Artelo Biosciences Reveals Data on Broad Potential of FABP Inhibitor Platform

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., July 2, 2024 -- Artelo Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTL), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company specializing in lipid-signaling pathway modulation, revealed significant findings at the 34th Annual International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) Symposium. The event took place from June 30 to July 5, 2024, in Salamanca, Spain. Presentations from key researchers highlighted the broad therapeutic potentials of inhibiting Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5).

Dr. George Warren, Principal Scientist at Artelo, Myles Osborn, Medicinal Chemist at Artelo, and Matthew Jones, Ph.D. candidate from the Laviolette laboratory at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, each shared compelling data from their respective studies. These studies demonstrated the potential benefits of FABP5 inhibition across various medical conditions, including cancer, psoriasis, and anxiety disorders.

In one significant presentation titled “Efficacy of ART26.12, a Novel Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 Inhibitor, in an Orthotopic HCT-116-LUC Human Colon Cancer Model,” Myles Osborn discussed preclinical data showcasing ART26.12's direct anti-tumoral effects when administered orally. These findings support the further development of ART26.12, especially in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, suggesting it could help treat both the underlying cancer and the associated painful neuropathies.

Beyond its potential for cancer and pain management, ART26.12 has shown promising results in treating dermatologic conditions. FABP5 was initially identified in psoriatic lesions, where its upregulation is linked to psoriasis pathology. Dr. George Warren presented data in his talk “A Novel Fatty Acid-binding Protein 5 Inhibitor Shows Efficacy in Preclinical Models of Psoriasis.” He highlighted that ART26.12 significantly reduced skin damage markers and oxidative stress, among other indicators, in preclinical models. The results were comparable to Sotyktu (deucravacitinib), a U.S. FDA-approved oral tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor for psoriasis, indicating that ART26.12 could become a competitive therapeutic option.

Additionally, another FABP5 inhibitor from Artelo was discussed in a presentation titled “Inhibition of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 Prevents Stress-induced Anxiety and Depressive-Like Behavioral Symptoms and Reverses Stress-induced Inhibition of Hippocampal Neurogenesis.” Matthew Jones highlighted research from Dr. Steven Laviolette's lab that showed Artelo’s FABP5 inhibitor SBFI103 improved depressive-like behaviors in rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress. This improvement was associated with increased neurogenesis markers, suggesting a role for cannabinoid receptor 2 in mediating the effects of FABP5 inhibition in the brain.

Commenting on these findings, Gregory D. Gorgas, President and CEO of Artelo, expressed satisfaction with the expanding evidence supporting the potential utility of FABP5 inhibition. He emphasized that these scientific advancements demonstrate how lipid modulation could be a promising strategy for treating various diseases where lipidome overactivity or modulation plays a crucial role. Gorgas also mentioned the company's plans to report on human trials with ART26.12 in the coming year.

Artelo’s lead compound, ART26.12, is a potent and selective FABP5 inhibitor under development as a novel, non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic, initially targeting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The company’s library of small molecule inhibitors of FABPs has shown therapeutic promise for various conditions, including certain cancers, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, and anxiety disorders.

The International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) serves as a global scientific platform with over 650 members from 40 countries, promoting research in endogenous, plant-derived, and synthetic cannabinoids and related bioactive lipids. The annual ICRS Symposium provides an open forum for researchers to discuss their findings.

Artelo Biosciences is committed to developing and commercializing proprietary therapeutics that modulate lipid-signaling pathways to address significant unmet medical needs in diseases such as anorexia, cancer, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. The company leverages leading-edge scientific, regulatory, and commercial expertise to develop impactful therapies.

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