SciSparc: Neurothera Labs Granted Patent by Israeli Patent Office for its Proprietary Opioid-Based Patent Family to Enhance Pain Relief and Reduce Side Effects

Rhea-AI Summary

SciSparc (Nasdaq: SPRC) said NeuroThera Labs received an Israel patent for a proprietary combination of opioids and N-acylethanolamines designed to potentiate analgesia while reducing side effects.

The grant complements existing patents in Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada. SciSparc holds a controlling interest of approximately 75% in NeuroThera. A pre-clinical study reported that combining palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) with oxycodone prolonged analgesic effect and reduced some oxycodone-related psychoactive adverse events. The release cites a $5.5–$5.7 billion 2024 global oxycodone market estimate and suggests an "opioid-sparing" effect that may lower required opioid doses.

Positive

• Israel patent granted for opioid + N-acylethanolamines platform
• Global patent coverage includes Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada
• SciSparc holds ~75% controlling interest in NeuroThera
• Pre-clinical study: prolonged analgesia when PEA added to oxycodone
• Pre-clinical study: reduced some psychoactive adverse events
• Target market: oxycodone drugs valued at $5.5–$5.7B (2024)

Negative

• Evidence limited to pre-clinical models; no clinical efficacy data presented
• Patent grant does not equal regulatory approval or market authorization
• Document reiterates inherent opioid risks (misuse, addiction, overdose)

News Market Reaction

-1.46%

13 alerts

-1.46% News Effect

+6.2% Peak Tracked

-11.9% Trough Tracked

-$67K Valuation Impact

$4M Market Cap

0.6x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, SPRC declined 1.46%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +6.2% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -11.9% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 13 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $67K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $4M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Oxycodone market size: $5.5–$5.7 billion SciSparc stake in NeuroThera: 75% Oxycodone doses tested: Numerous concentrations +1 more

4 metrics

Oxycodone market size $5.5–$5.7 billion Global oxycodone drugs market value in 2024

SciSparc stake in NeuroThera 75% Controlling interest in NeuroThera Labs cited in article

Oxycodone doses tested Numerous concentrations Pre-clinical models comparing oxycodone vs oxycodone + PEA

Publication year 2024 Year associated with oxycodone market size estimate

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.08 Vol: Volume 401,656 is about 0...

low vol

$1.08 Last Close

Volume Volume 401,656 is about 0.32x the 20-day average of 1,268,828, indicating muted trading ahead of this patent news. low

Technical Shares at $1.37 are trading below the 200-day MA of $4.91, reflecting a longer-term downtrend before this announcement.

Peers on Argus

While SPRC was down 6.8%, peers showed mixed moves: ELAB -10.26%, UBX -29.14%, b...

2 Down

While SPRC was down 6.8%, peers showed mixed moves: ELAB -10.26%, UBX -29.14%, but INDP +24.2% and PTIX +9.56%. Momentum scanner flagged only downswing in INDP and BDRX, suggesting SPRC’s move was more stock-specific than a uniform biotech sector reaction.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 02 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 02	Acquisition term sheet	Positive	-4.9%	NeuroThera to acquire 55% of quantum bio data analytics company.
Dec 01	Acquisition IP deal	Positive	-16.4%	Binding term sheet to buy GERD device IP, including MUSE system.
Nov 26	Acquisition IP portfolio	Positive	-9.0%	Agreement to acquire patents and know‑how for endoscopy systems.
Nov 20	Patent application	Positive	-4.5%	Israeli patent application for MEAI and N-acylethanolamines in depression.
Oct 24	Acquisition closing	Positive	+1.0%	Closed NeuroThera Labs TSXV transaction, receiving shares, warrants and rights.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive strategic and IP-driven announcements have frequently coincided with negative 24-hour price reactions, indicating a pattern of selling into good news.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, SciSparc has focused on restructuring and IP expansion around NeuroThera Labs, where it holds about a 75% controlling interest. Key steps included closing the Neurothera TSXV transaction on Oct. 22, 2025, multiple acquisitions and term sheets for endoscopic IP, and new patent applications for MEAI and N-acylethanolamines. Despite these strategic moves, four of the last five news events saw negative next-day price reactions, framing today’s Israeli opioid-combination patent as part of an ongoing IP consolidation strategy.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-07-22

SciSparc has an active F-3/A shelf registration filed on 2025-07-22, expiring on 2028-07-22. The shelf is marked as not yet effective and has been referenced in at least 1 prospectus supplement filing (424B3 on 2025-11-04).

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights expansion of NeuroThera’s intellectual property, adding an Israeli pate...

Analysis

This announcement highlights expansion of NeuroThera’s intellectual property, adding an Israeli patent for its opioid and N-acylethanolamine combination aimed at enhancing analgesia and reducing opioid side effects. It builds on prior international patents and SciSparc’s roughly 75% stake in NeuroThera, reinforcing the strategic focus on CNS therapies. Investors may watch for clinical trial progression, partnering activity, and capital plans under the existing F-3/A framework, alongside how this technology advances beyond pre-clinical models.

Key Terms

opioids, N-acylethanolamines, palmitoylethanolamide, analgesia, +3 more

7 terms

opioids medical

"proprietary combination of opioids and N-acylethanolamines."

Opioids are a class of drugs that relieve pain by acting on the nervous system; they include prescription pain medications as well as illegal substances. Investors care because opioids can be a major source of revenue for drug makers and distributors while also creating significant regulatory scrutiny, legal liability, and public-health liabilities — like a bestselling product that can also trigger recalls, fines, and lawsuits that affect a company's value.

N-acylethanolamines medical

"combination of opioids and N-acylethanolamines."

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.

palmitoylethanolamide medical

"N-acylethanolamines, such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), to enhance opioid analgesia"

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.

analgesia medical

"palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), to enhance opioid analgesia through synergistic mechanisms"

Analgesia is the reduction or elimination of pain using medicines, therapies, or procedures without causing unconsciousness — like turning down a pain dial so daily life or recovery is easier. For investors, analgesia matters because products that safely and effectively control pain can drive drug sales, affect regulatory approval and reimbursement decisions, and influence competitive positioning in healthcare markets.

nociceptive medical

"study conducted to evaluate the nociceptive effect of PEA when combined with opiates"

Nociceptive describes pain that comes from actual or threatened physical damage and the body’s normal pain-sensing system detecting that damage — like the sharp sensation when you cut a finger or the ache after a sprain. For investors, distinguishing nociceptive pain from other types (for example nerve-related pain) matters because it determines which drugs or devices are likely to work, how clinical trials are designed, and the size and regulatory path of potential markets.

opioid-sparing medical

"The "opioid-sparing" effect shown in this study by Neurothera's proprietary combination"

A medical approach, drug or device described as opioid-sparing reduces the need for opioid painkillers by preventing, lowering or shortening their use while still managing pain. Investors should care because opioid-sparing solutions can lower risks tied to addiction, side effects, regulation and legal costs, and may expand market demand for safer pain-management options much like a fuel-efficient car appeals to drivers wanting lower costs and fewer emissions.

respiratory depression medical

"may help mitigate side effects such as addiction and respiratory depression."

Respiratory depression is a medical condition in which breathing becomes unusually slow or shallow, reducing the amount of oxygen taken in and allowing carbon dioxide to build up. For investors, it matters because the risk of respiratory depression can derail drug development, trigger safety warnings or recalls, increase regulatory scrutiny and liability, and therefore materially affect a biotech or pharmaceutical company’s valuation—think of it as an engine that can’t get enough air to run safely.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 30, 2025 (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 Israel Patent Office has granted a patent for its proprietary combination of opioids and N-acylethanolamines. This patent covers methods and formulations designed to potentiate the therapeutic effects of opioids while significantly reducing associated side effects, such as tolerance, dependence, and gastrointestinal issues.

This patent grant in Israel joins previously granted patents for the same technology in Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada, further strengthening the global intellectual property protection of Neurothera’s proprietary opioid-based platform.

The patented technology leverages N-acylethanolamines, such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), to enhance opioid analgesia through synergistic mechanisms that amplify pain-relieving efficacy at lower doses. This patent family is based on a pre-clinical study conducted to evaluate the nociceptive effect of PEA when combined with opiates such as oxycodone, in well-established, regulatory compliance, pre-clinical models. 

In this study, researchers evaluated the pain relief potential of Neurothera’s proprietary drug combination of oxycodone and PEA versus standalone oxycodone in numerous concentrations.

Results showed that while oxycodone treatment led to marked alteration in animals' behavior and their response to pain stimuli, Neurothera' s proprietary combination was found to exert beneficial effects like reduction or even preventing some of oxycodone drugs psychoactive adverse events. However, PEA was also able to potentiate therapeutic qualities of oxycodone, by prolonging the time the drug exerted its analgesic effects in all doses of oxycodone. 

According to The Business Research Company, oxycodone continues to have significant sales, with the global market size for oxycodone drugs valued at approximately $5.5–$5.7 billion in 2024. However, inherent risks in their use such as high susceptibility to misuse, potential addiction and diversion, severe psychological and physical dependence, and potential for fatal overdose, emphasize the critical need to find other effective and safe solutions at the same time.

The "opioid-sparing" effect shown in this study by Neurothera' s proprietary combination may reduce the required opioid dosage, which may help mitigate side effects such as addiction and respiratory depression.

“We believe that granting a patent based on experiments that have shown such an outcome and validate the advantages of our proprietary opioids and N-acylethanolamines combination in maintaining immediate and strong pain relief effect without compromising patients’ safety is an important achievement of the Neurothera,” said Oz Adler, Chief Executive Officer of Neurothera.

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 December 30, 2025 regarding NeuroThera?

SciSparc said NeuroThera was granted an Israel patent for an opioid+N-acylethanolamines platform.

How much of NeuroThera does SciSparc (SPRC) control after the patent news?

SciSparc holds a controlling interest of approximately 75% in NeuroThera.

Which countries now include patents for NeuroThera's opioid-based technology?

Patents are noted in Israel, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

What did NeuroThera's pre-clinical study find about oxycodone combined with PEA?

The study found prolonged analgesia and a reduction in some oxycodone psychoactive adverse events in pre-clinical models.

Does the patent announcement mean NeuroThera's therapy is clinically approved?

No; the announcement reports a patent and pre-clinical results but no clinical approvals or regulatory authorizations.

What is the market context cited for oxycodone in the announcement for SPRC?

The release cites a $5.5–$5.7 billion estimated global oxycodone market size in 2024.