Helus Pharma (Nasdaq: HELP, Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), announced the addition of Dr. Robert Langer and Dr. Stephen Brannan to its Scientific Advisory Board. The additions reflect the company’s focus on grounding innovation in robust clinical evidence as it advances programs designed to address significant unmet needs in mental health.
Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, former Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Pfizer, chairs the Scientific Advisory Board and provides leadership across clinical development strategy, regulatory engagement, and translational execution. Eric So, interim chief executive officer of Helus Pharma, stated: “Dr. Langer is globally recognized for translating groundbreaking science into therapies that reach patients, and Dr. Brannan brings decades of leadership in advancing central nervous system (CNS) programs through clinical development. Their complementary expertise strengthens our scientific foundation as we progress our novel serotonergic agonists, including HLP003 for major depressive disorder and HLP004 for generalized anxiety disorder.”
Dr. Robert Langer leads Langer Lab, the largest biomedical engineering laboratory in the world, and has authored more than 1,600 scientific papers and holds over 1,500 issued and pending patents worldwide. He has helped found more than 40 biotechnology companies, including Moderna, Inc., and has received more than 220 major awards, including the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, the United States National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and the United States National Medal of Science. “I’ve always believed that the work I do should ultimately translate into real impact for patients,” Langer said. “Helus Pharma is advancing innovative approaches to mental health through disciplined clinical development and thoughtful application of new science.”
Dr. Stephen Brannan is a physician-scientist and clinical development leader with extensive expertise in CNS therapeutics. He is the former Chief Medical Officer at Karuna Pharmaceuticals, where he oversaw clinical development of innovative therapies targeting serious psychiatric disorders, and previously served as Vice President and Therapeutic Area Lead for Neuroscience Clinical Development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. “There remains significant unmet need in serious psychiatric disorders, and advancing new therapies requires rigorous clinical development and careful execution,” Brannan said. Helus Pharma is currently developing HLP003 in Phase 3 clinical development for major depressive disorder, which has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA.
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