Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel serotonergic agonists for mental health disorders, has appointed Michael Cola as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The announcement comes as the company prepares for critical clinical milestones, including expected Phase 2 data for HLP004 in generalized anxiety disorder this quarter and Phase 3 topline data for HLP003 in major depressive disorder in Q4 2026.
Cola brings extensive industry experience to Helus Pharma, having previously served as CEO of Avanir Pharmaceuticals and held leadership roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb. His appointment signals the company's transition toward later-stage development, regulatory engagement, and commercialization planning. Helus Pharma is advancing a pipeline of proprietary novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), synthetic molecules designed to activate serotonin pathways that promote neuroplasticity, aiming to address unmet needs in depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
The company's lead candidate, HLP003, has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. HLP004 is in Phase 2 development for generalized anxiety disorder. Additionally, Helus Pharma maintains an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs and a broad global intellectual property portfolio.
Helus Pharma, operating under the commercial name Cybin Inc., was founded in 2019 and operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The company's mission is to help minds heal by developing NSAs that aim to provide durable improvements in mental health. With class-leading data, Helus Pharma aims to improve the treatment landscape for individuals suffering from mental health conditions.
For more information, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HELP and the company's website at www.helus.com.
