Helus Pharma(TM) (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. His appointment is expected to support Helus Pharma as it advances its CNS pipeline through late-stage development toward potential commercialization.
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 (R) across multiple indications, including schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and major depressive disorder. His track record in securing regulatory approvals for CNS treatments is directly relevant to Helus Pharma’s ongoing efforts to bring its proprietary NSAs to market.
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.
The company 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, Helus Pharma has an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs. The company operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. For more information, visit www.helus.com.
The appointment of Durgam comes at a critical time for Helus Pharma as it transitions from a clinical-stage company to a potential commercial entity. His experience with FDA approvals and CNS drug development could be instrumental in navigating the regulatory landscape for HLP003 and HLP004. The move also signals the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership as it prepares for late-stage trials and potential commercialization.
This news matters because it underscores the growing interest and investment in psychedelic-inspired treatments for mental health. Helus Pharma’s NSAs represent a novel approach that could offer new options for patients who have not responded to existing therapies. With Durgam’s expertise, the company is better positioned to advance its pipeline and potentially bring these treatments to market.
For investors and industry observers, the appointment highlights Helus Pharma’s strategic focus on regulatory and clinical execution. As the company progresses, its ability to attract top talent like Durgam may serve as a signal of its potential. The CNS drug development space is highly competitive, and having a seasoned veteran on the board could provide a competitive edge.
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