm Hg, p<0.01). The effect of the 8 mg/Kg LBM dose of belapectin on absolute or percent change in HVPG from baseline to week 54 was not significant.
Current wording
In those NASH cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension who have not yet developed esophageal varices at baseline (about 50% of the total population), there was a statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg LBM dose of belapectin on the absolute change in HVPG (-1.08 mm Hg, p<0.01). The effect of the 8 mg/Kg LBM dose of belapectin on absolute or percent change in HVPG from baseline to week 54 was not significant.
Previous wording
The major conclusions from the NASH-CX trial results were that: (i) belapectin had a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect in improving HVPG vs placebo in patients with MASH cirrhosis who did not have esophageal varices at baseline, (ii) Belapectin in the total patient population was associated with a statistically significant improvement in hepatocyte ballooning (i.e. cell death), (iii) There was a statistically significant reduction (p=0.02) in the development of new esophageal varices in drug-treated patients compared to placebo. We believe that the prevention of esophageal varices is a clinically relevant endpoint related to patient outcomes, (iv) While there was a drug effect in both the 2 mg/kg LBM and 8 mg/kg LBM groups on the development of varices and liver biopsy there was a consistently greater and statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg LBM dose of belapectin, (v) belapectin appears to be safe and well tolerated in this one year clinical trial, a feature that is of prime importance for a cirrhotic population and (vi) This is the first large, randomized clinical trial to demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in portal hypertension in patients with compensated MASH cirrhosis who have not yet developed esophageal varices.
Current wording
The major conclusions from the NASH-CX trial results were that: (i) belapectin had a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect in improving HVPG vs placebo in patients with NASH cirrhosis who did not have esophageal varices at baseline, (ii) Belapectin in the total patient population was associated with a statistically significant improvement in hepatocyte ballooning (i.e. cell death), (iii) There was a statistically significant reduction (p=0.02) in the development of new esophageal varices in drug-treated patients compared to placebo. We believe that the prevention of esophageal varices is a clinically relevant endpoint related to patient outcomes, (iv) While there was a drug effect in both the 2 mg/kg LBM and 8 mg/kg LBM groups on the development of varices and liver biopsy there was a consistently greater and statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg LBM dose of belapectin, (v) belapectin appears to be safe and well tolerated in this one year clinical trial, a feature that is of prime importance for a cirrhotic population and (vi) This is the first large, randomized clinical trial to demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in portal hypertension in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis who have not yet developed esophageal varices.
Previous wording
NASH NAVIGATE Trial: Building on the experience of the NASH-CX trial, the NAVIGATE Trial is a seamless adaptively-designed Phase 2b/3 clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of our galectin-3 inhibitor, belapectin, for the prevention of esophageal varices in patient with MASH cirrhosis. The major features of this innovative Phase 2b/3 study design are: i) In patients with NASH cirrhosis and clinical signs of portal hypertension but without esophageal varices at baseline, evaluated by an esophago-gastro-duodeno endoscopy, this trial will assess the effect of belapectin on the incidence of new varices (the primary endpoint) – as well as assessing the effect of belapectin on the incidence of additional clinically significant cirrhosis-related outcomes (a key secondary efficacy endpoint), (ii) The study targets MASH patients with a clearly identified unmet medical need: patients with compensated cirrhosis who have clinical signs of portal hypertension and, thus, are at risk of developing esophageal varices, a potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhosis (bleeding varices are a cause of death in about one-third of cirrhotic patients). There is currently no approved treatment for preventing varices in these patients. In addition, the development of esophageal varices reflects the progression of hepatic cirrhosis and thus portends the development of other cirrhosis complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver failure, and (iii) During the first 18 months, two belapectin dose levels (2 mg/kg LBM and 4 mg/kg LBM) will be compared to placebo (phase 2b). Then, at the interim analysis (IA), assuming the study continues to the next stage, the best belapectin dose will be selected, based on efficacy and safety, for continued evaluation (Phase 3). The belapectin doses selected for the phase 2b/3 were based on the analysis of the NASH-CX trial. Prior belapectin clinical studies have also indicated the good tolerance and safety profile of belapectin with doses of up to 8 mg/kg LBM for up to 52 weeks, an important feature to inform the future risk benefit analysis in patients with MASH cirrhosis.
Current wording
**NASH NAVIGATE Trial:Building on the experience of the NASH-CX trial, the NAVIGATE Trial was designed as a seamless adaptively-designed Phase **2b/3 clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of our galectin-3 inhibitor, belapectin, for the prevention of esophageal varices in patient with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. The major features of this innovative Phase 2b/3 study design are: i) In patients with NASH cirrhosis and clinical signs of portal hypertension but without esophageal varices at baseline, evaluated by an esophago-gastro-duodeno endoscopy, this trial will assess the effect of belapectin on the incidence of new varices (the primary endpoint) – as well as assessing the effect of belapectin on the incidence of additional clinically significant cirrhosis-related outcomes (a key secondary efficacy endpoint), (ii) The study targets NASH patients with a clearly identified unmet medical need: patients with compensated cirrhosis who have clinical signs of portal hypertension and, thus, are at risk of developing esophageal varices, a potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhosis (bleeding varices are a cause of death in about one-third of cirrhotic patients). There is currently no approved treatment for preventing varices in these patients. In addition, the development of esophageal varices reflects the progression of hepatic cirrhosis and thus portends the development of other cirrhosis complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver failure, and (iii) During the first 18 months, two belapectin dose levels (2 mg/kg LBM and 4 mg/kg LBM) will be compared to placebo (phase 2b).
Previous wording
In this trial, as proposed in the protocol, secondary endpoints include a composite clinical outcomes endpoint, including varices requiring treatment (development of large varices or varices with a red wale), decompensating events, all-cause mortality, MELD score increase, liver transplant. Also, MASH non-invasive biomarkers will be evaluated. To target a population at risk of developing esophageal varices, patient selection was based on clinical signs of portal hypertension, including, but not limited to, a low platelet count, an increased spleen size, an increased liver stiffness, and/or evidence of abdominal collaterals circulation.
Current wording
In the NAVIGATE trial, as proposed in the protocol, secondary endpoints include a composite clinical outcomes endpoint, including varices requiring treatment (development of large varices or varices with a red wale), decompensating events, all-cause mortality, MELD score increase, liver transplant. Also, NASH non-invasive biomarkers will be evaluated. To target a population at risk of developing esophageal varices, patient selection was based on clinical signs of portal hypertension, including, but not limited to, a low platelet count, an increased spleen size, an increased liver stiffness, and/or evidence of abdominal collaterals circulation.
Previous wording
The focus and goal of the therapeutic program is to stop the progression of and/or reverse portal hypertension and thereby prevent the development of varices, potentially one of the most life-threatening complications of cirrhosis. Based on the results of the NASH-CX trial and subject to confirmation in later stage clinical trials, we believe that this goal is achievable in a significant portion of the MASH cirrhosis patient population i.e. those MASH cirrhosis patients with clinical signs of portal hypertension for whom, currently, apart from a liver transplantation, no specific liver targeted, treatments are available.
Current wording
The focus and goal of the therapeutic program is to stop the progression of and/or reverse portal hypertension and thereby prevent the development of varices, potentially one of the most life-threatening complications of cirrhosis. Based on the results of the NASH-CX trial and subject to confirmation in later stage clinical trials, we believe that this goal is achievable in a significant portion of the NASH cirrhosis patient population i.e. those NASH cirrhosis patients with clinical signs of portal hypertension for whom, currently, apart from a liver transplantation, no specific liver targeted, treatments are available.
Previous wording
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed our regulatory and ethics approvals, recruitment of sites, and enrollment of patients for our NAVIGATE trial. For several reasons, the pandemic made enrolling patients for the NAVIGATE trial more challenging, notably because patients eligible for the NAVIGATE trial have liver cirrhosis and, as such, were at a greater health risk of complications from COVID-19 and needed to be vaccinated before taking the risk of infection associated with a visit to a healthcare facility. As we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, site recruitment and patient enrollment accelerated and we experienced increases in the speed of enrollment, particularly in the United States. However, we did not see the enrollment in Europe that we anticipated. Consequently, we activated multiple sites in Latin America. A resurgence of the COVID pandemic could again delay the regulatory, ethical and clinical milestones that we need to meet to conduct our NAVIGATE trial. The last patient from the phase 2b stage was randomized in February 2023, and consequently we expect topline results from the IA late in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Current wording
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed our regulatory and ethics approvals, recruitment of sites, and enrollment of patients for our NAVIGATE trial. For several reasons, the pandemic made enrolling patients for the NAVIGATE trial more challenging, notably because patients eligible for the NAVIGATE trial have liver cirrhosis and, as such, were at a greater health risk of complications from COVID-19 and needed to be vaccinated before taking the risk of infection associated with a visit to a healthcare facility. As we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, site recruitment and patient enrollment accelerated and we experienced increases in the speed of enrollment, particularly in the United States. However, we did not see the enrollment in Europe that we anticipated. Consequently, we activated multiple sites in Latin America.
Previous wording
Further details on the NAVIGATE trial can be found onwww.clinicaltrials.gov under study NCT04365868 and on our NAVIGATE website (navigatenash.com).
Current wording
Further details on the NAVIGATE trial can be found onwww.clinicaltrials.gov under study NCT04365868 and on our NAVIGATE website (navigatenash.com). The information contained therein is not incorporated herein by reference.
Previous wording
The Company also has completed a Hepatic Impairment Study, which ran in parallel with the phase 2b/3 trial as part of the development program. The Hepatic Impairment Study was conducted at three sites and involved approximately 40 patients (divided amongst normal healthy volunteers, and patients with hepatic impairment categorized as Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classes A (mild), B (moderate), and C (severe). Each subject received a single infusion of belapectin (4 mg/kg LBM) and their serum belapectin levels were monitored for up to approximately two weeks to define the effects of various stages of cirrhosis on serum belapectin levels. The tolerance and safety of belapectin was evaluated. Enrollment in this study was completed in February 2022, and the final results were presented at The Liver Meeting™ 2023, hosted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The data indicated that belapectin exposure did not increase with the degree of hepatic insufficiency, a property that is consistent with the observed distribution of the drug into activated macrophages. Further details on this hepatic impairment study can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov study NCT04332432.
Current wording
The Company also has completed a Hepatic Impairment Study, which ran in parallel with the phase 2b/3 trial as part of the development program. The Hepatic Impairment Study was conducted at three sites and involved approximately 40 patients (divided amongst normal healthy volunteers, and patients with hepatic impairment categorized as Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classes A (mild), B (moderate), and C (severe). Each subject received a single infusion of belapectin (4 mg/kg LBM) and their serum belapectin levels were monitored for up to approximately two weeks to define the effects of various stages of cirrhosis on serum belapectin levels. The tolerance and safety of belapectin was evaluated. Enrollment in this study was completed in February 2022, and the final results were presented the The Liver Meeting™ 2023, hosted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The data indicated that belapectin exposure did not increase with the degree of hepatic insufficiency, a property that is consistent with the observed distribution of the drug into activated macrophages. Further details on this hepatic impairment study can be found onwww.clinicaltrials.gov study NCT04332432.
Previous wording
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Current wording
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Previous wording
Clinical activities increased primarily due to timing of incurrence of expenditures related to our NAVIGATE clinical trial. Pre-clinical activities decreased primarily due to the timing of certain projects and activities in support of clinical programs. Other research and development expenses increased primarily due to additional employees hired after the first and second quarters of 2023.
Current wording
Clinical activities decreased primarily due to timing of incurrence of expenditures related to our NAVIGATE clinical trial which ended in the first quarter of 2025.
Previous wording
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries including stock-based compensation, legal and accounting fees, insurance, investor relations, business development and other office related expenses. The primary reason for the increase in general and administrative expenses for the three-months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 is due to a decrease in investor relations/business development. The primary reasons for the decrease in general and administrative expenses for the nine-months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 is due to a decrease in legal expense and investor relations/business development expense.
Current wording
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries including stock-based compensation, legal and accounting fees, insurance, investor relations, business development and other office related expenses. The primary reasons for the decrease in general and administrative expenses for the three-months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024 is due to decreases in investor relations/business development of $65,000 and decrease in non-cash stock based compensation expenses of approximately $91,000.
Previous wording
Since our inception on July 10, 2000, we have financed our operations from proceeds of public and private offerings of debt and equity. As of September 30, 2024, we raised a net total of $314.5 million from these offerings. At September 30, 2024, the Company had $27.1 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. In addition, on November 14, 2024, the Company entered into a second supplemental unsecured $6 million line of credit financing with its chairman, Richard E. Uihlein (see note 9). The Company believes there is sufficient cash to fund currently planned operations approximately through May, 2025. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of 12 months from the issuance date of this Form 10-Q. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is likely dependent on the top line results of the Company’s NAVIGATE clinical trial expected in December 2024 and its ability to raise capital; however, the Company’s cash position may not be sufficient to support its daily operations after May 2025. We will require more cash to fund our operations after May, 2025 and believe we will be able to obtain additional financing. The currently planned operations include costs related to our NAVIGATE clinical trial. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining such new financing or, if available, that such financing will be on terms favorable to us.
Current wording
Since our inception on July 10, 2000, we have financed our operations from proceeds of public and private offerings of debt and equity. As of March 31, 2025, we raised a net total of $314.5 million from these offerings. At March 31, 2025, the Company had $7.4 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents in addition to $11 million remaining available under two lines of credit provided by our chairman available to fund future operations. The Company believes there is sufficient cash to fund currently planned operations through August 2025. We will require more cash to fund our operations after August 2025. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining such new financing or, if available, that such financing will be on terms favorable to us.
Previous wording
Net cash used in operations increased by $713,000 to $28,976,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $28,263,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Cash operating expenses increased principally due to timing of payment of expenses related to our NAVIGATE clinical trial with belapectin.
Current wording
Net cash used in operations decreased by $4,415,000 to $7,689,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $12,105,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Cash operating expenses increased principally due to the preparations and expenses related to our NAVIGATE clinical trial with belapectin.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations