Key insights
- Helus Pharma (HELP) added Dr. Robert Langer (co-founder of Moderna) and Dr. Stephen Brannan to its Scientific Advisory Board. This strengthens the company's expertise as it advances its pipeline of serotonergic agonists for mental health conditions. While positive for the company, the overall impact on the broader US equity market is minimal.
NEW YORK and TORONTO - Helus Pharma (NASDAQ:HELP) (Cboe CA:HELP) announced today the appointment of Dr. Robert Langer and Dr. Stephen Brannan to its Scientific Advisory Board as the clinical stage pharmaceutical company advances its pipeline of novel serotonergic agonists for mental health conditions.
The Scientific Advisory Board is chaired by Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, former Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Pfizer. The board supports the company’s drug development programs, including HLP003 for major depressive disorder and HLP004 for generalized anxiety disorder, according to a press release statement.The clinical-stage company carries a market capitalization of $288.71 million and currently trades at $5.77 per share. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued relative to its Fair Value, appearing on the platform’s Most Undervalued list.
Dr. Langer leads Langer Lab 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 and the United States National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
Dr. Brannan is the former Chief Medical Officer at Karuna Pharmaceuticals, where he oversaw clinical development of therapies targeting psychiatric disorders. He previously served as Vice President and Therapeutic Area Lead for Neuroscience Clinical Development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, leading development programs focused on mood and anxiety disorders.
"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 programs through clinical development," said Eric So, interim chief executive officer of Helus Pharma.
Helus Pharma is developing HLP003 in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. The program has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. HLP004 is in Phase 2 development for generalized anxiety disorder.
The company operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
In other recent news, Helus Pharma has been making headlines with several significant developments. The company announced a change in leadership, with Michael Cola stepping down as CEO at the board’s request. Eric So, the Co-founder and Executive Chairman, has been appointed as the Interim CEO while the search for a permanent successor is underway. Additionally, Helus Pharma has appointed Dr. Ken Kramer as Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs. Dr. Kramer brings over 20 years of experience in neuroscience medical affairs, previously serving at Bristol Myers Squibb.
The company’s progress in clinical trials has also caught attention. TD Cowen initiated coverage on Helus Pharma with a Buy rating, highlighting positive Phase 2 data for HLP003, a compound for major depressive disorder. Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating, noting new Phase II data for HLP004, a treatment candidate for generalized anxiety disorder. Furthermore, Helus Pharma welcomed a White House Executive Order on psychedelic treatment development, which may influence future regulatory processes. These recent developments indicate active engagement in both leadership and clinical advancements.
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