Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), has announced the appointment of Regina Donohue as chief people officer and Suresh Durgam, M.D., to its Scientific Advisory Board. These leadership additions come at a critical time as the company advances its pipeline toward potential commercialization.
Donohue brings extensive experience in human resources strategy, having most recently served as chief human resources officer at Intra-Cellular, where she built the company's people strategy and infrastructure, managing its 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, highlighting the value of the team she helped build. Her background in scaling organizations will be instrumental as Helus Pharma prepares for the next phase of growth.
Durgam adds deep scientific and clinical expertise, with over two decades of experience in CNS drug development, clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy, and pharmacovigilance. He most recently 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 regulatory and clinical insights will be vital as Helus Pharma advances its lead programs.
Helus Pharma CEO Michael Halstead commented, "These appointments strengthen the company's organizational capabilities and scientific leadership as we advance our pipeline toward potential commercialization." The timing of these hires underscores the company's commitment to building a robust infrastructure and expert guidance to support its clinical programs.
Helus Pharma is focused on developing proprietary NSAs designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity, addressing unmet needs in depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The company's lead product 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. Additionally, HLP004 is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder. The pipeline also includes an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs.
These appointments are strategically important as Helus Pharma positions itself for future commercialization. Donohue's experience in scaling a biopharmaceutical company from clinical to commercial stage will be crucial in preparing the organization for potential market entry. Durgam's regulatory expertise, particularly his success with CAPLYTA, could provide valuable guidance for navigating FDA interactions and approvals.
The company operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. For more information about Helus Pharma and its pipeline, visit the company's website at Helus Pharma.
