Former NHL Star Daniel Carcillo Joins BetterLife Pharma to Advance Non-Hallucinogenic LSD Treatment for Brain Injuries

BetterLife Pharma Inc. has appointed former NHL player Daniel Carcillo as corporate advisor to advance the development of BETR-001, the company's proprietary non-hallucinogenic derivative of LSD. The appointment signals a significant step in addressing traumatic brain injury treatment through innovative pharmaceutical approaches that avoid regulatory hurdles associated with traditional psychedelic medicines.

Carcillo brings firsthand experience with brain trauma, having been forced to retire from professional hockey at age 30 due to Post Concussion Syndrome after suffering seven concussions during his career. Following his retirement in 2015, he created a non-profit organization assisting former NHL players suffering from post-concussion syndrome and mental health issues. He previously founded and served as CEO of Wesana Health, a life sciences company leveraging psilocybin-based medicine to treat traumatic brain injuries.

"Joining BetterLife feels like the natural next step in my mission to help concussion survivors because we are advancing a medicine that carries the promise of psychedelic healing without the regulatory barriers and with all the serotonergic benefits people desperately need," Carcillo stated. "I have lived the impact of brain trauma and I know how powerful these breakthroughs can be. This is about giving athletes, veterans and anyone living with the invisible weight of concussion a real chance to heal and get their life back."

BetterLife's BETR-001 is currently in preclinical and IND-enabling studies and represents a novel approach to neurological treatment. The compound's non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled status means it can potentially be self-administered, bypassing significant regulatory obstacles that typically hinder psychedelic-based treatments. The company holds a synthesis patent for BETR-001 and has pending patents for composition and method of use covering treatment of various neurological disorders until approximately 2042.

Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife, emphasized the value of Carcillo's appointment: "We are very excited to have Mr. Carcillo joining our advisory group. His firsthand experience with TBI and his passion to advance the development of medicines and treatments for those injuries will provide us with invaluable guidance. We look forward to working with Daniel to advance the development of BETR-001."

The collaboration represents an important development in the treatment landscape for traumatic brain injuries, cluster headaches, and migraines. With millions of people worldwide affected by these conditions, particularly athletes, military veterans, and accident survivors, the potential for a non-hallucinogenic treatment that maintains therapeutic benefits could significantly expand access to effective care. For more information about the company's developments, visit https://www.blifepharma.com.

Carcillo's transition from professional athlete to patient advocate to pharmaceutical advisor underscores the growing recognition of lived experience in drug development, particularly for conditions where patient perspectives can inform treatment approaches and clinical trial design. His involvement may help bridge the gap between pharmaceutical innovation and the real-world needs of brain injury survivors seeking effective, accessible treatments.