SOLANA BEACH, Calif., July 1, 2026
Artelo Biosciences, Inc. announced positive preclinical data demonstrating that its investigational drug candidate ART26.12 significantly reduced neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury, further supporting its development as a potential first-in-class, non-opioid therapy for chronic pain. The findings were presented at the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) 2026 Annual Symposium in Dijon, France, and add to an expanding body of scientific evidence supporting ART26.12, the company’s proprietary selective Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) inhibitor, which is currently advancing through Phase 1 clinical development. According to the company, the latest study broadens the potential therapeutic applications of the investigational therapy beyond previously reported neuropathic pain indications and reinforces its strategy of developing innovative treatments targeting lipid-signaling pathways for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
Preclinical Study Demonstrates Significant Neuropathic Pain Benefits
The study, conducted at Stony Brook University, evaluated ART26.12 in a validated mouse model of spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain, a condition that affects a large proportion of individuals living with spinal cord injuries and often remains resistant to currently available therapies. Researchers reported that selective FABP5 inhibition significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity, decreased spontaneous pain-related behaviors, suppressed nociceptor hyperexcitability, and improved pain outcomes following oral administration. The findings indicate that modulation of lipid-signaling pathways may directly influence the biological mechanisms responsible for chronic neuropathic pain. Investigators concluded that the data provide strong scientific support for continued development of FABP5 inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy capable of addressing one of the largest unmet needs in pain management.
ART26.12 Advances as a Novel Non-Opioid Drug Candidate
ART26.12 is Artelo’s lead small-molecule selective FABP5 inhibitor being developed as a peripherally acting, non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic. The investigational therapy is initially targeting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) while demonstrating potential across multiple chronic pain indications. According to the company, previous Phase 1 human studies have shown a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported, predictable linear pharmacokinetics, and flexible dosing under both fed and fasted conditions. Beyond chronic pain, Artelo’s broader FABP inhibitor platform has demonstrated therapeutic potential across several disease areas, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, psoriasis, anxiety disorders, and additional neuropathic pain conditions, supporting the versatility of the company’s drug discovery platform.
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Bio-Pharma Pipeline Expands Through Innovative Pain Research
The latest preclinical findings strengthen the scientific foundation of Artelo’s Bio-Pharma pipeline and reinforce the company’s strategy of developing innovative therapeutics targeting lipid-signaling pathways. Chronic neuropathic pain remains a major global healthcare challenge, with existing treatment options frequently providing inadequate relief or carrying significant safety concerns, including the risk of opioid dependence. By targeting FABP5, Artelo aims to introduce a first-in-class analgesic capable of addressing chronic pain through a completely different biological mechanism. The company believes the growing body of evidence supporting ART26.12 across multiple disease models provides strong justification for continued clinical development and future evaluation in patients suffering from spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain and other chronic inflammatory and neurological disorders. With Phase 1 clinical development ongoing, Artelo continues to advance its lead therapeutic candidate as part of its broader mission to deliver safer, more effective treatment options for patients living with chronic pain and other serious diseases.
Source: Artelo Biosciences press release
