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Investing.com -- Artelo Biosciences Inc (NASDAQ:ARTL) stock surged 114.2% following the presentation of promising preclinical data for its CBD and TMP cocrystal drug candidate, ART12.11, at the 35th Annual International Cannabinoid Research Society Symposium.
The clinical-stage pharmaceutical company revealed that ART12.11 demonstrated robust antidepressant-like effects in animal studies, with efficacy comparable to sertraline (Zoloft), a leading selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The data was presented by Matt Jones, a scientist from Professor Steven Laviolette’s laboratory at the University of Western Ontario.
In a 28-day treatment regimen, ART12.11 significantly reversed behavioral impairments in male rats exposed to chronic stress. The compound improved sucrose preference and social motivation, established markers of depressive-like states, to near-baseline levels.
Notably, ART12.11 showed superior cognitive restoration compared to sertraline, reversing stress-induced deficits in both spatial and short-term memory without negatively impacting social memory. This differentiated therapeutic profile positions ART12.11 as a potential treatment for depression and anxiety, particularly in patients experiencing cognitive dysfunction.
"Our latest behavioral studies suggest that the cocrystal holds strong potential as a novel antidepressant," said Matt Jones, the lead researcher at the University of Western Ontario. He noted that ART12.11’s ability to restore pleasure experience and social motivation was comparable to sertraline, while also reversing cognitive impairments where sertraline fell short.
Gregory D. Gorgas, President and CEO of Artelo Biosciences, expressed encouragement about the comparative findings, suggesting ART12.11 could meet a critical need in mental health treatment by delivering both mood-lifting and cognitive benefits.
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