UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM10-Q

 

 

 

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019

 

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from    to    

Commission FileNo. 001-31791

 

 

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

 

 

Nevada 04-3562325

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4960 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.,

Suite 240,

Norcross, GA

 30071
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(678)620-3186

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class

Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common StockGALTNasdaq

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    ☒  Yes    ☐  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T (§232.05 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ☒  Yes    ☐  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer   Accelerated Filer 
Non-Accelerated Filer  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company    

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ☐  Yes    ☒  No

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of November 3, 2017August 6, 2019 was 35,638,698.56,631,304.

 

 

 


GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

INDEX TO FORM10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBERJUNE 30, 20172019

 

      PAGE 
   PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION    

ITEM 1.

  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of SeptemberJune  30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016 (unaudited)2018

   3 
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016 (unaudited)2018

   4 
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016 (unaudited)2018

   5 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the Three Months and Six Months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018

6
  

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   69 

ITEM 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   1215 

ITEM 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   2124 

ITEM 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   2124 
  PART II — OTHER INFORMATION  

ITEM 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   2125 

ITEM 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   2125 

ITEM 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   2125 

ITEM 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   2125 

ITEM 4.

  

Mine Safety Disclosures

   2225 

ITEM 5.

  

Other Information

   2225 

ITEM 6.

  

Exhibits

   2225 

SIGNATURES

   2326 


GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

  September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
   June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 
  (in thousands)   (in thousands) 

ASSETS

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $6,958  $15,362   $52,043  $8,253 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   53  432    652  579 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   7,011  15,794    52,695  8,832 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Intangible assets, net

   —    1 

Other

   317  174 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $7,011  $15,795   $53,012  $9,006 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

   

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

  $166  $910   $396  $297 

Accrued expenses

   4,175  2,802 

Accrued expenses and other

   857  1,512 

Accrued dividends payable

   —    68    66 299 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   4,341  3,780    1,319  2,108 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other liabilities

   72   —   
  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   4,341  3,780    1,391  2,108 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

   

Series C super dividend convertible preferred stock; 1,000 shares authorized, 176 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, redemption value: $7,130,000, liquidation value: $1,760,000 at September 30, 2017

   1,723  1,723 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

   

Series C super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock; 1,000 shares authorized, 176 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, redemption value: $8,758,000, liquidation value: $1,760,000 at June 30, 2019

   1,723  1,723 

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Undesignated stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 20,000,000 and 14,001,000 designated at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

   —     —   

Series A 12% convertible preferred stock; 1,742,500 shares authorized, 1,377,500 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, liquidation value $1,377,500 at September 30, 2017

   557  557 

SeriesB-1 12% convertible preferred stock; 900,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, liquidation value $1,800,000 at September 30, 2017

   1,761  1,761 

SeriesB-2 12% convertible preferred stock; 2,100,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, liquidation value $4,200,000 at September 30, 2017

   3,697  3,697 

SeriesB-3 8% convertible preferred stock; 2,508,000 shares authorized, 2,508,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, liquidation value $2,508,000 at September 30, 2017

   1,224  1,224 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 35,638,698 and 32,912,942 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

   36  33 

Undesignated stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 20,000,000 designated at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

   —     —   

Series A 12% convertible preferred stock; 1,742,500 shares authorized, 1,327,500 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, liquidation value $1,327,500 at June 30, 2019

   537  537 

SeriesB-1 12% convertible preferred stock; 900,000 shares authorized, 0 and 900,000 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

   —    1,761 

SeriesB-2 12% convertible preferred stock; 2,100,000 shares authorized, 0 and 2,100,000 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

   —    3,697 

SeriesB-3 8% convertible preferred stock; 2,508,000 shares authorized, 0 and 2,508,000 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

   —    1,224 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 56,591,278 and 41,190,905 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

   56  41 

Additionalpaid-in capital

   172,053  166,721    257,678  194,130 

Retained deficit

   (178,381 (163,701   (208,373 (196,215
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   947  10,292    49,898  5,175 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity

  $7,011  $15,795   $53,012  $9,006 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2017 2016 2017 2016   2019 2018 2019 2018 
  (in thousands, except
per share data)
 (in thousands, except
per share data)
   (in thousands, except per share data) (in thousands, except per share data) 

Operating expenses:

          

Research and development

  $3,503  $3,289  $10,719  $11,892   $1,522  $1,476  $2,168  $3,774 

General and administrative

   911  1,248  3,155  4,990    1,498  2,283  3,219  4,163 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating expenses

   4,414  4,537  13,874  16,882    3,020  3,759  5,387  7,937 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating loss

   (4,414 (4,537 (13,874 (16,882   (3,020 (3,759 (5,387 (7,937
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other income (expense):

          

Interest income

   6  11  21  37    43  4  57  8 

Interest expense

   (21 (85 (43 (169
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income (expense)

   6  11  21  37    22  (81 14  (161
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net loss

  $(4,408 $(4,526 $(13,853 $(16,845  $(2,998 $(3,840 $(5,373 $(8,098
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Preferred stock dividends

   (254 (63 (827 (466   (67 (268 (163 (553

Preferred stock accretion

   —    (56  —    (173

Warrant modification (Note 9)

   —     —    (6,622  —   
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net loss applicable to common stockholders

  $(4,662 $(4,645 $(14,680 $(17,484  $(3,065 $(4,108 $(12,158 $(8,651
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net loss per common share — basic and diluted

  $(0.13 $(0.16 $(0.42 $(0.60  $(0.06 $(0.11 $(0.26 $(0.23

Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
and diluted

   35,165  29,282  34,600  29,045    50,301  38,227  47,653  37,755 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2017 2016   2019 2018 
  (in thousands)   (in thousands) 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net loss

  $(13,853 $(16,845  $(5,373 $(8,098

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

   1  5 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:

   

Payment of preferred stock dividends

   (396  —   

Stock-based compensation expense

   829  2,001    855  2,630 

Amortization of right to use lease asset

   18   —   

Issuance of common stock for services

   27   —      —    10 

Non-cash interest expense

   43  169 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Prepaid expenses and other assets

   379  501    (277 226 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   629  2,794    (484 (1,532
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

   (11,988 (11,544

Net cash from operating activities

   (5,614 (6,595
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net proceeds from issuance of SeriesB-3 preferred stock and warrants

   —    1,500 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants

   3,584  257    49,404  14,039 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   3,584  1,757 

Net cash flows from financing activities

   49,404  14,039 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   (8,404 (9,787

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   43,790  7,444 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

   15,362  25,846    8,253  3,053 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

  $6,958  $16,059   $52,043  $10,497 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Payment of preferred stock dividends in common stock

  $894  $534   $—    $554 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (UNAUDITED)

(amounts in thousands except share data)

   Series C Super
Dividend Redeemable
Convertible
Preferred Stock
 
   Number of
Shares
   Amount 

Balance at December 31, 2017

   176   $1,723 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

   176   $1,723 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

   176   $1,723 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2019

   176   $1,723 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) — (Continued)

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018

(amounts in thousands except share data)

   Series A 12%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
  SeriesB-1 12%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
   SeriesB-2 12%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
   SeriesB-3 8%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
   Common Stock            
   Number
of
Shares
  Amount  Number
of
Shares
   Amount   Number
of
Shares
   Amount   Number
of
Shares
   Amount   Number
of
Shares
   Amount   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Retained
Deficit
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity
(Deficit)
 

Balance at March 31, 2018

   1,377,500  $557   900,000   $1,761    2,100,000   $3,697    2,508,000   $1,224    37,645,971   $38   $179,359   $(185,711 $925 

Series A 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

��                      (42  (42

SeriesB-1 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                 7,421      47    (47 

SeriesB-2 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                 17,315      110    (110 

SeriesB-3 8% convertible preferred stock dividend

                 6,870      44    (44 

Series C super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend

                       (26  (26

Issuance of common stock

                 618,614    1    5,241     5,242 

Issuance of common stock from exercise of warrants and options

                 2,326,709    2    4,344     4,346 

Issuance of common stock for services

                 1,026      4     4 

Issuance of common stock from Series A conversion

   (25,000  (10              4,257      10    

Stock-based compensation expense

                     1,443     1,443 

Net loss

                       (3,840  (3,840
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

   1,352,500  $547   900,000   $1,761    2,100,000   $3,697    2,508,000   $1,224    40,628,183   $41   $190,602   $(189,820 $8,052 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

   1,327,500  $537    $      $      $     45,594,411   $45   $209,845   $(205,308 $5,119 

Series A 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                       (40  (40

SeriesB-1 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                       

SeriesB-2 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                       

SeriesB-3 8% convertible preferred stock dividend

                       

Series C super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend

                       (27  (27

Issuance of common stock

                 10,488,161    10    44,879     44,889 

Conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred to common

                       

Issuance of common stock for exercise of warrants and options

                 508,706    1    2,511     2,512 

Warrant modification

                       

Stock-based compensation expense

                     443     443 

Net loss

                       (2,998  (2,998
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2019

   1,327,500  $537   —     $—      —     $—      —     $—      56,591,278   $56   $257,678   $(208,373 $49,898 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) — (Continued)

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018

(amounts in thousands except share data)

   Series A 12%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
  SeriesB-1 12%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
  SeriesB-2 12%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
  SeriesB-3 8%
Convertible
Preferred Stock
  Common Stock            
   Number
of
Shares
  Amount  Number
of
Shares
  Amount  Number
of
Shares
  Amount  Number
of
Shares
  Amount  Number
of
Shares
   Amount   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Retained
Deficit
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity
(Deficit)
 

Balance at December 31, 2017

   1,377,500  $557   900,000  $1,761   2,100,000  $3,697   2,508,000  $1,224   35,789,388   $36   $173,363   $(181,168 $(530

Series A 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

           13,775      66    (66 

SeriesB-1 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

           18,879      101    (101 

SeriesB-2 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

           44,051      237    (237 

SeriesB-3 8% convertible preferred stock dividend

           17,478      94    (94 

Series C super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend

           11,899      56    (56 

Issuance of common stock

           618,614    1    5,241     5,242 

Issuance of common stock from exercise of warrants and options

           4,107,187    4    8,793     8,797 

Issuance of common stock for services

           2,655      11     11 

Issuance of common stock from Series A conversion

   (25,000  (10        4,257      10    

Stock-based compensation expense

               2,630     2,630 

Net loss

                 (8,098  (8,098
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

   1,352,500  $547   900,000  $1,761   2,100,000  $3,697   2,508,000  $1,224   40,628,183   $41   $190,602   $(189,820 $8,052 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

   1,327,500  $537   900,000  $1,761   2,100,000  $3,697   2,508,000  $1,224   41,190,905   $41   $194,130   $(196,215 $5,175 

Series A 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                 (80  (80

SeriesB-1 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                 (6  (6

SeriesB-2 12% convertible preferred stock dividend

                 (15  (15

SeriesB-3 8% convertible preferred stock dividend

                 (9  (9

Series C super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend

                 (53  (53

Issuance of common stock

           10,883,394    10    46,744     46,754 

Conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred to common

     (900,000  (1,761  (2,100,000  (3,697  (2,508,000  (1,224  3,789,346    4    6,678    

Issuance of common stock for exercise of warrants and options

           727,633    1    2,649     2,650 

Warrant modification (Note 9)

               6,622    (6,622 

Stock-based compensation expense

               855     855 

Net loss

                 (5,373  (5,373
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2019

   1,327,500  $537   —    $—     —    $—     —    $—     56,591,278   $56   $257,678   $(208,373 $49,898 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation

Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (the “Company”) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that is applying its leadership in galectin science and drug development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease, skin diseases and cancer. These candidates are based on the Company’s targeting of galectin proteins which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic function. These compounds also may have application for drugs to treat other diseases and chronic health conditions.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as reported in this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and the results of its operations for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 and its cash flows for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016.2018. All adjustments made to the interim financial statements include all those of a normal and recurring nature. Amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20162018 are derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these financial statements are available to be issued. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results whichthat may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company should be read in conjunction with its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

The Company has operated at a loss since its inception and has had no significant revenues. The Company anticipates that losses will continue for the foreseeable future. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company had $7.0$52 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. The Company believes that with the cash on hand at September 30, 2017, there is sufficient cash, including availability of the line of credit (see Note 3), to fund currently planned operations at least through February 2018 which creates uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s abilityDecember 31, 2020. We expect that we will require more cash to fund our operations after its current cash resources are exhausted depends on its abilityDecember 31, 2020 and believe we will be able to obtain additional financing or achieve profitablefinancing. The currently planned operations asinclude estimated costs related to which no assurancesa planned Phase 3 clinical trial through December 31, 2020. While the costs of the trial and general overhead during the Phase 3 trial are expected to be approximately $100 million, the costs and timing of such trial is not yet completely finalized. These costs will require additional funding. There can be given.no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining financing to support our operations beyond December 31, 2020 or, if available, that any such financing will be on terms acceptable to us. Accordingly, based on the forecasts and estimates underlying the Company’sour current operating plan, substantial doubt exists about the ability for the Company to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not currently include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company iswe are unable to continue as a going concern.

The Company was founded in July 2000, was incorporated in the State of Nevada in January 2001 under the name“Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,” and changed its name to “Galectin Therapeutics Inc.” on May 26, 2011.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)No. 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842),amended by ASU2018-11,Leases(Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. The new guidance requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months and provide additional disclosures. The ASU requires adoption using a modified retrospective transition approach with either 1) periods prior to the adoption date being recast or 2) a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior periods not recast. We adopted this standard using a modified retrospective transition approach on January 1, 2019 however we only have one lease related to our office space and it was amended effective January 1, 2019. Therefore, no cumulative-effect adjustment approach was required. See Note 11 for the financial position impact and additional disclosures.

2. Accrued Expenses and Other

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

  September 30,
2017
   December 31,
2016
   June 30,
2019
   December 31,
2018
 
  (in thousands)   (in thousands) 

Legal and accounting fees

  $115   $14   $106   $45 

Accrued compensation

   361    614    715    1,294 

Lease liability

   36    —   

Accrued research and development costs and other

   3,699    2,174    —      173 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $4,175   $2,802   $857   $1,512 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

3. Line of Credit

On December 19, 2017, the Company entered into a $10 million Line of Credit arrangement with Richard E. Uihlein, a director and shareholder who had an approximate 7% ownership interest in the Company on a fully-diluted basis at December 31, 2017. Originally, borrowings may be made by the Company through December 31, 2018. Borrowings bear interest at the Applicable Federal Rate for short term loans published by the Internal Revenue Service (2.7% in January 2019). All borrowings and interest were originally due on December 31, 2019 but could be prepaid without penalty. In connection with the Line of Credit agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Uihlein warrants to purchase 1 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $5 per share. Half of the warrants vested at closing of the Line of Credit and the other half vest ratably with borrowings under the agreement. There have been no borrowings under the Line of Credit to date.

3.On December 20, 2018, the Line of Credit arrangement was extended for one year for both borrowings and maturity. At the time of the conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred stock into common stock (See Note 9), on January 11, 2019, the Line of Credit arrangement was extended for an additional two years for both borrowings and maturity. After the second amendment to the Line of Credit arrangement, borrowings may be made through December 31, 2021 with repayment due on December 31, 2022. There was no additional consideration or benefits provided to Mr. Uihlein for any of the extensions of the Line of Credit.

The fair value of the 500,000 warrants vested at closing in December 2017 was $696,000 at the date of issuance based on the following assumptions: an expected life of 7 years, volatility of 98%, risk free interest rate of 2.05% and zero dividends. The fair value of the vested warrants was recorded in other current assets and other assets(non-current) as a deferred financing cost and were to be amortized on a straight-line basis from December 19, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The remaining unamortized balance of the deferred financing cost on January 11, 2019 was adjusted to be recorded as expense on a straight-line basis through December 31, 2022. Amortization for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 of $43,000 and $169,000, respectively, was recorded as interest expense. In May 2019, Mr. Uihlein exercised the 500,000 vested warrants and the Company received the proceeds of $2,500,000.

The fair value of warrants that vest in the future based on borrowings will be computed when those borrowings occur and amortized over the remaining period through December 31, 2022 reflecting the second extension.

4. Stock-Based Compensation

Following is the stock-based compensation expense related to common stock options, common stock, restricted common stock and common stock warrants:

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2017   2016   2017   2016   2019   2018   2019   2018 

Research and development

  $109   $165   $407   $598   $83   $627   $170   $1,161 

General and administrative

   121    211    422    1,403    360    816    685    1,469 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

  $230   $376   $829   $2,001   $443   $1,443   $855   $2,630 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The following table summarizes the stock option activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans, includingnon-plan grants to Company executives, from December 31, 20162018 through SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2019:

 

  Shares   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   Shares   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding, December 31, 2016

   4,656,888   $4.30 

Outstanding, December 31, 2018

   2,713,979   $4.67 

Granted

   —      —      530,000    4.72 

Exercised

   —      —      (142,543   1.79 

Options forfeited/cancelled

   —      —      (39,098   2.09 
  

 

     

 

   

Outstanding, September 30, 2017

   4,656,888   $4.30 

Outstanding, June 30, 2019

   3,062,338   $4.85 
  

 

     

 

   

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, there was $366,000$1,301,000 of unrecognized compensation related to 907,489468,750 unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-averageweighted–average period of approximately 0.581.07 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value for options granted during the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162019 was $1.05.$3.83. The Company granted 277,500530,000 stock options during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016, of which 69,375 options vested upon grant with the remaining 208,125 options vesting over 3 years. Approximately $73,000 ofnon-cash, stock-based compensation expense was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 related to the options granted during the quarter that were vested upon the grant date.March 31, 2019.

The fair value of all other options granted is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used:

 

Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
2016

Risk-free interest rate

1.7

Expected life of the options

6.0 years

Expected volatility of the underlying stock

94

Expected dividend rate

0

The following table summarizes the restricted stock grant activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans from December 31, 2016 through September 30, 2017:
   Six
Months Ended
June 30,
  Six
Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2019  2018 

Risk-free interest rate

   2.68  2.47

Expected life of the options

   6 years   5.7 years 

Expected volatility of the underlying stock

   104  104

Expected dividend rate

   0  0

Shares

Outstanding, December 31, 2016

754,605

Granted

—  

Exercised

—  

Options forfeited/cancelled

—  

Outstanding, September 30, 2017

754,605

On March 12, 2015, the Company granted 81,352 shares of restricted stock tonon-employee directors as a component of their compensation. A total of 77,784 shares were issued to seven directors representingnon-cash compensation cost of $280,000 which was recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date through December 15, 2016, when the restricted shares vested in full. A total of 3,568 shares were issued to two directors, who were not nominated for reelection, representingnon-cash compensation cost of $12,845 that was recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date through May 21, 2016, when the restricted shares vested in full.

4.5. Common Stock Warrants

The following table summarizes the common stock warrant activity from December 31, 20162018 through SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2019:

 

  Shares   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   Shares   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding, December 31, 2016

   13,488,296   $3.44 

Outstanding, December 31, 2018

   10,647,026   $3.48 

Granted

   78,455    5.00    2,622,154    7.00 

Exercised

   —      —      (585,090   4.71 

Forfeited/cancelled

   (1,317,161   5.63    (143,411   3.00 
  

 

     

 

   

Outstanding, September 30, 2017

   12,249,590   $3.22 

Outstanding, June 30, 2019

   12,540,679   $4.22 
  

 

     

 

   

5.6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their carrying value due to their short-term nature. There were no level 2 or level 3 assets or liabilities at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 or December 31, 2016.2018.

6.7. Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and other potential common shares then outstanding. Potential common shares consist of common shares issuable upon the assumed exercise ofin-the-money stock options and warrants and potential common shares related to the conversion of the preferred stock. The computation of diluted net loss per share does not assume the issuance of common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per share.

Dilutive shares which could exist pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock instruments and which were not included in the calculation because their affect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows:

 

  September 30, 2017
(shares)
   September 30, 2016
(shares)
   June 30, 2019
(shares)
   June 30, 2018
(shares)
 

Warrants to purchase shares of common stock

   12,249,590    10,452,844    12,540,679    10,815,336 

Options to purchase shares of common stock

   4,656,888    3,499,638    3,062,338    4,294,279 

Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock

   4,312,282    3,415,285    514,602    4,308,115 

Unvested shares of restricted common stock

   —      337,935 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   21,218,760    17,705,702    16,117,619    19,417,730 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

7.8. Common Stock

2014 At Market Issuance of Common Stock

On March 30, 2014, the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2014 At Market Agreement”) with a sales agent under which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $30.0 million from time to time through the sales agent. Sales of the Company’s common stock through the sales agent, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed an “at the market” offering as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company will pay to the sales agent a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock sold through the sales agent under the 2014 At Market Agreement. In three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company issued 176,950 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $257,000 under the 2014 At Market Agreement.    In three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company issued 1,496,797 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $1,946,000 under the 2014 At Market Agreement.    The 2014 At Market Agreement expired in March 2017.

2017 At Market Issuance of Common Stock

On May 19, 2017, the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2017 At Market Agreement”) with a sales agent under which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $30.0 million from time to time through the sales agent. Sales of the Company’s common stock through the sales agent, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed an “at the market” offering as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company will pay to the sales agent a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock sold through the sales agent under the 2017 At Market Agreement. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, the Company issued 716,563395,233 shares of its common stock under the 2017 At Market Agreement for net proceeds of approximately $1,865,000.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company has issued a total of 74,476 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $1,438,000 under the 2017 At Market Agreement.dividends on Series A, Series B and Series C Preferred Stock.

2017 Private PlacementRights Offering

On February 28, 2017,May 23, 2019, the Company closed a transaction with five individual investors through a private placementcompleted an offering of common stock and warrants.warrants to its shareholders of record as of April 29, 2019. In total,the offering, the Company issued 102,368received approximately $44.9 million for the issuance of 10,488,161 shares of common stock and warrants which may be exercised for proceeds of $200,000. The Company also issued, to the five investors, warrants to purchase 76,7762,622,154 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share.stock. The warrants have an expiration datemay be exercised at $7.00 per share of February 28, 2024. The exercise price of each warrant is adjustable in the event of acommon stock split or stock combination, capital reorganization, merger or similar event.and expire on May 23, 2026. The warrants were valued at approximately $101,000$8.2 million as of the issuance, using the closing price of $1.86,$4.01, a life of 7 years, a volatility of 97%101% and a risk-free interest rate of 1.92%2.33%. Based upon the Company’s analysis of the criteria contained in ASC Topic815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity” the Company has determined that warrants issued in connection with this financing transaction were not derivative liabilities and therefore, were recorded as additionalpaid-in capital.

Other9. Preferred Stock Conversion into Common Stock

On January 11, 2019, 10X Fund L.P. (“10X Fund”), converted all of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock of Galectin Therapeutics. Pursuant to the terms of the conversion, as of January 11, 2019, 10X Fund converted 5,508,000 shares of its SeriesB-1,B-2 andB-3 Convertible Preferred Stock into 3,789,346 shares of Common Stock of Galectin Therapeutics. All special voting rights and protective provisions that previously benefited the Series B Preferred Stock were extinguished by the conversion to Common Stock.

In 2017,connection with the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Company enteredextended by five years the exercise date of warrants for 3,579,642 shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in connection with sale of the SeriesB-1 and SeriesB-2 Preferred Stock. Before the extension, the warrants had various expiration dates in 2019 and 2020. The warrant amendments give 10X Fund the right to nominate one director to the Company’s board of directors. Previously, under the now extinguished voting rights of the Series B Preferred, 10X Fund had the right to name two directors and nominate an agreement with a vendoradditional three directors.

The Company has accounted for the modified terms of the warrants pursuant to ASC 718, Stock Compensation, whereby the Company will issue common stock to vendor in lieu of paying in cash in amount up to $100,000has recognized a charge for the year. Through September 30, 2017,change in fair value of the warrants immediately before and immediately after the modification. In January 2019, the Company has issued 16,793 sharesrecognized aone-timenon-cash charge of common stock$6,622,000 related to the extension of the 3,579,642 warrants. The following assumptions were used to value the extension of the warrants immediately before and 1,680 warrantsimmediately after the modification: a) immediately before the modification — an expected life range of 0.09 to purchase shares1.33 years, volatility of common stock pursuant98%, risk free interest rate range of 2.4% to this agreement2.59% and zero dividends and; b) immediately following the valuemodification — an expected life range of such shares has been recorded as research5.09 to 6.33 years, volatility range of 106%, risk free interest rate range of 2.56% to 2.6% and development expense.zero dividends.

Through September 30, 2017, the Company has issued a total of 393,235 shares of common stock for dividends on Series A, Series B and Series C Preferred Stock for 2017.

8.10. Commitments and Contingencies

Shareholder Class Actions and Derivative Lawsuits

On August 1 and 25, 2014, persons claiming to be Galectin shareholders filed putative shareholder derivative complaints in the Nevada District Court, seeking recovery on behalf of the Company against certain of the Company’s directors and officers. On September 10, 2014, the Nevada District Court entered an order consolidating the two cases, relieving the defendants of any obligation to respond to the initial complaints, and providing that defendants may respond to a consolidated complaint to be filed by the plaintiffs. On January 5, 2015, the Nevada District Court granted Defendants’ motion to transfer the consolidated putative derivative litigation to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the “Georgia Federal Derivative Action.”). The plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint on February 27, 2015. On April 6, 2015, the Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the consolidated complaint. Rather than respond to those motions, the plaintiffs sought and obtained leave to file an amended complaint. Plaintiffs filed their amended complaint (the “Complaint”) on May 26, 2015. The Complaint alleges that certain of the Company’s directors and officers (the “Derivative Action Individual Defendants”) breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s shareholders by causing or permitting the Company to make allegedly false and misleading public statements concerning the Company’s financial and business prospects. The Complaint also alleges that the Derivative Action Individual Defendants violated the federal securities laws by allegedly making false or misleading statements of material fact in the Company’s proxy filings, committed waste of corporate assets, were unjustly enriched, and that certain defendants breached their fiduciary duties through allegedly improper sales of Galectin stock. In addition, the Complaint alleges that the Derivative Action Individual Defendants and one of the Company’s shareholders aided and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The Complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages on behalf of the Company, corporate governance reforms, disgorgement of profits, benefits and compensation by the defendants, costs, and attorneys’ and experts’ fees. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Complaint on July 8, 2015. On December 30, 2015, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia dismissed the Georgia Federal Derivative Action with prejudice and entered a final judgment in favor of the defendants. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal seeking review of the dismissal order and final judgment. On July 7, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit dismissed the appeal as the Plaintiffs failed to timely file their appeal brief. In September 2016, the Board received a demand letter from one of the plaintiffs in the Georgia Federal Derivative Action. The demand letter, among other things, requests that the Board investigate the conduct alleged in the Complaint and implement certain remedial measures purportedly designed to address the alleged conduct. It is expected that the Board will consider the demand letter in due course and in light of the related pending shareholder litigation described herein.

On August 29, 2014, another alleged Galectin shareholder filed a putative shareholder derivative complaint in state court in Las Vegas, Nevada, seeking recovery on behalf of the Company against the same Galectin directors and officers who are named as defendants in the derivative litigation pending in the Georgia Federal Derivative Action. The plaintiff in the Nevada action subsequently filed first and second amended complaints. The second amended complaint alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets, based on allegations that are substantially similar to those asserted in the Georgia Federal Derivative Action (except that the Nevada action does not allege violations of the federal securities laws and does not assert any claim against the Galectin shareholder named as a defendant in the Georgia Federal Derivative Action), and seeks unspecified monetary damages on behalf of the Company, corporate governance reforms, disgorgement of profits, benefits and compensation by the defendants, costs, and attorneys’ and experts’ fees. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the second amended complaint on April 22, 2015. On April 29, 2015, the plaintiffs in the Georgia Federal Derivative Action (the “Intervenor Plaintiffs”) filed a motion to intervene in the Nevada action which, among other things, raised questions regarding the Nevada plaintiff’s standing. Thereafter, the Nevada plaintiff filed a motion to join additional plaintiffs. At a hearing held on June 11, 2015, the Nevada court: (i) granted the Intervenor Plaintiffs’ motion to intervene; (ii) directed the Intervenor Plaintiffs to file a complaint in intervention; (iii) directed the Nevada plaintiff to file a motion for leave to file a further amended complaint to add additional plaintiffs; (iv) stated that the defendants’ motions to dismiss the second amended complaint were denied “at this point;” (v) ordered the Nevada action stayed until December 11 , 2015; and (vi) directed the parties to submit a status report on December 11, 2015, updating the court on the progress and status of the Georgia Federal Derivative Action. On July 9, 2015, pursuant to the Nevada State Court’s instruction, the Intervenor Plaintiffs filed acomplaint-in-intervention in Nevada State Court, asserting similar claims to the ones they alleged in the Georgia Federal Derivative Action described above. On December 11, 2015, further to the Nevada State Court’s instruction, the parties submitted status reports detailing the status of the Georgia Federal Derivative Action. On January 5, 2016, the Nevada State Court held a status conference during which the dismissal of the Georgia Federal Derivative Action was discussed. Subsequent to that conference, on January 19, 2016, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Nevada State Court litigation based on the dismissal of the similar Georgia Federal Derivative Action, among other grounds. Following full briefing and a hearing on March 3, 2016, the Nevada State Court granted dismissal of the Nevada State Court litigation. Notice of Entry of the Nevada State Court’s order dismissing the Nevada State Court litigation was docketed on June 21, 2016. The Nevada plaintiff and Intervenor Plaintiffs (“Appellants”) filed notices of appeal seeking review of the Nevada State Court’s order and judgment dismissing the claims. The appeal is now fully briefed and awaiting a decision from the Nevada Supreme Court.

Estimating an amount or range of possible losses resulting from litigation proceedings is inherently difficult and requires an extensive degree of judgment, particularly where the matters involve indeterminate claims for monetary damages, are in the early stages of the proceedings, and are subject to appeal. In addition, because most legal proceedings are resolved over extended periods of time, potential losses are subject to change due to, among other things, new developments, changes in legal strategy, the outcome of intermediate procedural and substantive rulings and other parties’ settlement posture and their evaluation of the strength or weakness of their case against us. For these reasons, we are currently unable to predict the ultimate timing or outcome of, or reasonably estimate the possible losses or a range of possible losses resulting from, the matters described above. Based on information currently available, the Company does not believe that any reasonably possible losses arising from currently pending legal matters will be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.

Other Legal Proceedings

The Company records accruals for such contingencies to the extent that the Company concludes that their occurrence is probable and the related damages are estimable. There are no othersignificant pending legal proceedings exceptproceedings.

11. Leases

The Company has one operating lease for its office space which was amended effective January 1, 2019 for a term of 38 months with no residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The amended lease provided for free rent for the first two months of the lease and continues the security deposit of $6,000. In addition to base rental payments included in the contractual obligations table above, the Company is responsible for ourpro-rata share of the operating expenses for the building. Our lease cost for thesix-month period ended June 30, 2019 was $22,000 and is included in general and administrative expenses. As of June 30, 2019, the right to use lease asset consisted of $101,000 and is included in other assets. Also, at June 30, 2019, current lease liability of $36,000 is included in accrued expenses and other and noncurrent lease liability of $72,000 is in other liabilities.

Maturity of operating lease as noted above.

of June 30, 2019 in thousands:

2019

  $23 

2020

   47 

2021

   48 

2022

   8 
  

 

 

 

Total

   126 

Less imputed interest

   18 
  

 

 

 

Present value of lease liability

  $108 
  

 

 

 

9.The discount rate used in calculating the present value of the lease payments was 11.04%

12. Galectin Sciences LLC

In January 2014, we created Galectin Sciences, LLC (the “LLC” or “Investee”), a collaborative joint ventureco-owned by SBH Sciences, Inc. (“SBH”), to research and develop small organic molecule inhibitors ofgalectin-3 for oral administration. The LLC was initially capitalized with a $400,000 cash investment to fund future research and development activities, which was provided by the Company, and specificin-process research and development (“IPR&D”) contributed by SBH. The estimated fair value of the IPR&D contributed by SBH, on the date of contribution, was $400,000. Initially, the Company and SBH each had a 50% equity ownership interest in the LLC, with neither party having control over the LLC. Accordingly, from inception through the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company accounted for its investment in the LLC using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s investment was initially recorded at cost with subsequent adjustments to the carrying value to recognize additional investments in or distributions from the Investee, as well as the Company’s share of the Investee’s earnings, losses and/or changes in capital. The estimated fair value of the IPR&D contributed to the LLC was immediately expensed upon contribution as there was no alternative future use available at the point of contribution. The operating agreement provides that if either party does not desire to contribute its equal share of funding required after the initial capitalization, then the other party, providing all of the funding, will have its ownership share increased in proportion to the total amount contributed from inception. In the fourth quarter of 2014, after the LLC had expended the $400,000 in cash, SBH decided not to contribute its share of the funding required. As a result,Since then, the Company has contributed the $73,000 neededa total of $1,883,000, including $79,000 for the fourth quarter of 2014three months ended June 30, 2019, for expenses of the LLC. The CompanySince the end of 2014, SBH has contributed $659,000 and $687,000$123,000 for the LLC expenses in 2016 and 2015, respectively, and SBH contributed $50,000 in 2016. The Company contributed $45,000, $29,000 and $30,000 during the quarters ended March 31, 2017,LLC. As of June 30, 2017, and September 30, 2017, respectively. As of September 30, 2017,2019, the Company’s ownership percentage in the LLC was 81.2%81.4%. The Company accounts for the interest in the LLC as a consolidated, less than wholly owned subsidiary. Because the LLC’s equity is immaterial, the value of thenon-controlling interest is also deemed to be immaterial.

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In addition to historical information, the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements as defined under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created therein for forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our anticipated operating results, research and development, clinical trials, regulatory proceedings, and financial resources, and can be identified by use of words such as, for example, “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: plans and expectations regarding clinical trials; plans and expectations regarding regulatory approvals; our strategy and expectations for clinical development and commercialization of our products; potential strategic partnerships; expectations regarding the effectiveness of our products; plans for research and development and related costs; statements about accounting assumptions and estimates; expectations regarding liquidity and the sufficiency of cash to fund currently planned operations through February 2018;at least December 31, 2020; our commitments and contingencies; and our market risk exposure. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which Galectin Therapeutics operates, and management’s beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties are related to and include, without limitation,

 

our early stage of development,

 

we have incurred significant operating losses since our inception and cannot assure you that we will generate revenue or profit,

 

our dependence on additional outside capital,

 

we may be unable to enter into strategic partnerships for the development, commercialization, manufacturing and distribution of our proposed product candidates,

 

uncertainties related to any litigation, including shareholder class actions and derivative lawsuits filed,

 

uncertainties related to our technology, including manufacturing of drug product, and clinical trials, including expected dates of availability of clinical data,

 

we may be unable to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of our developmental product candidates in human trials,

 

we may be unable to improve upon, protect and/or enforce our intellectual property,

 

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,

 

competition and stock price volatility in the biotechnology industry, and

 

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 reportsreports.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Galectin Therapeutics appearing elsewhere herein.

Overview

We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in drug research and development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease, certain severe skin diseases,disease, and cancer. 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-availablereadily 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, particularlygalectin-3, we are undertaking the focused pursuit of therapies for indications where galectins have a demonstrated role in the pathogenesis of a given disease. We focus on diseases with serious, life-threatening consequences to patients and those where current treatment options are limited. 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 a program becomes advanced and requires significant additional resources.

Our leadgalectin-3 inhibitor isGR-MD-02, which has been demonstrated in preclinical models to reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.GR-MD-02 has the potential to treat many diseases due togalectin-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 ofgalectin-3 in the fibrotic process is supported by experimental evidence. Animals with the gene responsible forgalectin-3“knocked-out” can no longer develop fibrosis in response to experimental stimuli compared to animals with an intactgalectin-3 gene. Galectin Therapeutics Inc. is using thisitsgalectin-3 inhibitor to treat advanced liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in NASH(non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) patients. We have completed two Phase 1 clinical studies, onea Phase 2 clinical study in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis(NASH-FX) and have one

ongoinga second Phase 22B clinical trial in NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis. We announced, in December 2017 top line results from our Phase 2b study in NASH patients with cirrhosis(NASH-CX). TheNASH-CX trial patients have completed all infusions/dosing and final HVPGresults of an End of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in May 2018 which provided direction on potentially acceptable end points for a Phase 3 trial. The latter was confirmed in a Type C meeting with FDA in February 2019. The company with its external NASH consultants has designed a Phase 3 study which has been sent to various contract research organizations (CROs) for their input on feasibility, timing costs and liver biopsy results have been obtained on all patients. The trial is expected to complete with 151 patients and to report top line data in December 2017.other important considerations. NASH cirrhosis is a progressive disease, currently not treatable and ultimately may result in liver failure that has poor prognosis and no effective, approved medical therapies other than liver transplant.Galectin-3 expression is highly increased in the liver of patients with liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. We believe that ourgalectin-3 inhibitor, by reducinggalectin-3 at the extra-cellularcellular level, ultimately showing a strong anti-fibrotic potential may provide a novel treatment for various forms of liver fibrosis.

We endeavor to leverage our scientific and product development expertise as well as established relationships with outside sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient drug development. These outside sources, amongst others, provide us with expertise in preclinical models, pharmaceutical development, toxicology, clinical trial operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, sophisticated physical and chemical characterization, and commercial development. We also have established several collaborative scientific discovery programs with leading experts in carbohydrate chemistry and characterization. These discovery programs are generally aimed at the targeted development of new carbohydrate molecules that bind galectin proteins and offer alternative options to larger market segments in our primary disease indications. We also have established through Galectin Sciences LLC, a discovery program aimed at the targeted development of small molecules (generally,(non-carbohydrate)non-carbohydrate) that bind galectin proteins and may afford options for alternative means of drug delivery (e.g., oral) and as a result expand the potential uses of ourgalectin-3 inhibitor compounds. We are also pursuing a development pathway to clinical enhancement and commercialization for our lead compounds in immune enhancementimmuno-oncology for cancer therapy and certain severe skin diseases including moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and severe atopic dermatitis. Ourtherapy. However, our clinical development efforts are focused on both liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease as represented by a Phase 2 clinical trial in NASH-cirrhosis which will reportreported top line data in December 2017.2017 and on planning for Phase 3 studies. All of our proposed products are presently in development, includingpre-clinical and clinical trials.

Our Drug Development Programs

Galectins are a class of proteins that are made by many cells in the body, but predominantly in cells of the immune system. As a group, these proteins are able to bind to sugar molecules that are part of other proteins, glycoproteins, in and on the cells of our body. Galectin proteins act as a kind of molecular glue, bringing together molecules that have sugars on them. Galectin proteins, in particulargalectin-3, are known to be markedly increased in a number of important diseases including inflammatory diseases, scarring of organs (e.g. liver, lung, kidney, and heart) and cancers of many kinds. The increase in galectin protein promotes the disease and is detrimental to the patient. Published data show that mice lackingsubstantiating the importance ofgalectin-3 in the fibrotic process arises from gene knockout experiments in animal studies. Mice genetically altered to eliminate thegalectin-3 gene, and thus unable to producegalectin-3, are incapable of developing liver fibrosis in response to toxic insult to the liver and in fatty liver disease; they are also incapabledisease as well as development of developing fibrosis in other tissues such as lung, kidney and cardiac.tissues.

We have one new proprietary chemical entity (NCE) in development,GR-MD-02, which has shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies in treatment of fibrosis, certain severe skin diseases,disease, and in cancer therapy. Currently we are focusing on development ofGR-MD-02 intended to be used in the treatment of liver fibrosis associated with fatty liver disease (NASH) and more specifically onin NASH cirrhosis. We have also leveraged our relationships with well-known investigators to demonstrate clinical effects ofGR-MD-02 in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, severe atopic dermatitis, and in cancer therapy in combination with immune-system modifying agent(s).GR-MD-02 is a proprietary, patented compound derived from natural, readily available, plant-based starting materials, which, following chemical processing, exhibits the properties of binding to and inhibitinggalectin-3 proteins. A second NCE,GM-CT-01 is a proprietary, patented compound that is made from a completely different starting source plant material and also binds and inhibits galectin proteins. Previously in clinical development for cancer indications, thisGM-CT-01 compound continues to behas been explored in limited other preclinical studies.

Our product pipeline is shown below:

Indication

  

Drug

  

Status

Fibrosis

    

NASH with Advanced Fibrosis:

NASH-CX trial and

NASH-FX trial

  

GR-MD-02

  

IND submitted January 2013. Results from the Phase 1 clinical trial were reported in 2014, with final results reported in January 2015. End of Phase 1 meeting held with FDA in 2014. Two Phase 2 clinical trials were designed.

The NASH CX trial, was designed for patients with cirrhosis, and the NASH FX trial was designed for patients with advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis. The NASH FX trial top line data was reported in September 2016 and the

The NASH CX trial, was designed for patients with well compensated cirrhosis. The NASH CX trial top line data is expectedwas reported in December 2017. End of Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting held with FDA in May 2018.
Lung Fibrosis

NASH – RX

  

The NASH-RX trial, a Phase 3 trial designed for NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis, is in planning stage based on feedback on potential endpoints received from FDA at end of Phase 2 meeting and in consultation with our external hepatology consultants. As part of the planning related to the Phase 3 trial, the Company has had ongoing discussions with FDA regarding Galectin’s proposal for the next clinical study as well as the overall development program. These ongoing conversations included a recent Type C Meeting via teleconference with the Agency on February 6, 2019, to discuss Galectin’s proposal for use of progression to varices as the primary surrogate endpoint moving forward.

In the meeting, FDA confirmed that the Agency is supportive of the use of progression to varices as a potential surrogate endpoint and progression to large varices as a component of a composite clinical benefit endpoint pending additional requested information. Galectin will address and implement additional FDA requests and considerations for the Phase 3 trial, when and where possible. Given the newness of the endpoint and the new information to be generated in the trial, some information requested may not currently be available or may not be able to be addressed fully until data from the Phase 3 trial is available to address the information requests.

Lung Fibrosis

GR-MD-02

  Inpre-clinical development

Kidney Fibrosis

  

GR-MD-02

  Inpre-clinical development

Cardiac and Vascular Fibrosis

  

GR-MD-02 and GM-CT-01

  Inpre-clinical development

Cancer Immunotherapy

    

Melanoma, Head, Neck Squamous Cell

Carcinoma (HNSCC)

  

GR-MD-02

  Investigator IND submitted in December 2013. Phase 1B study in process. A second Phase 1B study began inQ-1 2016. Investigator IND for that study submitted in September 2015. Early data was reported in February 2017 and studies will continue.with the 3rd cohort were reported in September 2018. Continuation of trial is ongoing to expand the dataset of melanoma and HNSCC patients at the 4 mg/Kg dose.

Psoriasis

    
IndicationDrugStatus

Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Severe Atopic Dermatitis

  

GR-MD-02

  IND submitted March 2015. A phase 2a trial in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis patients began in January 2016. Interim data on the first four patients were positive and were reported in May 2016. Further positive data was reported in September 2016. Investigator initiated IND submitted for treatment of three patients with severe atopic dermatitis, with positive preliminary data presented in February 2017. StudiesFurther studies are now completed.dependent on finding a suitable strategic partner.

Fibrosis. GR-MD-02 is our lead product candidate for treatment of fibrotic disease. Our preclinical data show thatGR-MD-02 has a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis as shown in several relevant animal models. In addition, in NASH animal models,GR-MD-02 has been shown to reduce liver fat, inflammation, and ballooning degeneration or death of liver cells. Therefore, we choseGR-MD-02 as the lead candidate in a development program targeted initially at fibrotic liver disease associated withnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, or fatty liver disease). 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 human safety ofGR-MD-02 and pharmacodynamics biomarkers of disease. On March 1, 2013, the FDA indicated we could proceed with a US Phase 1 clinical trial forGR-MD-02 with a development program aimed at obtaining support for a proposed indication ofGR-MD-02 for treatment of NASH with advanced fibrosis. The Phase 1 trial was completed and demonstrated thatGR-MD-02 up to 8 mg/kg, i.v. was safe and well tolerated and thetolerated. The human pharmacokinetic data defined a drug dose for use in the planned Phase 2 trials.trials based on extrapolation from efficacy data in NASH animal models of liver fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. Additionally, there was evidence of a pharmacodynamic effect ofGR-MD-02 at the 8 mg/kg dose with a decrease in alpha 2 macroglobulin, a serum marker of fibrotic activity, and a reduction in liver stiffness as determined by FibroScan®. An “End of Phase 1 Meeting” was held with FDA which, amongst other items, provided guidance on the primary endpoint for the Phase 2 clinical trial, theNASH-CX trial.

Additionally, an open label drug-drug interaction study was completed in healthy volunteers during the second quarter of 2015 withGR-MD-02 and it showed that with 8 mg/kg dose ofGR-MD-02 and 2 mg/kg dose of midazolam there was no drug-drug interaction and no serious adverse events or drug-related adverse events were observed. This study was required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the primary objective was to determine if single or multiple intravenous (IV) doses ofGR-MD-02 affect the pharmacokinetics (PK) of midazolam. The secondary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability ofGR-MD-02 when administered concomitantly with midazolam. The lack of a drug interaction in this study enabled Galectinthe Company to expand the number of patients eligible for its Phase 2 clinical trial. In addition, shouldGR-MD-02 be approved for marketing, the success of this study supports a broader patient population for the drug label.

Our Phase 2 program in fibrotic disease consistsconsisted of two separate human clinical trials. The firstprimary clinical trial iswas the Phase 2bNASH-CX study for one year for patients with NASH with well compensated cirrhosis, which began enrolling in June, 2015. This study iswas the primary focus of our program and is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group Phase 22b trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy ofGR-MD-02 for the treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in NASH patients with NASHwell compensated cirrhosis. Enrollment in thisA smaller, exploratoryNASH-FX trial was completed in September 2016, and a totalconducted to explore potential use of 162 patients at 36 sites in the United States were randomized to receive either 2 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02, 8 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02 or placebo, with approximately 54 patients in each group. The primary endpoint is a reduction in change in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Patients are receiving an infusion every other week for one year, total of 26 infusions, and will be evaluated to determine the change in HVPG as compared with placebo. HVPG will be correlated with secondary endpoints of fibrosis on liver biopsy as well as with measurement of liver stiffness (FibroScan(R)) and assessment of liver metabolism (13C-methacetin breath test, Exalenz), which arevariousnon-invasive measures of the liver that may be usedimaging techniques in future studies. A late-breaking abstract on screening data results correlating clinically significant portal hypertension and methacetin breath test results was presented atNASH patients with advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis.

NASH-FX Trial: The International Liver Congress™ in Amsterdam on April 20, 2017. The DSMB concluded its third and final review of the safety and conduct of thein-life phase of ourNASH-CXNASH-FX trial, and indicated it concurrence with continuation of the trial and the ‘clean’ safety profile. As of the time of their evaluation, therapy had been completed in 68% of subjects in theNASH-CX trial. As of September 30, 2017, 151 patients (100%) have completed all 52 weeks of infusions in this Phase 2b clinical trial. All of the doses have already been administered and end of study HVPG and liver biopsies have been completed. The dropout rate remains at approximately 7%, which is well below expectations, which may increase the power of the trial. We currently expect approximately 151 subjects will complete the trial in November 2017. This trial was designed, and is being conducted, with a primary endpoint that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration views may be a surrogate for outcomes for registration trials in this patient population. After completion of study endpoints and initial analysis of data, the Company remains on track to report top line data from theNASH-CX trial in early December 2017.

The second trial, our Phase 2a pilot trialNASH-FX for patients with NASH advanced fibrosis that explored use of threenon-invasive imaging technologies, is now complete. It was a shorter,short, single site, four-month trial in 30 NASH patients with advanced fibrosis, but not cirrhosis, randomized 1:1 to either9bi-weekly doses of 8 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02 or placebo. The trial did not meet its primary biomarker 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. After analysis ofWe, and many experts in the data, we do notfield, now believe that a four-month treatment period was likely long enough in the NASH populationmay not be sufficient to show efficacy results.results in established liver fibrosis. This small study was not powered for the secondary endpoints and thus, not surprisingly, did not meet the secondary endpoints. In the trial,GR-MD-02 was found to be safe and well tolerated among the patient population with no serious adverse events.

Although there was no apparent improvement in the threenon-invasive tests for assessment of liver fibrosis in the four-monthNASH-FX trial, the principal investigator of theNASH-FX trial has stated that the inhibition ofgalectin-3 withGR-MD-02 remains promising for the treatment of NASH fibrosis. Of note is thatGR-MD-02 has demonstrated an improved clinical effect inmoderate-to-severe psoriasis, and inmoderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis patients, suggesting the compound has activity in humans in an

immune-mediated inflammatory human disease that can occur in association with NASH and in whichgalectin-3 is believed to play a role.NASH. We believe our drug candidate provides a promising new approach for the therapy of fibrotic diseases, and liver fibrosis in particular. Fibrosis is the formation of excess connective tissue (collagen and other proteins plus cellular elements such as myofibroblasts) in response to damage, inflammation or repair. When the fibrotic tissue becomes confluent, it obliterates the cellular architecture, leading to scarring and dysfunction of the underlying organ. Givengalectin-3’s broad biological functionality, it has been demonstrated to be involved in cancer, inflammation and fibrosis, heart disease, and renal disease. We have further demonstrated the broad applicability of the actions of ourgalectin-3 inhibitor’s biological effect in ameliorating fibrosis involving lung, kidney, blood vessels, and cardiac tissues in a wide variety of animal models.

NASH-CX Trial:TheNASH-CX trial was a larger well-designed multi-center clinical trial that explored use ofGR-MD-02 for the treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in patients with well-compensated NASH cirrhosis. Enrollment in this trial 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 ofGR-MD-02, 8 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02 or placebo, with approximately 54 patients in each group. The primary endpoint was a reduction in change in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Patients received an infusion every other week for one year, total of 26 infusions, and were evaluated to determine the change in HVPG as compared with placebo. HVPG was also correlated with secondary endpoints of fibrosis on liver biopsy as well as with measurement of liver stiffness (FibroScan(R)) and assessment of liver metabolism (13C-methacetin breath test, Exalenz), which arenon-invasive measures of the liver that may be used in future studies. Top line data readout was reported in December 2017 demonstrating positive efficacy data and safety and clinically meaningful results in the NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis without esophageal varices (stage 1 cirrhosis).

In the total patient population, the primary endpoint HVPG showed a trend toward benefit withGR-MD-02 treatment, but the difference from placebo was not statistically significant. The mean change in HVPG of placebo from baseline to week 54 was 0.3 mm Hg. The mean change in HVPG from baseline was-0.37 and-0.42 for the 2 mg/kg dose and 8 mg/kg dose ofGR-MD-02, respectively.

Further analysis showed that the drug effect was significantly dependent on dose “varices” in the total group of patients (p<0.02). In those NASH cirrhosis patients without varices at baseline (about 50% of the total population), there was a statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg dose ofGR-MD-02 on the absolute change in HVPG(-1.08 mm Hg, p<0.01). The effect of the 8 mg/Kg dose ofGR-MD-02 on absolute or percent change in HVPG from baseline to week 54 was not significant. The population of patients without varices at baseline were further subdivided into those with mild portal hypertension (HVPG greater or equal to 6 mm Hg and less than 10 mm Hg). In patients with mild portal hypertension (MPH), both doses ofGR-MD-02 demonstrated a statistically significant effect on change in HVPG. The mean change in HVPG in the MPH group were +1.8 mm Hg for placebo and-0.3 and-0.4 mm Hg in the 2 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg dose groups, respectively. In patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (HVPG greater than 10 mm Hg) with no varices at baseline, there was a statistically significant effect of 2 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02 on the change in HVPG.

A responder analysis was performed on those patients without varices at baseline. Analysis was performed looking at two groups: those with an equal to or greater than 2 mm Hg decrease in HVPG from baseline or those with an equal to or greater than 2 mm Hg and a greater than or equal to 20% decrease in HVPG from baseline. In both cases, the change observed in theGR-MD-02 2 mg/kg group was statistically significant (p<0.01) while that of the 8 mg/kg group was not.

In terms of cirrhosis complications over the54-week treatment period, in patients without varices there were statistically significantly fewer new varices that developed in the treatment groups vs placebo. We believe this may represent a useful measure of clinical outcome.

The major conclusions, to date from theNASH-CX trial results are that: i)GR-MD-02 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. This effect was seen regardless of the patient’s baseline portal hypertension. Furthermore, we believe that patients with esophageal varices may have masked benefits in the total patient population. ii) There was an important drug effect ofGR-MD-02 in the total patient population on liver biopsy with a statistically significant improvement in hepatocyte ballooning (ie 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 this is a clinically relevant endpoint related to patient outcomes, (iv) While there was a drug effect in both the 2 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg dosage groups on liver biopsy and in the mild portal hypertension group, there was a consistently greater and statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg dose ofGR-MD-02,(v) GR-MD-02 appears to be safe and well tolerated in this one year clinical trial and (vi) We believe this is the first large, randomized clinical trial of any drug to demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in portal hypertension or liver biopsy in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis without esophageal varices.

Further information and details on theNASH-CX results summarized above is available in public presentations posted to our website and filed with the SEC.

NASH-RX Trial:The NASH-RX Trial is a phase 3 trial of GR-MD-02 in NASH cirrhosis patients. We have met with the FDA to discuss the results of the NASH-CX trial in an End of Phase 2 meeting as disclosed in our May 14, 2018 press release. The proposed target population of the Phase 3 clinical trial will be patients with well compensated established NASH cirrhosis and portal hypertension.Patients will be selected based on criteria commonly used in clinical practice to identify patients with portal hypertension who are at risk of developing esophageal varices. Ongoing conversations with FDA included a recent Type C Meeting via teleconference with the Agency on February 6, 2019, to discuss Galectin’s proposal for use of progression to varices as the primary surrogate endpoint moving forward.

In the meeting, FDA confirmed that the Agency is supportive of the use of progression to varices as a potential surrogate endpoint and progression to large varices as a component of a composite clinical benefit endpoint pending additional requested information. Galectin will address and implement additional FDA requests and considerations for the Phase 3 trial, when and where possible. Given the newness of the endpoint and the new information to be generated in the trial, some information requested may not currently be available or may not be able to be addressed fully until data from the Phase 3 trial is available to address the information requests.

The focus and goal of the therapeutic program is to stop the progression of and reverse the fibrosis and/or portal hypertension in the liver and, thereby improve liver function and prevent the development of complications of fibrosis/cirrhosis and liver-related mortality in patients. The results of the NASH-CX trial substantiate that, 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 portal hypertension at risk of developing esophageal varices that may bleed and experience other decompensating events. The trial design has been refined with external consultants and sent out to potential CROs in a confidential Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

The final primary endpoint and additional aspects of the Phase 3 clinical trial design, including projected timing and costs will be announced once the final protocol is completed and filed with FDA. The study is a parallel group, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial, of either 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg GR-MD-02 or placebo administered by i.v. infusion every two weeks for two years to NASH Cirrhosis patients who did not have esophageal varices at baseline. The surrogate endpoint is the proportion of patients in treatment groups who develop esophageal varices vs placebo after 2 years of treatment under an accelerated approval (Subpart H) pathway. Various secondary and exploratory endpoints are planned to be included which amongst other items may include HVPG determination in a subset of patients, liver biopsies to qualify the underlying disease state, various biomarkers, and digital video EGDs (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) at baseline and every six months thereafter. There will be adjudication panels/central readers for the critical endpoints. No interim analysis is included in the study design. Primary inclusion criteria is based on using modified Baveno VI criteria amongst other factors. This represents those criteria commonly used in clinical practice to identify patients with portal hypertension who are at risk of developing esophageal varices.

The key milestones and associated target dates for the NASH-RX trial are subject to change as are elements of design of the trial following FDA feedback on the recent submission. These target dates currently include: First Patient Fall, 2019; Enrollment Period Estimated: 12-14 months; Last Patient enrolled: Q4, 2020; Estimated Last Patient completion: Fall, 2022 and Top Line Data: around the end of 2022. The study will involve approximately 500 patients at up to 130 sites in 11 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and will continue for two years of dosing.

Following a Request for Proposal process involving six global Contract Research Organizations (CROs), Covance has been selected as our CRO for the NASH- RX Phase 3 trial. Covance’s extensive experience in conducting clinical trials in liver-related diseases was an important consideration in evaluating CROs. We are particularly impressed by its work with clinical trials involving assessment and adjudication of video endoscopies, the critical variable of the primary endpoint in our Phase 3 trial. Covance has already begun extensive work on site and vendor startup activities. We are also including a NASH-specific site network to accelerate site startup and patient enrollment for this trial. The global medical team at Covance, together with our two co-primary investigators (Co-PI), who are also key opinion leaders in NASH, dedicated considerable time and effort to design and optimize the study design for success and to maximize the likelihood of attracting and retaining patients during the two years of extensive assessments and treatments. A startup agreement has been executed with Covance which allowed them to start work on protocols development, statistical analysis plans, support us in addressing some of FDAs questions, and to engage vendors for various activities in support of the NASH-RX trial.

We addressed FDAs questions from the February 2019 meeting in a large, detailed response which was submitted on July 17, 2019 to FDA for assessment of the revised Phase 3 protocol for using belapectin (GR-MD-02) for the treatment of compensated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis without esophageal varices (the NASH-RX trial). The plans, which are subject to FDA’s acceptance of the submission for review and acknowledgement, were put forward via a Type C Written Response Only (WRO) submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the goal of finalizing the protocol and initiating the Phase 3 trial in the fourth quarter of this year.

In our previous meeting with the FDA in February 2019, the Agency stated that while it is supportive of the potential use of progression to varices as a surrogate endpoint and progression to large varices as a component of a composite clinical benefit endpoint, several items should be addressed before it could agree on trial design and the endpoints. The purpose of the recent submission is to address these items and gain the FDA’s endorsement of the planned protocol.

In support of the Phase 3 protocol, at the request of the Agency, we have also submitted the current clinical development plan, a draft Phase 4 study synopsis, a draft SAP for the Phase 4 study, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure manual to standardize centralized evaluation of the primary and key secondary esophageal varices endpoints, and an updated Investigator Brochure suitable for international studies, as well as complete responses to the FDA’s comments from the previous meeting, including the justification for dose selection and foregoing a dedicated hepatic impairment study.

Cancer Immunotherapy. We believe there is potential for galectin inhibition to play a key role in the burgeoning area of cancer immunotherapy. For example, there have been several recent approvals of drugs that enhance a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. It is our goal to use a galectin inhibitor to further enhance the immune system function to fight cancer in a way that complements other approaches to this type of therapy. This hypothesis is supported by the fact thatgalectin-3 is expressed at high levels in multiple types of tumors, adds to the malignant nature of the tumors, and protects the tumors from immune system attack. Our drug candidates provide a promising new therapeutic approach to enhance the activity of the immune system against cancer cells. Preclinical studies have indicated thatGR-MD-02 enhances the immune response to cancer cells, increased tumor shrinkage and enhanced survival in immune competent mice with prostate, breast, melanoma and sarcoma cancers when combined with one of the immune checkpoint inhibitors,anti-CTLA-4 oranti-PD-1, andor with the immune cell activator anti-OX40. These preclinical data led to the filing of two Investigator-sponsored INDs and the initiation of studies ofGR-MD-02 in combination with Yervoy® (ipilimumab) and KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in Phase 1B studies of patients with metastatic melanoma. The KEYTRUDA trial has also been expanded to include patients withnon-small cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These studies are being conducted under the sponsorship of Providence Portland Medical Center’s Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (EACRI).

Data on this combination immunotherapy program was initially presented on February 7, 2017 at the 9th GTCBio Immunotherapeutics & Immunomonitoring Conference in San Diego, CA by Dr. William L. Redmond, Providence Cancer Center. Preclinical results in mouse models of multiple types of cancers showed important anti-tumor activity and increased survival effects of combiningGR-MD-02 with different types of immune modulators, providing a case for progressing studies into human patients with cancer. Seven patients were treated in theGR-MD-02 in combination with Yervoy trial, with no safety concerns in these low dose cohorts. Due to changes in the standard of care for metastatic melanoma (i.e., approval ofanti-PD-1), recruitment has been slowed significantly in this trial. Promising results were reported in the Phase 1b trial combiningGR-MD-02 with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA). Cohort 1 was completed (n=6, 5 with melanoma, one head and neck) with one partial response and one mixed response in 5 melanoma patients. There was a rapid and marked tumor response after 3 doses of combinedGR-MD-02 and pembrolizumab in the one partial response patient who had failed high-doseIL-2 and oncolytic virus + ipilimumab. This Phase 1b clinical trial that combinesGR-MD-02 with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®) continues to enroll patients and recently completed the second cohort, which used 4 mg/kgGR-MD-02. The third cohort, which will start 85 days following the final patient enrollment in the second cohort, will enroll 10 patients at a dose of 8 mg/kgGR-MD-02. There will likely be additional data reported in early 2018. The study is ongoing and progression to further development will be based on response rate as compared to historical response rates to pembrolizumab alone. In September 2018 we announced additional preliminary clinical data from cohort 3 of this investigator-initiated trial. When aggregated with cohorts previously reported, the data shows a 50% objective response rate in advanced melanoma withGR-MD-02 in combination with KEYTRUDA, and a significant decrease in the frequency of suppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells following treatment in the responding patients (on day 85 post-treatment). Fourteen advanced melanoma patients across three dose cohorts now have Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Disease Control Rate (DCR) data. Six patients completed in cohort 3 (8 mg/Kg) have now been added to the three patients completed in cohort 2 (4 mg/Kg) and five patients completed in cohort 1 (2 mg/Kg). Cohorts 1 and 3 each had two patients with an objective response. All three patients in cohort 2 had an objective response. In addition to the fourteen advanced melanoma patients, six patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in this trial with a 33% ORR and 67% DCR. These data, taken together with the observed favorable safety and tolerability of the combination, in the view of the principal investigator, provide compelling rationale to move forward. Given that all three melanoma patients were responders at the 4 mg/Kg dose, the investigators plan to continue the trial with the expansion of the 4 mg/Kg cohort to include additional advanced melanoma patients and additional head and neck cancer patients.    The expansion cohort will target to include 15 patients and is planned to have continuedGR-MD-02 dosing as long as pembrolizumab is administered. Assuming these additional data are positive, the next logical step could be a Phase II trial.

Severe skin diseases.

Psorasis.During our Phase 1 NASH fibrosis trial withGR-MD-02, a clinical effect on plaque psoriasis was observed in a NASH patient who also had this disease. This patient had marked improvement in her psoriasis, with improvement beginning after the third infusion. She reported that her psoriasis was “completely gone” and her skin was “normal” after the fourth infusion. Her skin remained normal for 17 months after the final infusion of study drug. The patient is convinced that the improvement in her psoriasis is related to the study drug.

This serendipitous finding, combined withgalectin-3 protein being markedly upregulated in the capillary epithelia (small blood vessels) of the psoriatic dermis (plaque lesions), led to a phase 2a trial in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.GR-MD-02 inhibition ofgalectin-3 may attenuate capillary changes in the psoriatic dermis and inflammatory recruitment, perhaps explaining the improvements observed in the NASH fibrosis trial patient. In this open-label, unblinded trial (no placebo, all patients knowingly receive active drug), 5 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were administeredGR-MD-02 every two weeks for 24 weeks. In May 2016, we reported positive results on the first four patients after 12 weeks of therapy. Based on these results, we modified the trial to include 24 weeks of therapy. In August 2016, we reported on four patients after 24 weeks of therapy and one patient after 12 weeks of therapy. The four patients who received 24 weeks of therapy experienced an average of 48% improvement in their plaque psoriasis. At this time, the average response in all five patients remains at 50% with one patient having an 82% improvement. However, there are existing drugs on the market in this disease that produce 75% and higher improvements in60-90% of patients. While we are encouraged that this study has demonstrated clinically meaningful results in a human disease withGR-MD-02, the next steps would entail a controlled, does-ranging clinical trial which we do not expect to conduct absent a strategic partnership. The results of this Phase 2a clinical trial was presented at the Maui Derm for Dermatologists meeting in March 2017. The results have been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in October 2017.

Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic (itching), immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease that for some adult patients can be severe and debilitating. There is an important unmet medical need in adults with severe disease who are not adequately treated with topical medicines. Our findings in psoriasis led to an interest in exploring the potential utility of the compound in treatment of AD. A Phase 2a open label trial was initiated in 3 adult patients who were treated withGR-MD-02 at 8 mg/Kg every other week for 12 weeks, and dosage could be increased to 12 mg/Kg for weeks12-24 if an incomplete response was observed. The response was objectively evaluated using two validated scores: the EASI (eczema area and severity index) and SCORAD (severity scoring of atopic dermatitis index). All three patients showed clinical responses as determined by reduction of EASI and SCORAD during the study. but no subject achieved a primary endpoint. Upon completion of the24-week treatment phase subject 1 met both secondary endpoints ofSCORAD-50 andEASI-50, and subject 2 met one secondary endpoint(EASI-50). Subject 3 approached a secondary endpoint with an EASI reduction of 49% at week 24. There were no drug related adverse events during this trial. These initial findings are believed to suggest a clinically relevant effect. Additionally, the 12 mg/Kg dosage was administered safely in this patient population.

We believe the mechanism of action forGR-MD-02 in moderate to severe skin diseases is based upon interaction with, and inhibition of, galectin proteins, particularlygalectin-3, which are expressed at high levels in certain pathological states including inflammation, fibrosis skin diseases and cancer. WhileGR-MD-02 is capable of binding to multiple galectin proteins, we believe that it has the greatest affinity forgalectin-3, the most prominent galectin implicated in pathological processes. Blocking galectin in cancer and liver fibrosis has specific salutary effects on the disease process.process, as discussed previously.

Results of Operations

Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to Three and Six Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018

Research and Development Expense.

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2017 as Compared to 2016 
       Three Months  Nine Months 
   2017   2016   2017   2016   $ Change   % Change  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands, except %) 

Research and development

  $3,503   $3,289   $10,719   $11,892   $214    7 $(1,173  (10%) 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   2019 as Compared to 2018 
   June 30,   June 30,   Three Months  Six Months 
   2019   2018   2019   2018   $ Change   % Change  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands, except %) 

Research and development

  $1,522   $1,476   $2,168   $3,774   $46    3 $(1,606  (43%) 

We generally categorize research and development expenses as either direct external expenses, comprised of amounts paid to third party vendors for services, or all other research and development expenses, comprised of employee payroll and general overhead allocable to research and development. We consider a clinical program to have begun upon acceptance by the FDA, or similar agency outside of the United States, to commence a clinical trial in humans, at which time we begin tracking expenditures by the product candidate. Clinical program expenses comprise payments to vendors related to preparation for, and conduct of, all phases of the clinical trial, including costs for drug manufacture, patient dosing and monitoring, data collection and management, oversight of the trials and reports of results.Pre-clinical expenses comprise all research and development amounts incurred before human trials begin, including payments to vendors for services related to product experiments and discovery, toxicology, pharmacology, metabolism and efficacy studies, as well as manufacturing process development for a drug candidate.

We have two product candidates,GR-MD-02 andGM-CT-01; however onlyGR-MD-02 is in active development. We filed for an IND forGR-MD-02 in January 2013 and in February 2013 we entered into an agreement with CTI to conduct a Phase 1 clinical trial ofGR-MD-02. In March 2013, the FDA indicated we could proceed with a Phase 1 human clinical trial ofGR-MD-02, and we began enrolling patients in the third quarter of 2013. In January 2014, we completed the enrollment of the first cohort of patients in the Phase 1 trial with no serious adverse events being reported. We reported initial safety and tolerability results from the first cohort of patients on March 31, 2014. The second cohort of this Phase 1 trial began and enrollment was completed in April 2014. In July 2014, we reported the results from the second cohort of patients. Enrollment of the third cohort of Phase 1 began in July 2014 with interim results presented in November 2014 with the final report on cohort 3 presented in January 2015. The results of the Phase 1 study demonstrate that(i) GR-MD-02 was safe and well tolerated by patients with advanced NASH liver fibrosis after IV administration of four doses of 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg and 8mg/kg lean body weight, (ii) Pharmacokinetics revealed drug exposure in humans at the 8 mg/kg dose that was equivalent to the upper range of the targeted therapeutic dose determined from effective doses in NASH animal models, (iii) Disease Serum Marker Effect showed there was a statistically significant, dose-dependent reduction in FibroTest ® scores due to a statistically significant reduction inalpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) serum levels, and (iv) Liver Stiffness Effect, as measured by FibroScan ® showed that there was a signal of reduced liver stiffness in patients receivingGR-MD-02. The reduction seen in A2M doesnot necessarily mean fibrosis got better in this short study, but does suggest changes in the fibrogenic process that might lead to an improvement in fibrosis with longer-term therapy. These Phase 1 results in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis provide a firm foundation for entry into a Phase 2 development program.

The Company held an “End of Phase 1 meeting” with the FDA and, amongst other things, received guidance on the primary endpoints for a Phase 2 trial. Our Phase 2 program in fibrotic disease consists of two separate human clinical trials. The first clinical trial is the Phase 2bNASH-CX study for patients with NASH with cirrhosis, which began enrolling in June 2015. This study is the primary focus of our program and is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group Phase 2 trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy ofGR-MD-02 for the treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in patients with NASH cirrhosis. Enrollment in this trial was completed in September 2016, and a total of 162 patients at 36 sites in the United States were be randomized to receive either 2 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02, 8 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02 or placebo, with approximately 54 patients in each group. The primary endpoint is a reduction in change in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Patients are receiving an infusion every other week for one year, total of 26 infusions, and will be evaluated to determine the change in HVPG as compared with placebo. HVPG will be correlated with secondary endpoints of fibrosis on liver biopsy as well as with measurement of liver stiffness (FibroScan(R)) and assessment of liver metabolism (13C-methacetin breath test, Exalenz), which arenon-invasive measures of the liver that may be used in future studies. Data readout is expected in early December 2017.

The second trial, our Phase 2a pilot trialNASH-FX for patients with NASH advanced fibrosis which explored use of threenon-invasive imaging technologies, is now complete. It was a shorter, four-month trial in 30 NASH patients with advanced fibrosis, but not cirrhosis, randomized 1:1 to either 9bi-weekly doses of 8 mg/kg ofGR-MD-02 or placebo. The trial did not meet its primary biomarker 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. After analysis of the data, we do not believe that a four-month treatment period was likely long enough in the NASH population to show efficacy results. This small study was not powered for the secondary endpoints and thus, not surprisingly did not meet the secondary endpoints. In the trial,GR-MD-02 was found to be safe and well tolerated among the patient population with no serious adverse events.

Although there was no apparent improvement in the threenon-invasive tests for assessment of liver fibrosis in the four-monthNASH-FX trial, the principal investigator of theNASH-FX trial has stated that the inhibition ofgalectin-3 withGR-MD-02 remains promising for the treatment of NASH fibrosis. Of note is thatGR-MD-02 has demonstrated an improved clinical effect inmoderate-to-severe psoriasis, suggesting the compound has activity in a human disease that can occur in association with NASH. We believe our drug candidate provides a promising new approach for the therapy of fibrotic diseases, and liver fibrosis in particular. Fibrosis is the formation of excess connective tissue (collagen and other proteins plus cellular elements such as myofibroblasts) in response to damage, inflammation or repair. When the fibrotic tissue becomes confluent, it obliterates the cellular architecture, leading to scarring and dysfunction of the underlying organ. Givengalectin-3’s broad biological functionality, it has been demonstrated to be involved in cancer, inflammation and fibrosis, heart disease, renal disease and stroke. We have further demonstrated the broad applicability of the actions of ourgalectin-3 inhibitor’s biological effect in ameliorating fibrosis involving lung, kidney and cardiac tissues in a variety of animal models.

The focus and goal of the therapeutic program is to stop the progression of and reverse the fibrosis in the liver and, thereby improve liver function and prevent the development of complications of fibrosis/cirrhosis and liver-related mortality in patients.

Additionally, during the Phase 1 clinical trial, there appeared to be a potential beneficial effect on at least one patient’s moderate to severe psoriasis. This serendipitous finding, combined withgalectin-3 protein being markedly upregulated in the capillary epithelia (small blood vessels) of the psoriatic dermis (plaque lesions), led to a phase 2a trial in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.GR-MD-02 inhibition ofgalectin-3 may attenuate capillary changes in the psoriatic dermis and inflammatory recruitment, perhaps explaining the improvements observed in the NASH fibrosis trial patient. In this open-label, unblinded trial (no placebo, all patients knowingly receive active drug), 4 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were administeredGR-MD-02 every two weeks for 12 weeks. In May 2016, we reported positive results on the first four patients after 12 weeks of therapy. Based on these results, we modified the trial to include 24 weeks of therapy. In August 2016, we reported on four patients after 24 weeks of therapy and one patient after 12 weeks of therapy. The four patients who received 24 weeks of therapy experienced an average of 48% improvement in their plaque psoriasis. However, there are existing drugs on the market in this disease that produce 75% and higher improvements. While we are encouraged that this study has demonstrated clinically meaningful results in a human disease withGR-MD-02, we do not expect to conduct further trials in this area absent a strategic partnership.

An open label drug-drug interaction study was completed withGR-MD-02 and it showed that with 8 mg/kg dose ofGR-MD-02 and 2 mg/kg dose of midazolam there was no drug-drug interaction and no serious adverse events or drug-related adverse events were observed. This study was required by the FDA and the primary objective was to determine if single or multiple intravenous (IV) doses ofGR-MD-02 affect the pharmacokinetics (PK) of midazolam. The secondary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability ofGR-MD-02 when administered concomitantly with midazolam. The lack of a drug interaction in this study enables Galectin to expand the number of patients eligible for its Phase 2 clinical trial. In addition, shouldGR-MD-02 be approved for marketing, the success of this study supports a broader patient population for the drug label.

Based on guidance from FDA and in furtherance of its understanding of theGR-MD-02 molecule, we continue to enhance its chemistry, manufacturing and control procedures onGR-MD-02 active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) as well as on the finished, sterile, pharmaceutical dosage form. Various state of the art and cutting-edge analytical technologies are being utilized, for example, to characterize and quantify the backbone vs. side-chain constituents and their quantitation, use of sophisticated linkage analysis with2-D NMR to provide both qualitative and quantitative information on the proportion of oligomers, degree of methylation, as well as other monoclonal specific antibody techniques to map GR oligomer integrity and distribution. The Company has also characterized how the GR molecule behaves under conditions of forced degradation.

Our research and development expenses were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
   (in thousands) 

Direct external expenses:

  

Clinical programs

  $2,945   $2,499   $8,973   $9,272 

Pre-clinical activities

   39    213    105    787 

All other research and development expenses

   519    577    1,641    1,833 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $3,503   $3,289   $10,719   $11,892 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (in thousands) 

Direct external expenses:

  

Clinical programs

  $944   $331   $930   $1,617 

Pre-clinical activities

   17    50    101    116 

All other research and development expenses

   561    1,095    1,137    2,041 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $1,522   $1,476   $2,168   $3,774 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Clinical programs expenses increased duringin the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as compared to2019 over the prior year and decreased during ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 20162018 primarily due to timing of costs incurred in theNASH-CX clinical trial. As we continue our Phase 2 trial, we expect our clinical activities costs will increase although they may fluctuate from quarter to quarter as the trials progress. Clinical activities expenses primarily decreased due to reduced expenses associated with drug manufacturing and preparation.Pre-clinical activities decreased primarily because we have completedpre-clinical work directly related to our Phase 23 NASH RX clinical trial program.planning and preparations. Other research and development expense decreased in the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 compared to 20162019 over the three months ended June 30, 2018 primarily due to a decrease innon-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $191,000.$544,000. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the previous year, clinical program expenses are lower due to the close out costs in 2018 of the Phase 2 clinical trials in that period being higher than the startup costs and activities related to the Phase 3 clinical trial through the first half of 2019. Other research and development expense decreased in the six months ended June 30, 2019 over the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily due to a decrease innon-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $992,000.

Both the time required and costs we may incur in order to commercialize a drug candidate that would result in material net cash inflow are subject to numerous variables, and therefore we are unable at this stage of our development to forecast useful estimates. Variables that make estimates difficult include the number of clinical trials we may undertake, the number of patients needed to participate in the clinical trial, patient recruitment uncertainties, trial results as to the safety and efficacy of our product, and uncertainties as to the regulatory agency response to our trial data prior to receipt of marketing approval. Moreover, the FDA or other regulatory agencies may suspend clinical trials if we or an agency believes patients in the trial are subject to unacceptable risks or find deficiencies in the conduct of the clinical trial. Delays or rejections may also occur if governmental regulation or policy changes during our clinical trials or in the course of review of our clinical data. Due to these uncertainties, accurate and meaningful estimates of the ultimate cost to bring a product to market, the timing of costs and completion of our program and the period during which material net cash inflows will commence are unavailable at this time.

General and Administrative Expense.

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2017 as Compared to 2016 
       Three Months  Nine Months 
   2017   2016   2017   2016   $ Change  % Change  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands, except %) 

General and administrative

  $911   $1,248   $3,155   $4,990   $(337  (27%)  $(1,835  (37)% 
                   2019 as Compared to 2018 
   Three Months
Ended June 30,
   Six Months
Ended June 30,
   Three Months  Six Months 
   2019   2018   2019   2018   $ Change  % Change  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands, except %) 

General and administrative

  $1,498   $2,283   $3,219   $4,163   $(785  (34)%  $(944  (23)% 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries including stock basedstock-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 SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to the same period in 2016 are reduced legal expenses of approximately $163,000 and decreased2018 is due to a decrease innon-cash, stockstock-based compensation expense of approximately $90,000.$457,000 and smaller decreases in legal and business development expenses.    The primary reasons for the decrease in general and administrative expenses for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to the same period in 20162018 is due to recording of severance of $300,000, acceleration ofa decrease innon-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $578,000 related to the termination of the Company’s executive chairman in January 2016, a$784,000 and smaller decrease in investor relations expenses of approximately $335,000, a decrease in legal expenses of $248,000, and a decrease innon-cash stock based compensation expense of $403,000.business development expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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, 2017, we raised a net total of $132 million from these offerings. We haveThe Company has operated at a loss since ourits inception and havehas had no significant revenues. We anticipateThe Company anticipates that losses will continue for the foreseeable future. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017, we2019, the Company had $7.0$52 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. We believe that with the cash on hand at September 30, 2017,The Company believes there is sufficient cash, including availability of the line of credit (see Note 3), to fund currently planned operations at least through February 2018 which creates uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our abilityDecember 31, 2020. We expect that we will require more cash to fund our operations after our current cash resources are exhausted depends on our abilityDecember 31, 2020 and believe we will be able to obtain additional financing or achieve profitablefinancing. The currently planned operations asinclude estimated costs related to which no assurancesa planned Phase 3 clinical trial through December 31, 2020. While the costs of the trial and general overhead during the Phase 3 trial are expected to be approximately $100 million, the costs and timing of such trial is not yet completely finalized. These costs will require additional funding. There can be given.no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining financing to support our operations beyond December 31, 2020 or, if available, that any such financing will be on terms acceptable to us. Accordingly, based on the forecasts and estimates underlying the Company’sour current operating plan, substantial doubt exists about the ability for the Company to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not currently include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company iswe are unable to continue as a going concern.

On May 23, 2019, we completed an offering of common stock and warrants to its shareholders of record as of April 29, 2019. In the offering, we received approximately $44.9 million for the issuance of 10,488,161 shares of common stock and warrants which may be exercised for 2,622,154 shares of common stock. The warrants may be exercised at $7.00 per share of common stock and expire on May 23, 2026.

Net cash used in operations increaseddecreased by $444,000$981,000 to $11,988,000$5,614,000 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, as compared to $11,544,000$6,595,000 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2018. Cash operating expenses increaseddecreased principally just due to timingthe winding down in 2018 of payments for research and developmentPhase 2 clinical trial somewhat offset by startup activities related to ourthe planned Phase 3 clinical trial activity withGR-MD-02.in 2019.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016,2019, of $3,584,000 and $1,757,000, respectively,$49,404,000 represents net proceeds from the saleissuance of common stock from the stockholder rights offering of $44,889,000, from the ATM of $1,865,000 and preferred$2,650,000 from the exercise of common stock options and warrants.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018, of $14,039,000 represents proceeds from the exercise of common stock warrants and options and issuances of common stock from the ATM.

Other.Other

We have engaged outside vendors for certain services associated with our clinical trials. These services are generally available from several providers and, accordingly, our arrangements are typically cancellable on 30 days notice.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not created, and are not a party to, any special-purpose oroff-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating parts of our business that are not consolidated into our financial statements. We do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into our financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or the availability of capital resources.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to intangible assets, accrued expenses, stock-based compensation, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, our observance of trends in the industry, information available from other outside sources and on various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are those policies that affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We believe our critical accounting policies include our policies regarding stock-based compensation, accrued expenses and income taxes. For a more detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies, please refer to our 20162018 Annual Report on Form10-K.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, operating results or cash flows due to changes in the U.S. interest rates. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve cash until it is required to fund operations. To minimize risk, we maintain our portfolio of cash and cash equivalents in operating bank accounts and money market funds. Since our investments are short-term in duration, we believe that we are not subject to any material market risk exposure.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and concluded that, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, no change in our internal control over financial reporting has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings

None except as discussed in Note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.

None.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The information set forth in this report should be read in conjunction with the risk factors set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of Part I of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, which could materially impact our business, financial condition or future results.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

Item 5.Other Information

Item 5. Other Information

Not Applicable

Item 6.Exhibits

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description of Document

  

Note

Reference

 
  31.1* Certification Pursuant to Rule13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  
  31.2* Certification Pursuant to Rule13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  
  32.1** Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  
  32.2** Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  
101.INS XBRL Instance Document*  
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*  
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document*  
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*  
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document*  
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*  

 

*

Filed herewith.

**

Furnished herewith and not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on November 7, 2017.August 9, 2019.

 

GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.
By: /s/ Peter G. TraberHarold H. Shlevin
Name: Peter G. Traber, M.D.Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D.
Title: 

Chief Executive Officer and President

(principal executive officer)

By: /s/ Jack W. Callicutt
Name: Jack W. Callicutt
Title: 

Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

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