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, who previously served on the company's scientific advisory board, 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 (R) 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.
The addition of Durgam to the board comes at a critical time for Helus Pharma, which is developing HLP003, a proprietary NSA in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder that has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, and HLP004, also a proprietary NSA in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder. The company's NSAs are synthetic molecules designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity, aiming to address the large unmet need for people suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Durgam's track record in securing regulatory approvals for CNS therapies could be instrumental as Helus Pharma navigates the complex regulatory landscape and works toward commercializing its pipeline. His experience with CAPLYTA, a drug approved for multiple psychiatric indications, aligns closely with Helus Pharma's focus on mental health treatments. This appointment may enhance investor confidence in the company's ability to execute its clinical and regulatory strategies.
Helus Pharma, the commercial operating name of Cybin Inc., was founded in 2019 and operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The company aims to improve the treatment landscape through the introduction of NSAs that provide durable improvements in mental health. For more information, visit www.helus.com.
The news was disseminated through MissionIR, a specialized communications platform that assists IR firms with syndicated content to enhance the visibility of private and public companies within the investment community. MissionIR is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio at IBN, which provides access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire, article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets, press release enhancement, social media distribution, and tailored corporate communications solutions. For more details, visit MissionIR.
The appointment of Durgam could have broader implications for the CNS drug development sector, signaling that companies are bolstering their boards with experienced regulatory and clinical leaders to navigate the complexities of bringing novel psychiatric treatments to market. As mental health disorders continue to rise globally, the development of new therapies like those from Helus Pharma represents a significant opportunity to address unmet patient needs. Investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how Durgam's expertise translates into progress for Helus Pharma's pipeline.
For ongoing updates and more information, the full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/lTfIt.
