Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP) has announced a collaboration with TARA Mind, working alongside Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), to support clinical trial recruitment for its PARADIGM HLP003 Phase 3 program targeting major depressive disorder. The partnership aims to expand mental health awareness within the veteran community while leveraging TARA Mind and VETS networks to enhance veteran engagement.
The collaboration aligns with the April 18, 2026 Executive Order on accelerating treatments for serious mental illness, as Helus advances its FDA Breakthrough Therapy-designated HLP003 program. HLP003 is a proprietary novel serotonergic agonist (NSA) in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. The company also has HLP004, another proprietary NSA in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder, and an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs.
Helus Pharma, the commercial operating name of Cybin Inc., is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to developing proprietary NSAs—synthetic molecules designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity. These treatments aim to address the large unmet need for people suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. With class-leading data, Helus Pharma seeks to improve the treatment landscape by introducing NSAs that provide durable improvements in mental health.
The partnership with TARA Mind and VETS is significant because veterans face disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, including major depressive disorder. By focusing recruitment efforts on this population, the trial may better address the specific needs of veterans while accelerating the development of a potentially transformative therapy. The FDA's Breakthrough Therapy designation underscores the potential of HLP003 to offer meaningful advantages over existing treatments.
This announcement matters because major depressive disorder affects millions globally, and current treatments often have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects. If HLP003 proves successful, it could provide a new option for patients who do not respond to standard antidepressants. The collaboration also highlights the importance of targeted recruitment strategies to ensure clinical trials reflect diverse populations, including those most affected by the condition.
For more information about Helus Pharma and its pipeline, visit www.helus.com. The latest news and updates relating to HELP are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HELP.
