Artelo Biosciences Enrolls First Patient In Phase 2 Glaucoma Study Of ART27.13
(RTTNews) - Artelo Biosciences, Inc. (ARTL), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on lipid-signaling pathways, announced the enrollment of the first patient in the Phase 2 DREAM study evaluating ART27.13 in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
The investigator-led DREAM study is designed to evaluate whether orally administered ART27.13 can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and assess its tolerability in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The study is funded by Glaucoma UK and the HSC R&D Division, sponsored by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and conducted by the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit.
ART27.13 is a peripherally selective synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist designed to activate cannabinoid receptors in ocular tissues while limiting central nervous system exposure. The company believes this approach could potentially reduce IOP without the psychotropic side effects associated with centrally acting cannabinoids.
The DREAM study is being led by Professor Augusto Azuara-Blanco, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Queen's University Belfast and Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Initial results from the study are anticipated in Q4 2026, providing a potential near-term clinical catalyst for Artelo.
The glaucoma program expands the clinical development of ART27.13, which has previously been evaluated in seven clinical studies involving more than 280 participants. The candidate is also being studied in the Phase 2 CAReS trial as a potential supportive treatment for cancer-related anorexia and weight loss.
In interim Phase 2 CAReS data, cancer patients who had lost at least 5% of their body weight and received the highest ART27.13 dose achieved an average 6% weight gain over 12 weeks, while placebo-treated patients lost approximately 5%.
The company is positioning ART27.13 as a potential treatment across multiple indications, including glaucoma, cancer-related anorexia and weight loss, with the DREAM study representing an expansion into ophthalmology.
The key near-term catalyst is the initial DREAM study results expected in Q4 2026, which could provide the first clinical evidence on the potential of ART27.13 to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
ARTL is currently trading at $0.74, up 2.68%
