Artelo Biosciences Reports Positive Preclinical Results for Novel Inhibitor to Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5

Artelo Biosciences, Inc. recently announced publication of preclinical results indicating a novel fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) inhibitor from the company’s FABP inhibitor platform reduces anxiety behaviors in an area of the brain known to be important in anxiety and that modulation of the FABP5 system may serve as a promising target for the development of novel anxiolytics.

“What was particularly interesting was that we have demonstrated that the CB₂ receptor, which is often thought of as the peripheral cannabinoid receptor, is involved in the control of both fear and anxiety and, importantly, is capable of being modulated by FABP5 inhibition for the first time,” said Gregory D. Gorgas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Artelo Biosciences. “This new data further supports the development of our FABP inhibitor platform in anxiety-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.”

“Despite the involvement of endogenous cannabinoid signaling in many psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, the effects of FABPs on the modulation of fear and anxiety have not been thoroughly investigated,” said neuroscience Professor Steven R. Laviolette, PhD, one of the lead researchers of the study. “We are encouraged by these findings which indicate inhibiting FABPs represents a promising neurobiological approach for the development of novel anxiety-inhibiting pharmacotherapies.”

This research, with one of many of Artelo’s FABP inhibitors, which was led by Taygun C. Uzuneser, PhD, and Steven R. Laviolette, PhD, both of the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, was published in the journal Cerebral Cortex. Another researcher involved in the study was Iwao Ojima, PhD, University Distinguished Professor at Stony Brook University and the principal inventor of the multiple FABP inhibitors exclusively licensed to Artelo, including the company’s lead FABP inhibitor ART26.12 being developed as a potential treatment for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

FABPs are a family of intracellular proteins that chaperones lipids including endocannabinoids and fatty acids. Inhibitors of FABPs are intended for treatment of cancer, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, and anxiety. Artelo licensed multiple compounds through its collaboration with Stony Brook University. The company’s lead compound, ART26.12, is a selective inhibitor of FABP5. Artelo’s near-term goal is to develop ART26.12 for the prevention and/or treatment of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathies, for which there are no regulatory approved medicines. While progressing the lead FABP inhibitor in regulatory-enabling studies, additional compound(s) have been identified and selected for advancement in anxiety-related disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Artelo Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on modulating lipid-signaling pathways to develop treatments for people living with cancer, pain, and neurological conditions. Artelo is advancing a portfolio of broadly applicable product candidates designed to address significant unmet needs in multiple diseases and conditions, including anorexia, cancer, PTSD, pain, and inflammation. Led by proven pharmaceutical executives collaborating with highly respected researchers and technology experts, Artelo applies leading edge scientific, regulatory, and commercial discipline to develop high-impact therapies. For more information, visit www.artelobio.com.