Artelo Biosciences shares surge 39.36% premarket after peer-reviewed study shows FABP5 inhibitor reduces stress-related behaviors in preclinical trials.

Artelo Biosciences surged 39.36% in premarket trading following the publication of a peer-reviewed study demonstrating its FABP5 inhibitor SBFI103 reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in chronically stressed rats. The research, conducted by University of Western Ontario scientists and partially funded by Artelo, showed intraperitoneal administration of SBFI103 preserved hippocampal neurogenesis, increased endocannabinoid receptor gene expression, and blocked stress-induced biomarker declines. The findings validate the company’s FABP5 inhibition platform for mood disorders, strengthening the rationale to advance SBFI103 and its lead compound ART26.12 into human trials. CEO Gregory Gorgas emphasized the study’s support for peripherally administered FABP5 inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach, with implications for anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. The study’s independent design and positive preclinical outcomes, coupled with Artelo’s existing clinical-stage pipeline, likely drove the sharp premarket rally.