Artelo Biosciences Announces Publication of New Peer-Reviewed Preclinical Research Demonstrating Effectiveness in Treating & Preventing Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Artelo Biosciences, Inc. recently announced new research published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Pain. The research article, titled Discovery and preclinical evaluation of a novel inhibitor of FABP5, ART26.12, effective in Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy, highlights Artelo’s preclinical asset, ART26.12, and its potential ability to treat and prevent Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (OIPN) in a series of separate studies.

ART26.12 is a Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) inhibitor in development for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a type of neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy as well as non-chemotherapy cancer treatments such as immunomodulating drugs. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a commonly used platinum-based antineoplastic agent that causes oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) in up to 98% of patients treated with OXA, oftentimes resulting in treatment dose reduction, cessation of anti-cancer treatment prematurely, or can result in a painful persistent peripheral neuropathy even after chemotherapy is stopped.

“In preclinical safety studies, ART26.12 has shown minimal off target effects, high oral bioavailability, and a NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect-level) of 1000 mg/kg/day administration,” said Andy Yates, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Artelo. “We are highly encouraged by the four research studies presented in this paper demonstrating ART26.12, our patented and novel treatment approach to inhibiting FABP5, was effective in treating and preventing the painful condition of OIPN.”

According to Coherent Market Insights, the global neuropathic pain market is estimated to be valued at $7.6 billion, demonstrating the need for an innovative therapy that has the potential to provide non-opioid pain relief. Artelo has conducted multiple pre-clinical studies in painful neuropathies, including diabetic neuropathy, paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, and OIPN, the latter two of which has no FDA-approved treatment. The company previously reported a positive pre-IND (investigational new drug) meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and anticipates filing the IND for ART26.12 in the first half of 2024.

Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs) are a family of intracellular proteins that chaperone lipids including endocannabinoids and fatty acids. FABP is overexpressed and associated with abnormal lipid signaling in a number of pathologies. ART26.12, Artelo’s lead FABP inhibitor, is a potent and selective inhibitor of FABP5 being developed as a novel, peripherally acting, non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic, with an initial clinical study planned for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Beyond ART26.12, Artelo’s extensive library of small molecule inhibitors of FABPs have shown therapeutic promise for the treatment of certain cancers, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, and anxiety disorders.

Artelo Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics that modulate lipid-signaling pathways, including the endocannabinoid system. Artelo is advancing a portfolio of broadly applicable product candidates designed to address significant unmet needs in multiple diseases and conditions, including anorexia, cancer, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Led by proven biopharmaceutical executives collaborating with highly respected researchers and technology experts, the company applies leading edge scientific, regulatory, and commercial discipline to develop high-impact therapies. For ore information, visit www.artelobio.com.

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a type of neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy as well as non-chemotherapy cancer treatments such as immunomodulating drugs. CIPN is a major challenge with many oncological treatments, sometimes resulting in dose reduction or cessation of the cancer treatment, negatively impacting efficacy and survival. Acute CIPN occurs during chemotherapy and chronic CIPN can last months to years. Around 30% of patients will still have CIPN a year, or more, after finishing chemotherapy.