Galectin Therapeutics (GALT) 10-K 2016 FY Annual report

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement Nos.333-116629,333-109893,333-159247,333-198070,333-176306, and333-176305 on FormS-8, and Registration Statement Nos.333-194747,333-172849,333-150898,333-148911,333-132459,333-118907,333-115118,333-111650,333-109887,333-208674 and333-213138, on FormS-3 of our report dated March 28, 2017 included in this Annual Report on Form10-K of Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) relating to the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016.

/S/ CHERRY BEKAERT LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

March 28, 2017