Artelo Biosciences (NASDAQ:ARTL) is expanding its development pipeline into ophthalmology with a new clinical study evaluating its drug candidate ART27.13 for the treatment of glaucoma. The San Diego–based clinical-stage biotech company said the investigator-sponsored trial will be fully funded through support from Glaucoma UK and the Health and Social Care (HSC) Research & Development Division, with the first patient expected to enroll in the second quarter of 2026.
The move represents a strategic diversification of Artelo’s pipeline while avoiding the need for additional shareholder-funded equity financing.
Targeting a rapidly growing global market
The global glaucoma treatment market continues to expand as the number of patients rises. The sector was valued at about $9.46 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach roughly $16.3 billion by 2033, growing at an estimated annual rate of just over 7%.
Glaucoma affects millions worldwide. Around 145.9 million people were living with the disease in 2021, with the number expected to increase to about 166 million by 2026. In the United States alone, approximately 4.2 million adults had glaucoma in 2022, including roughly 1.5 million experiencing vision impairment. That number is projected to rise to 6.3 million by 2050.
While the patient population continues to grow, treatment innovation has struggled to keep pace, creating an opportunity for new therapeutic approaches.
ART27.13 aims to address unmet needs
Many current glaucoma therapies focus on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a key risk factor for disease progression. However, a significant number of patients continue to experience vision loss despite treatment.
Artelo’s ART27.13 is designed to target a different biological pathway. The compound is a peripherally selective synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist that primarily activates CB2 receptors. Preclinical studies suggest the drug may help regulate intraocular pressure through effects on aqueous humor dynamics and ocular blood flow, while also offering anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.
By focusing on peripheral CB2 receptor activity, ART27.13 aims to avoid the central nervous system side effects that historically limited the clinical development of cannabinoid-based treatments for eye diseases.
Investigator-sponsored trial structure
The study will be led by Professor Augusto Azuara-Blanco at Queen’s University Belfast and conducted by the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit. The pilot study, titled “A Pilot, Randomized, Cross-Over Study to Determine the Effects of an Oral, Peripherally Selective, Synthetic Cannabinoid ART27.13 on Intraocular Pressure,” will evaluate the drug’s impact on intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
Because the trial is investigator-sponsored, the funding is provided externally while Artelo retains strategic oversight and rights to the study data. This model can help biotechnology companies advance clinical programs while preserving capital.
The crossover design of the trial will allow each participant to serve as their own control, improving statistical power while potentially reducing the number of patients required and shortening development timelines.
“This collaboration broadens ART27.13’s therapeutic profile beyond cancer-related anorexia while preserving our internal focus on the lead indication,” said Greg D. Gorgas, President and CEO of Artelo Biosciences.
Multiple programs in development
ART27.13 is also being developed for cancer-related anorexia. Interim results from the Phase 2 CAReS study have shown improvements in body weight, lean body mass and physical activity among patients receiving the drug, along with a favorable safety profile.
In addition, Artelo recently received a Notice of Allowance from the European Patent Office covering the intended commercial formulation of ART27.13, extending potential patent protection in Europe through December 2041.
Beyond ART27.13, the company is developing therapies that target lipid-signaling pathways for conditions including cancer, pain, dermatological disorders and neurological diseases.
Upcoming milestones
Key milestones for the company include the start of patient enrollment in the glaucoma pilot trial in the second quarter of 2026, continued progress in the Phase 2 CAReS trial for cancer-related anorexia, and advancement of its broader pipeline programs.
Artelo Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego that focuses on developing therapies designed to modulate the endocannabinoid system for a range of serious medical conditions.