Artelo Biosciences Inc (NASDAQ:ARTL) saw its stock jump 10% after unveiling encouraging preclinical results for its lead drug candidate, ART26.12, at the 35th Annual International Cannabinoid Research Society Symposium.
The investigational therapy—designed as a non-opioid, non-steroidal fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) inhibitor—demonstrated strong analgesic effects in a model of osteoarthritis pain. According to the company, ART26.12 delivered pain relief on par with naproxen, a widely used NSAID, while retaining its efficacy over four weeks of chronic dosing without any signs of tolerance.
Further analysis showed that daily administration of ART26.12 led to elevated levels of endocannabinoids such as 2-Arachidonoylglycerol and Oleoylethanolamide. These increases were associated with improved weight-bearing in the affected limbs of test animals, suggesting enhanced functional recovery.
The company underscored potential safety benefits, noting that NSAIDs are often linked to gastrointestinal side effects and a higher risk of ulcers—issues ART26.12 may help avoid.
“These preclinical OA study results, which complement our recently announced positive human single dose safety data, continue to support ART26.12 as a well-differentiated and potentially safer alternative to NSAIDs in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain,” said Professor Saoirse O’Sullivan, Vice President of Translation Sciences at Artelo.
Artelo Biosciences stock price
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