Artelo’s oral cannabinoid agonist matches semaglutide weight loss in obese mice, doubles effect when combined

Artelo Biosciences reported that its oral dual cannabinoid agonist, ART27.13, produced weight loss in diet‑induced obese mice that was comparable to the GLP‑1 receptor agonist semaglutide.

In a four‑week study, ART27.13 alone reduced body weight by about 20% from baseline, matching the reduction seen with semaglutide alone.

When the two agents were given together, the mice lost roughly 40% of their starting weight, about twice the loss observed with semaglutide alone.

The effect was specific to obese mice; lean mice treated with ART27.13 did not show changes in body weight, fat mass or lean mass.

Researchers noted consistent results across pilot and follow‑on studies in measures such as body weight, food intake and metabolic parameters, giving confidence in the signal.