NEW YORK and TORONTO – Helus Pharma Inc. (Nasdaq: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs) for mental health conditions, announced on October 15, 2026, the appointment of Dr. Suresh Durgam to its Board of Directors. Dr. Durgam, a distinguished CNS drug-development executive with more than two decades of experience, previously served on the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board, bringing a wealth of expertise in clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy, and pharmacovigilance.
Dr. Durgam’s Extensive Industry Experience
Dr. Durgam’s career is marked by significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly within the central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic area. Most recently, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc., a company acquired by Johnson & Johnson in April 2025. In this role, Dr. Durgam provided strategic oversight across global clinical development and operations, data science, regulatory affairs, drug safety, and medical affairs.
A pivotal achievement during his tenure at Intra-Cellular Therapies was his instrumental role in securing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for CAPLYTA® (lumateperone). These approvals spanned multiple indications, including schizophrenia, bipolar depression (as both a monotherapy and adjunctive therapy), and adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. Earlier in his career, Dr. Durgam held senior clinical-development leadership roles at prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Allergan, Forest Laboratories, and Solvay Pharmaceuticals. His responsibilities encompassed programs addressing major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders, with development experience including lumateperone, cariprazine, vilazodone, and levomilnacipran, among other CNS therapies.
Dr. Durgam has led or supported numerous interactions with regulatory authorities worldwide, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of global regulatory pathways. His academic contributions are also substantial, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 200 abstracts and posters authored or co-authored. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Scott & White Memorial Hospital within the Texas A&M University System College of Medicine and earned his medical degree from Siddhartha Medical College in India. Dr. Durgam is a member of the Scientific Committee of the International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology and was recognized with the 2026 International Society for CNS Drug Development Leadership Award.
Strategic Rationale and Leadership Commentary
Michael Halstead, Chief Executive Officer of Helus Pharma, emphasized the strategic importance of Dr. Durgam’s appointment. “Suresh’s deep expertise in CNS clinical development, regulatory strategy and scientific leadership has already been valuable to us as a member of our Scientific Advisory Board, and we are delighted to welcome him to our Board,” Halstead stated. He further added, “As we execute against our upcoming clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, his experience bringing CNS therapies through FDA approval will be invaluable as we advance our pipeline toward potential commercialization.”
Dr. Durgam expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, remarking, “Helus Pharma is advancing a differentiated CNS pipeline with the potential to address significant unmet needs in mental health. I look forward to contributing to the Board’s oversight and strategy as Helus Pharma advances its programs through late-stage development.” As a member of the Board of Directors, Dr. Durgam is expected to contribute to corporate governance and long-term strategic oversight, ensuring that patient outcomes, clinical rigor, and disciplined decision-making remain central to the Company’s growth strategy. His appointment is subject to approval by Cboe Canada.
Helus Pharma’s Pipeline and Market Focus
Helus Pharma Inc. is dedicated to developing proprietary NSAs, which are synthetic molecules designed to activate serotonin pathways believed to promote neuroplasticity. The Company aims to address the significant unmet needs of individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, striving to improve the treatment landscape through durable improvements in mental health.
The company’s pipeline includes HLP003, a proprietary NSA currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. HLP003 has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, underscoring its potential. Additionally, Helus Pharma is developing HLP004, another proprietary NSA, which is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder. The company also maintains an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs. Helus Pharma operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, positioning itself for broad impact in the mental health sector.
The addition of Dr. Durgam to Helus Pharma’s Board of Directors is a strategic move that aligns with the company’s advanced clinical programs and its ambition to commercialize novel CNS therapies. His proven track record in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and successfully bringing multiple CNS drugs to market is anticipated to be a critical asset as Helus Pharma progresses its pipeline, particularly HLP003 and HLP004, through late-stage development and towards potential commercialization.
