NEW YORK, Jan 14, 2026, 08:42 AM EST — Premarket
- Shares of Gelteq jumped in premarket trading following the release of new preclinical data on CBD absorption.
- The company reported that its oral gel delivery platform increased cannabidiol bioavailability by over 22% compared to an FDA-approved oil-based product.
- Traders are tracking if the move sticks into the open and what direction the Australian market takes next.
Gelteq Limited shares surged roughly 48% to $1.23 in premarket action Wednesday, following a 6.4% gain at Tuesday’s close.
The Nasdaq-listed biotech revealed that a recent preclinical study demonstrated its ingestible gel delivery platform boosts cannabidiol (CBD) absorption over an FDA-approved oil-based option. Gelteq also indicated these findings might accelerate plans for a medicinal cannabis launch in Australia.
This is significant as the company relies on Australia’s Special Access Scheme, which lets health practitioners obtain “unapproved” therapeutic goods for individual patients via specific channels. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, medicinal cannabis typically requires approval through an application process before it can be prescribed. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Gelteq reported its gel boosted CBD “bioavailability” by more than 22%—the portion of a dose that actually enters the bloodstream—while achieving a higher peak exposure using less CBD than the comparison product. The firm also highlighted that the gel offers more consistent dosing and a non-invasive alternative to vaping. GlobeNewswire
Gelteq, based in Melbourne, creates gel-based oral delivery systems and produces gel products for licensed partners in the pharmaceutical, consumer health, and animal health sectors, according to its investor relations page.
Gelteq’s shares have been swinging sharply, a volatility boosted by its tiny market cap. According to Public.com, the company’s valuation stood near $8.39 million on Jan. 12, making the stock vulnerable to big price jumps whenever news breaks or trading dries up.
Gelteq, listed on Nasdaq as GELS, often sees amplified price swings before the market opens. Investors will be eyeing if trading volume ramps up post-open or if the stock retreats once more traders jump in.
However, the latest update is still at the preclinical stage, so it hasn’t been tested in humans yet. In Australia, most medicinal cannabis products are still classified as “unapproved” goods, accessed only through schemes like the SAS or the Authorised Prescriber pathway. This restricts how fast broader adoption can turn into consistent sales. Ahpra
Gelteq’s investor relations page lists its latest annual report on Form 20-F filed in November, with the most recent Form 6-K report submitted in December. Investors are expected to watch closely for any updates that clarify commercialization timelines linked to the new data.
Next up: can the premarket rally stick once U.S. markets open at 9:30 a.m. EST? Investors will also be watching to see if Gelteq lays out a clear timeline for rolling out in Australia under the Special Access Scheme following the study release.
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