Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on novel serotonergic agonists for mental health disorders, announced the appointment of Michael Cola as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The leadership change comes as the company prepares for key clinical milestones, including expected Phase 2 data for HLP004 this quarter and Phase 3 topline data for HLP003 in Q4 2026.
Cola brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having previously served as CEO of Acer Therapeutics and in senior roles at companies including Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb. His appointment is intended to guide Helus Pharma through its transition toward later-stage development, regulatory engagement, and long-term commercial planning. The company is also expanding its global intellectual property portfolio.
Helus Pharma is developing proprietary novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs) designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity. The company's lead candidate, HLP003, is in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder and has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. HLP004 is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder.
The company's pipeline addresses significant unmet needs in mental health, with depression and anxiety affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability globally. Helus Pharma's approach aims to provide durable improvements in mental health through its NSA platform.
Investors can find the latest news and updates relating to HELP in the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HELP. The full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/VugQZ.
Helus Pharma operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. For more information, visit www.helus.com.
