Effects of Belapectin, an Inhibitor of Galectin-3, in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis With Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension

Background & AimsIncreased levels of galectin 3 have been associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and contribute to toxin-induced liver fibrosis in mice. GR-MD-02 (belapectin) is an inhibitor of galectin 3 that reduces liver fibrosis and portal hypertension in rats and was safe and well tolerated in phase 1 studies. We performed a phase 2b, randomized trial of the safety and efficacy of GR-MD-02 in patients with NASH, cirrhosis, and...