Galecto Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to the development of novel small molecule therapeutics directed at biological targets which are at the heart of fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. The company was founded by leading fibrosis-focused scientists and biotech executives and is built on more than 10 years of research into galectin and fibrosis modulators. Galecto's team has developed a deep understanding of the galectin family of proteins and the LOXL2 enzyme, and how both influence multiple biological pathways of these complex, often devastating, diseases.Galecto’s goal is to develop a portfolio of drugs that target biochemical pathways common to the development of fibrosis with the intent of bringing therapeutic benefit to patients suffering from a broad range of fibrotic diseases. The company is developing small molecule fibrosis inhibitors focusing on two targets: galectin-3 and LOXL2.
Galectin-3 has been implicated in diseases of the lung, liver, eye and cardiovascular system amongst many others, where it can promote the development of tissue scarring (fibrosis) and inflammation. In addition, galectin expression and activity has been associated with the development and progression of cancer, often with a poor prognosis.
LOXL2, a key enzyme involved in the formation of the extracellular matrix during the fibrotic process, has been implicated in multiple fibrotic indications, including myelofibrosis and fibrotic diseases of the lung, liver and kidney.