It contains oligosaccharide chains containing galactose residues, binds to Gal‐3, and inhibits function of Gal‐3.[581] The safety and pharmacokinetics of belapectin have been confirmed in a randomized clinical study in NASH participants with bridging fibrosis.[582] However, in a phase IIb, randomized trial assessing belapectin in patients with NASH, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension, belapectin was found to be safe but not associated with significant reduction in fibrosis. This evidence concerns the gene LGALS3 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.