Helus Pharma has appointed Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall to its board of directors, where she will also serve as chair of the company's Scientific Advisory Committee, subject to approval by Cboe Canada. Dr. Lewis-Hall brings more than 40 years of experience across clinical care, research, academia and senior biopharmaceutical leadership, including more than a decade on Pfizer's executive leadership team as executive vice president and chief medical officer.
The appointment is significant as Helus Pharma advances its novel serotonergic agonist programs targeting serious mental health conditions. Dr. Lewis-Hall's extensive background includes leadership roles at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pharmacia Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company. As a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and former advisor to the National Institute of Mental Health, she will provide scientific, clinical and regulatory governance across Helus' portfolio.
Helus Pharma is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to developing proprietary novel serotonergic agonists designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity. The company's proprietary molecules are intended to address the large unmet need for people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. With class leading data, Helus Pharma aims to improve the treatment landscape through the introduction of treatments that aim to provide durable improvements in mental health.
The company is currently developing HLP003, a proprietary novel serotonergic agonist in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder that has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, HLP004 is in Phase 2 development for generalized anxiety disorder. Helus Pharma has an extensive research portfolio of investigational novel serotonergic agonists beyond these lead programs.
The appointment of Dr. Lewis-Hall comes at a critical time as the company advances its clinical programs. Her experience in regulatory affairs and drug development at major pharmaceutical companies could help navigate the complex approval processes for mental health treatments. The company operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland. For company updates and to learn more about Helus Pharma, visit www.helus.com.
This development matters because mental health conditions represent a significant global health burden with limited treatment options. The appointment of an executive with Dr. Lewis-Hall's credentials signals Helus Pharma's commitment to rigorous scientific standards and regulatory compliance as it develops potentially transformative treatments. Her background in both clinical psychiatry and pharmaceutical leadership bridges the gap between research and patient care, which could accelerate the development of effective therapies for conditions affecting millions worldwide.
