Artelo Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: ARTL) announced it has entered into a clinical study agreement with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to evaluate its drug candidate ART27.13 in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The study will be funded by Glaucoma UK and the HSC R&D Division. First patient enrollment is anticipated in the second quarter of 2026, according to the company's statement.

The pilot randomized crossover study will examine the effects of orally administered ART27.13 on intraocular pressure. Professor Augusto Azuara-Blanco, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Queen's University Belfast, will lead the research.

ART27.13 is described as a peripherally selective synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist designed to target peripheral tissues while avoiding central nervous system effects. The compound was originally developed by AstraZeneca plc and has been tested in seven clinical studies involving more than 280 participants.

Glaucoma affects more than 80 million people worldwide and represents a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure serves as the primary modifiable risk factor for glaucoma progression.

The study protocol has received approval from the ethics committee and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Artelo will supply ART27.13 capsules as the investigational medicinal product for the trial, which will be conducted by the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit.

Currently, Artelo is conducting a Phase 2 trial of ART27.13 as a supportive care therapy for cancer patients experiencing anorexia and weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any treatment for cancer anorexia cachexia syndrome.