Key Takeaways

  • The first patient has been dosed in the phase 2 DREAM study evaluating oral ART27.13 in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension
  • ART27.13 is a peripherally selective synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist being investigated for its ability to reduce IOP while limiting central nervous system effects
  • Artelo Biosciences expects initial results from the DREAM study later in 2026

Artelo Biosciences announced that the first patient has been dosed in the phase 2 DREAM study evaluating ART27.13, an orally administered synthetic cannabinoid, in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The DREAM study—Determining the Role of synthetic cannabinoids in Eye pressure And tolerability Measurements—is evaluating whether ART27.13 can safely reduce IOP. The investigational therapy is a peripherally selective synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist designed to activate cannabinoid receptors in ocular tissues while limiting activity in the central nervous system.

According to Artelo Biosciences, the peripheral selectivity of ART27.13 could potentially reduce the psychotropic adverse effects that have complicated previous investigations of cannabinoids for ocular indications.

“There remains an urgent need for safe, well-tolerated, and effective new treatments for glaucoma that can provide additional options to reduce intraocular pressure and preserve vision,” said Augusto Azuara-Blanco, PhD, clinical professor of ophthalmology at Queen’s University Belfast and honorary consultant ophthalmologist at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. “The potential role of peripherally selective cannabinoids in ocular health is an exciting and largely unexplored area. This study is expected to provide important insights into whether ART27.13, which is designed to act outside the central nervous system, can safely lower intraocular pressure without psychotropic side effects.”

Dr. Azuara-Blanco is leading the DREAM study, which is sponsored by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and conducted by the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit. Funding is being provided by Glaucoma UK and the HSC R&D Division.

The DREAM study will investigate whether targeting cannabinoid receptors with an orally administered, peripherally selective agent could provide another approach to IOP management.

“ART27.13’s peripherally selective design may overcome the challenges of CNS adverse effects which has been an issue when other oral or topical cannabinoids have been explored in this indication,” said Gregory D. Gorgas, president and CEO of Artelo Biosciences.

The company expects to report initial results from the DREAM study later in 2026.