Helus Pharma(TM) (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists for mental health disorders, has appointed Michael Cola as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Cola, an experienced pharmaceutical executive, will lead the company as it advances its pipeline toward critical clinical and corporate milestones, including expected Phase 2 data for HLP004 this quarter and Phase 3 topline data for HLP003 in Q4 2026.
The appointment comes as Helus Pharma transitions from early-stage research toward later-stage development, regulatory engagement, and long-term commercial planning. The company is also expanding its global intellectual property portfolio, which it considers a key asset. HLP003, a proprietary novel serotonergic agonist (NSA), is in Phase 3 development for adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder and has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. HLP004 is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder.
Cola brings extensive leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having previously served as CEO of several biotech firms. His appointment is expected to accelerate Helus Pharma's path to market. The company's proprietary NSAs are synthetic molecules designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity, aiming to address unmet needs in depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Helus Pharma, the commercial operating name of Cybin Inc., operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The company has an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs and aims to improve the treatment landscape through durable mental health improvements. For more information, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HELP or the company website at www.helus.com.
This announcement underscores Helus Pharma's commitment to advancing its pipeline and achieving key milestones. The expected data readouts for HLP004 and HLP003 are critical catalysts that could validate the company's approach and drive value for shareholders. With a new CEO at the helm, the company is poised to navigate the complexities of late-stage development and potential commercialization.
