SciSparc: NeuroThera Labs Granted U.S. Patent for Cannabinoid Technology to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance 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
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SPRC was down 2.66% with low volume, while 2 tracked biotech peers (e.g., REVB, INDP) also appeared in momentum scans moving down a median of about -5.5%, pointing to broader healthcare/biotech pressure rather than a stock-specific move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 26 | IP acquisition close | Positive | -7.9% | Closed acquisition of Xylo’s GERD-focused MUSE endoscopic IP portfolio. |
| Jan 13 | Acquisition agreement | Positive | -15.5% | Signed definitive agreement to acquire a treasury of endoscope patents. |
| Jan 12 | Nasdaq deficiency | Negative | -0.7% | Nasdaq notice of non-compliance with $2.5M minimum stockholders’ equity. |
| Dec 30 | Patent grant | Positive | -1.5% | NeuroThera granted Israel patent for opioid-based pain treatment platform. |
| Dec 02 | M&A term sheet | Neutral | -4.9% | NeuroThera signed non-binding term sheet to acquire quantum bio-data firm. |
Recent positive corporate and IP milestones have often coincided with negative price reactions, even when news appeared strategically favorable.
Over the past few months, SPRC has announced multiple strategic steps, including IP acquisitions for the MUSE™ endoscopic system on Jan 26, 2026 and a prior definitive agreement on Jan 13, 2026. It has also faced a Nasdaq minimum equity non‑compliance notice and advanced NeuroThera’s patent portfolio in pain and data analytics. Despite seemingly value‑adding deals and patent wins, shares typically traded down after these releases, suggesting persistent balance sheet, dilution, and listing‑risk concerns weigh heavily on reactions to new announcements.
Regulatory & Risk Context
SciSparc has an active shelf registration on Form F-3/A dated Jul 22, 2025, expiring Jul 22, 2028, with 2 recorded prospectus usages (including a January 2026 registered direct). The filing status and prior usage highlight an established mechanism for issuing additional securities, though the current shelf capacity and remaining availability are not specified in the provided data.
Market Pulse Summary
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 Terms
cannabidiol medical
palmitoylethanolamide medical
antimicrobial resistance medical
n-acylethanolamines medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
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
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
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
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
What did SciSparc (SPRC) announce on February 2, 2026 about NeuroThera's patent?
How might the NeuroThera patent affect SPRC shareholders' outlook?
Does the NeuroThera technology have clinical proof against MRSA now?
What is the potential market size referenced for antibiotics related to the SPRC news?
What commercialization challenges did the announcement highlight for SPRC/NeuroThera?
