Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), announced the appointment of Regina Donohue as chief people officer and Suresh Durgam, M.D., to its Scientific Advisory Board. These strategic additions aim to bolster the company's leadership as it progresses its pipeline toward potential commercialization.
Donohue brings extensive human resources experience, having most recently served as chief human resources officer at Intra-Cellular, where she built the company's people strategy and infrastructure, managing its growth to over 1,000 employees as it transitioned into a commercial-stage organization. Intra-Cellular was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in April 2025.
Durgam has over two decades of experience in CNS drug development, clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy, and pharmacovigilance. He previously served as executive vice president and chief medical officer at Intra-Cellular, where he helped secure FDA approvals for CAPLYTA across multiple indications.
Helus Pharma CEO Michael Halstead stated that these appointments strengthen the company's organizational capabilities and scientific leadership as it advances its pipeline. 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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, HLP004 is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder.
The appointments come at a critical time for Helus Pharma, which is focused on addressing the large unmet need for mental health treatments. By adding seasoned leaders with proven track records, the company aims to enhance its operational and scientific expertise, potentially accelerating the development and commercialization of its therapies.
Helus Pharma, the commercial operating name of Cybin Inc., is dedicated to helping minds heal through the development of proprietary NSAs. The company's innovative approach targets serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity, offering potential durable improvements in mental health. With operations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, Helus Pharma is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the mental health landscape.
For more information on Helus Pharma, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HELP.
