Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), has announced the appointment of Regina Donohue as chief people officer and Suresh Durgam, M.D., to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). These leadership additions come at a pivotal time as the company advances its pipeline toward potential commercialization, reflecting its focus on building organizational capabilities and scientific expertise.
Donohue brings extensive experience in human resources leadership, having most recently served as chief human resources officer at Intra-Cellular, where she was instrumental in building the company's people strategy and infrastructure. During her tenure, Intra-Cellular grew to more than 1,000 employees as it transitioned into a commercial-stage organization, a trajectory that culminated in its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in April 2025. Her expertise in scaling organizations will be critical for Helus Pharma as it prepares for potential market entry.
Durgam, a seasoned CNS drug development executive, adds significant scientific depth to the SAB. With over two decades of experience in clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy, and pharmacovigilance, he most recently served as executive vice president and chief medical officer of Intra-Cellular, where he played a key role in securing FDA approvals for CAPLYTA across multiple indications. His regulatory and clinical insights will be invaluable as Helus Pharma navigates late-stage development and regulatory interactions.
Helus Pharma CEO Michael Halstead highlighted the strategic importance of these appointments, stating that they 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 (FDA). Additionally, HLP004, another proprietary NSA, is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder. The company also has an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs.
The implications of these appointments are significant for Helus Pharma and the broader mental health treatment landscape. By bringing on leaders with proven track records in scaling biopharmaceutical companies and securing regulatory approvals, Helus Pharma is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of late-stage development and potential commercialization. This is particularly important given the high unmet need for effective treatments for depression and anxiety, conditions that affect millions worldwide.
Helus Pharma, the commercial operating name of Cybin Inc., is dedicated to helping minds heal by developing novel serotonergic agonists designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity. With class-leading data, the company aims to improve the treatment landscape through NSAs that provide durable improvements in mental health. The company operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. For more information, visit www.helus.com.
