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Targeting galectin-3 in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases

Selena Bouffette1, Iuliana Botez2, Frédéric De Ceuninck3

  • 1Servier, Neurology and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Servier R&D Center, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Orsay, France.

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|June 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a key factor in various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. New Gal-3 inhibitors show promise as therapeutic tools for conditions like COVID-19 and neuroinflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin implicated in fibrosis and inflammation across multiple organs.
  • Gal-3 plays a role in cardiac, hepatic, renal, pulmonary, and neuroinflammatory disorders, as well as respiratory infections like COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in Gal-3 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.
  • To highlight new-generation Gal-3 inhibitors and their preclinical and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on Gal-3 inhibitors.
  • Analysis of preclinical data and ongoing clinical trials for Gal-3 targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • Recent breakthroughs have led to the development of potent, selective, and bioavailable Gal-3 inhibitors.
  • These inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases.
  • Several Gal-3 inhibitors are progressing through clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Galectin-3 is a validated therapeutic target for a range of debilitating diseases.
  • New Gal-3 inhibitors represent promising therapeutic agents with potential for broad clinical application.
  • Further research and strategic development are crucial to fully exploit Gal-3 as a therapeutic target.
Keywords:
drugfibrosisgalectin-3inflammationtarget

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