Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (12,057)	$ (9,289)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8	9
Stock-based compensation expense	3,271	3,276
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences LLC	390
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets	108	126
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Notes 2 and 8)	(1,033)	45
Other long-term liabilities		(5)
Net cash used in operating activities	(9,313)	(5,838)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Equity method investment in Galectin Sciences LLC	(400)
Net cash used in investing activities	(400)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants	28,238	3,000
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants and options	2,187	3,189
Net cash provided by financing activities	30,425	6,189
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	20,712	351
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	10,489	9,364
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	31,201	9,715
NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payment of preferred stock dividends in common stock	$ 766	$ 694