An accumulation of fat in liver cells can lead to inflammation and cell death which can develop into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It can progress over many years into cirrhosis and can potentially lead to the need for a liver transplant. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people in the world have fatty liver disease and about 5% will go on to develop cirrhosis, making it an enormous unmet medical need and cause for concern in both the United States and the rest of the globe. Additionally, the presence of fatty liver disease has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, further emphasizing the need for more research, education, and preemptive action.

Peter Traber, MD
CEO/CMO: Galectin Therapeutics