SciSparc: NeuroThera Labs Granted U.S. Patent for Cannabinoid Technology to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance such as MRSA

SciSparc (Nasdaq: SPRC) announced on Feb 2, 2026 that NeuroThera Labs was granted a U.S. patent for a proprietary combination of antimicrobials and cannabinoids designed to potentiate antibiotics versus resistant Gram-positive pathogens such as MRSA.

Rhea-AI Summary

SciSparc (Nasdaq: SPRC) announced on Feb 2, 2026 that NeuroThera Labs was granted a U.S. patent for a proprietary combination of antimicrobials and cannabinoids designed to potentiate antibiotics versus resistant Gram-positive pathogens such as MRSA.

The patent joins prior U.S. and European grants, is based on preclinical data, and targets a global antibiotics market projected near $58 billion in 2026. SciSparc holds an approximate 75% controlling interest in NeuroThera.

Positive

• U.S. patent granted for antimicrobial–cannabinoid platform
• Patent family includes prior U.S. and European grants
• SciSparc holds ~75% controlling interest in NeuroThera
• Addresses antibiotics market projected at ~$58 billion in 2026

Negative

• Efficacy shown only in preclinical studies, not clinical proof
• Commercialization timeline faces typical 10–15 year antibiotic pathway
• Regulatory and market acceptance risks for cannabinoid combinations

Argus Feb 2 session

+0.13% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – SPRC

In the Feb 2 session, SPRC gained 0.13%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights a new U.S. patent for NeuroThera’s cannabinoid–antimicrobial platform t...

Analysis

This announcement highlights a new U.S. patent for NeuroThera’s cannabinoid–antimicrobial platform targeting resistant pathogens like MRSA, within a global antibiotics market projected at $58 billion by 2026. It builds on SciSparc’s recent string of IP deals and NeuroThera patents, but comes against a backdrop of Nasdaq equity non‑compliance and recent registered offerings under an existing F‑3/A shelf. Investors may watch how the company funds development, manages dilution, and advances this pre‑clinical technology toward clinical validation.

Key Figures

NeuroThera ownership: approximately 75% MRSA deaths 2021: approximately 130,000 MRSA deaths 2019: approximately 57,000 +5 more

NeuroThera ownership

approximately 75%

SciSparc’s controlling interest in NeuroThera Labs

MRSA deaths 2021

approximately 130,000

Global deaths directly caused by MRSA in 2021 (The Lancet)

MRSA deaths 2019

approximately 57,000

Global deaths directly caused by MRSA in 2019 (The Lancet)

AMR direct deaths

1.14 million

Worldwide deaths directly caused by bacterial AMR in 2021

AMR associated deaths

4.71 million

Worldwide deaths associated with bacterial AMR in 2021

Methicillin resistance rate

27.1%

Global median methicillin resistance in S. aureus bloodstream infections (2023)

Antibiotics market size

approximately $58 billion

Projected global antibiotics market in 2026 (Mordor Intelligence)

Development timeline

10 to 15 years

Typical time to bring a novel antibiotic to market

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 26

5 events

1. Jan 26

   IP acquisition close

   24h Move

   -7.9%

   Closed acquisition of Xylo’s GERD-focused MUSE endoscopic IP portfolio.

2. Jan 13

   Acquisition agreement

   24h Move

   -15.5%

   Signed definitive agreement to acquire a treasury of endoscope patents.

3. Jan 12

   Nasdaq deficiency

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Nasdaq notice of non-compliance with $2.5M minimum stockholders’ equity.

4. Dec 30

   Patent grant

   24h Move

   -1.5%

   NeuroThera granted Israel patent for opioid-based pain treatment platform.

5. Dec 02

   M&A term sheet

   24h Move

   -4.9%

   NeuroThera signed non-binding term sheet to acquire quantum bio-data firm.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, palmitoylethanolamide, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, +4 more

8 terms

Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol medical

"with cannabinoids such as Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)"

δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis that produces the “high” and other brain effects; think of it as the active ingredient in coffee that causes alertness, but for intoxication and mood changes. It matters to investors because its potency, legal classification, testing requirements and labeling rules directly shape product demand, licensing, compliance costs and liability risk across regulated cannabis markets.

cannabidiol medical

"with cannabinoids such as Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)"

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in cannabis and hemp plants that does not produce a “high.” Investors watch CBD because it is the active ingredient in many health, wellness, and consumer products, and its value depends on shifting rules, clinical evidence, product approvals, and consumer demand—much like a key ingredient in a popular food or drug that determines shelf placement, pricing, and sales potential.

palmitoylethanolamide medical

"in certain embodiments, N-acylethanolamines like palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)"

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty molecule produced in the body and sold as a supplement or experimental therapy for reducing pain and inflammation; think of it as a built‑in calming signal that helps quiet irritated tissues. Investors watch PEA because its potential medical benefits, regulatory path (supplement vs. drug), and clinical evidence drive market demand, pricing and the risk/reward of companies developing or selling PEA-based products — similar to how a promising ingredient can change the fortunes of a consumer brand.

methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus medical

"against resistant Gram-positive pathogens, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus"

A strain of the common bacteria Staphylococcus aureus that has evolved resistance to methicillin and many standard antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. Think of it like a lock that standard keys (typical antibiotics) no longer open; that raises the chance of longer hospital stays, extra treatments and higher costs. Investors care because resistant infections influence healthcare spending, drug and diagnostic demand, hospital liability and regulatory scrutiny, affecting healthcare, biotech and insurer financial outlooks.

mrsa medical

"such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”). When administered"

MRSA is a type of common bacteria that has become resistant to many standard antibiotics, causing infections that are harder to treat. Think of it like a weed that no longer responds to the usual weedkiller; it raises the need for stronger medicines, longer hospital stays, and new products or procedures. For investors, MRSA affects healthcare costs, drug and diagnostic demand, regulatory scrutiny, and potential legal or reputational risks for providers and drugmakers.

antimicrobial resistance medical

"technology to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance such as MRSA"

Antimicrobial resistance is when microbes such as bacteria, viruses or fungi evolve so that medicines meant to kill them no longer work — like a lock changing so the old key no longer fits. For investors, this increases demand and cost for new treatments, prolongs hospital stays, prompts tougher regulation and can shrink sales of once-effective drugs, affecting pharmaceutical revenues, R&D spending and broader healthcare risk.

gram-positive pathogens medical

"antibiotics that are ineffective as monotherapy against resistant Gram-positive pathogens"

Gram-positive pathogens are disease-causing bacteria identified by a lab stain that sticks to their thick cell wall, a feature that distinguishes them from other bacteria. They matter to investors because drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests that successfully prevent or detect these infections can drive significant sales and affect valuations—think of developing a specific lock that protects many valuable doors when a common thief is on the loose.

n-acylethanolamines medical

"and in certain embodiments, N-acylethanolamines like palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)"

N-acylethanolamines are a family of naturally occurring fatty molecules that act as small chemical messengers inside the body, helping cells communicate about inflammation, appetite, pain and other processes. Investors care because these molecules can be targets or biomarkers for drugs, diagnostics and wellness products — like a visible readout on a dashboard that indicates whether a treatment is working or a condition is present — which affects clinical development, regulatory approval and market potential.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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NeuroThera’s Proprietary Cannabinoid-Enhanced Platform Targets Antibiotic Resistance Using Approved Antimicrobials

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SciSparc Ltd. (Nasdaq: SPRC) (“Company” or “SciSparc”), today announced that NeuroThera Labs Inc. (TSXV: NTLX) ("NeuroThera"), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for central nervous system disorders, in which SciSparc holds a controlling interest of approximately 75%, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted a U.S. patent for NeuroThera’s proprietary combination of antimicrobials and cannabinoids. This patent covers innovative compositions and methods of potentiating antimicrobials, specifically designed to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains.

This patent grant in the United States joins previously granted patents for the same family in the U.S. and Europe, further strengthening the global intellectual property protection of NeuroThera's proprietary antimicrobial-potentiating platform.

The patented technology combines well-established antibiotics—many of which have been on the market for decades—with cannabinoids such as Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), and in certain embodiments, N-acylethanolamines like palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). This synergistic approach, which used NeuroThera’s combination of antimicrobials and cannabinoids, demonstrated in pre-clinical studies, enhances antimicrobial activity, potentially restoring the effectiveness of antibiotics that are ineffective as monotherapy against resistant Gram-positive pathogens, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”). When administered in combination with cannabinoids, the platform leverages the extensive long-term safety data of these antibiotics to help minimize risk, potentially offering an effective, safe, and affordable therapeutic solution.

Prolonged and widespread antibiotic use has driven the emergence of resistant bacterial strains through genetic mutations and selective pressure. MRSA remains a leading global threat, evading multiple antibiotic classes. According to a comprehensive analysis in The Lancet (September 2024), MRSA directly caused approximately 130,000 deaths worldwide in 2021—more than double the approximately 57,000 deaths in 2019—and showed the largest increase in attributable mortality among resistant pathogens. Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (“AMR”) overall directly caused 1.14 million deaths and was associated with 4.71 million deaths in 2021 worldwide, with a global median methicillin resistance rate of 27.1% in S. aureus bloodstream infections in 2023 (WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Report, 2025).

This patent family is based on preclinical studies conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of cannabinoids when combined with antibiotics in well-established, regulatory-compliant models.

The global antibiotics market is projected to reach approximately $58 billion in 2026, according to a report published by Mordor Intelligence entitled “Antibiotics Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2031)”,driven by the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance. However, with superbugs like MRSA fueling the crisis—evidenced by a 30% rise in healthcare-acquired infections in the U.S. over recent years—the Company believes the need for innovative solutions that enhance existing antibiotics' efficacy while improving safety is critical.

The "antimicrobial-sparing" effect shown in pre-clinical studies using NeuroThera's proprietary combination may eliminate the constant requirements for new antibiotics to combat resistant microbial strains, helping mitigate serious side effects such as resistance development, organ toxicity, and gastrointestinal issues, all while capitalizing on the proven safety profiles of long-marketed antibiotics.

According to the World Health Organization, pharmaceutical companies have increasingly shied away from developing new antibiotics due to a combination of prolonged development timelines, high costs, and the swift emergence of bacterial resistance, which collectively undermine profitability. The process of bringing a novel antibiotic to market typically spans 10 to 15 years, involving rigorous clinical trials and regulatory hurdles that drive up expenses. Compounding this, bacteria can develop resistance to new antibiotics within just a few years of introduction, leading to restricted usage to preserve efficacy and resulting in limited sales potential compared to chronic disease treatments. As a result, major pharmaceutical firms have largely exited the field, leaving innovation to smaller entities despite the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

About SciSparc Ltd. (Nasdaq: SPRC):

The Company, through its majority-owned subsidiary NeuroThera Labs Inc., engages in clinical-stage pharmaceutical developments. SciSparc’s focus is on creating and enhancing a portfolio of technologies and assets based on cannabinoid pharmaceuticals. With this focus, the Company, together with its majority-owned subsidiary NeuroThera Labs Inc., are currently engaged in the following drug development programs based on THC and/or non-psychoactive CBD: SCI-110 for the treatment of Tourette syndrome, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and agitation; and SCI- 210 for the treatment of ASD and status epilepticus. The Company, through NeuroThera Labs Inc., also owns a controlling interest in a subsidiary whose business focuses on the sale of hemp seed oil-based products on the Amazon.com Marketplace.

About NeuroThera Labs Inc.

NeuroThera Labs Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for central nervous system disorders and other underserved health conditions through collaborations and innovative combinations.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. For example, SciSparc uses forward-looking statements when it discusses NeuroThera’s pharmaceutical composition and technology and potential market size. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on SciSparc's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of SciSparc could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in SciSparc's Annual Report on Form 20-F, as amended, filed with the SEC on April 24, 2025, and in subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise required by law, SciSparc disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Investor Contact:
IR@scisparc.com
Tel: +972-3-6167055

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did SciSparc (SPRC) announce on February 2, 2026 about NeuroThera's patent?

SciSparc announced a U.S. patent grant for NeuroThera's antimicrobial–cannabinoid combination, covering compositions and methods. According to the company, the grant joins prior U.S. and European patents and is based on preclinical data targeting resistant Gram-positive pathogens like MRSA.

How might the NeuroThera patent affect SPRC shareholders' outlook?

The patent could strengthen intellectual property value and strategic positioning for SPRC-controlled NeuroThera. According to the company, the grant broadens global IP protection, which may increase optionality for partnerships or licensing while commercialization risks remain.

Does the NeuroThera technology have clinical proof against MRSA now?

No, the results cited are preclinical and do not constitute clinical proof of efficacy. According to the company, preclinical studies showed potentiation of antibiotics, but clinical trials and regulatory review are still required for confirmation.

What is the potential market size referenced for antibiotics related to the SPRC news?

The announcement cites a global antibiotics market projected at approximately $58 billion in 2026. According to the company, this projection motivates interest in technologies that restore existing antibiotics' effectiveness amid rising antimicrobial resistance.

What commercialization challenges did the announcement highlight for SPRC/NeuroThera?

The release notes lengthy development timelines and limited commercial incentives for new antibiotics, typically 10–15 years from discovery to market. According to the company, high costs and rapid resistance emergence pose commercialization and partnership challenges.