Helus Pharma™ (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), has announced two significant appointments aimed at strengthening its organizational and scientific capabilities as it progresses toward potential commercialization. Regina Donohue has been named Chief People Officer, and Suresh Durgam, M.D., has joined the company’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). These moves come at a pivotal time for the company, which is advancing its lead candidates through late-stage clinical trials.
Donohue brings extensive experience in human resources leadership, most recently serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at Intra-Cellular, where she was instrumental in building the company’s people strategy and infrastructure. During her tenure, she managed the company’s growth to more than 1,000 employees as it transitioned into a commercial-stage organization. Intra-Cellular was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in April 2025, a testament to the company’s success. Her expertise will be crucial as Helus Pharma scales its operations and prepares for potential product launches.
Durgam, a seasoned CNS drug development expert, joins the SAB with over two decades of experience in clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy, and pharmacovigilance. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Intra-Cellular, where he played a key role in securing FDA approvals for CAPLYTA across multiple indications. His deep understanding of CNS drug development and regulatory pathways will provide invaluable guidance to Helus Pharma as it navigates the complex landscape of mental health therapeutics.
Helus Pharma CEO Michael Halstead commented on the 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. Additionally, HLP004 is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder. These candidates represent a novel approach to mental health treatment, targeting serotonin pathways to promote neuroplasticity.
The appointments signal a strategic focus on building a robust corporate infrastructure and expert scientific guidance, which are critical as the company approaches late-stage development and potential commercialization. With a strong leadership team in place, Helus Pharma is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of bringing innovative therapies to market. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HELP.
