Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), announced the appointment of Suresh Durgam, M.D., to its board of directors, subject to approval by Cboe Canada. Durgam previously served on the company's scientific advisory board and brings more than 20 years of experience in central nervous system (CNS) drug development, clinical research, and regulatory strategy.
Most recently, Durgam served as executive vice president and chief medical officer of Intra-Cellular Therapies, where he helped secure U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals for CAPLYTA® across multiple indications, including schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and major depressive disorder. His appointment is expected to support Helus Pharma as it advances its CNS pipeline through late-stage development toward potential commercialization.
Helus Pharma, the commercial operating name of Cybin Inc., founded in 2019, is committed to helping minds heal by developing proprietary NSAs—synthetic molecules designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity. The company's NSAs aim to address the large unmet need for people suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. With class-leading data, Helus Pharma aims to improve the treatment landscape through the introduction of NSAs that provide durable improvements in mental health.
Helus Pharma is currently developing HLP003, a proprietary NSA in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, which has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA. It is also developing HLP004, a proprietary NSA in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder. Additionally, the company has an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs and operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. For more information, visit www.helus.com.
The appointment of Dr. Durgam is a significant development for Helus Pharma as it seeks to bring its innovative treatments to market. His extensive experience in CNS drug development and regulatory strategy could be instrumental in navigating the complex approval processes and commercializing the company's pipeline. For investors, this news may signal progress in the company's clinical programs and potential for future growth. The mental health treatment landscape continues to evolve, and Helus Pharma's focus on NSAs represents a novel approach that could address significant unmet needs.
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