BetterLife Pharma Inc. (CSE: BETR / OTCQB: BETRF / FRA: NPAU), an emerging biotech company focused on the development and commercialization of cutting-edge treatments for mental disorders, today announced that its scientific collaborators, Drs. Vern Lewis and Argel Aguilar-Valles from Carleton University’s Department of Neuroscience in Ottawa, Canada, will present on the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety activity of BetterLife’s 2-bromo-LSD (“BETR-001”) at the upcoming SOBP Conference, being held April 27-29, 2023 at San Diego, California, USA. BETR-001 is a non-hallucinogenic Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (“LSD”) derivative molecule.

Dr. Lewis will present preclinical data showing that BETR-001 promoted active stress-coping behaviours, and reverses depression and anxiety-like behaviours, in chronically stressed and stress-naïve mouse models. The positive behavioural effects of BETR-001 correlated with improved spine density (increased neuroplasticity) in the prefrontal cortex of these mice. Furthermore, the mechanism of BETR-001-mediated effects were shown to be driven by the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor in these preclinical models. The presentation abstract is published in the May 1, 2023 edition of the journal of Biological Psychiatry.

“We are very excited about these preclinical data confirming our position that BETR-001 is a unique LSD derivative with activity in depressive and anxiety disorders without the burden of being hallucinogenic. BETR-001 is not a controlled substance and will not have all the special restrictions and requirements needed for psychedelics, such as administration only in specialized clinics under special treatment protocols and restricted manufacturing and distribution, all of which impact patient access and lead to high treatment costs. Additionally, BETR-001 is protected by BetterLife’s composition, method-of-use, synthesis, and formulation patents (issued & provisional).” He further added, “BETR-001 IND-enabling studies are ongoing, and we will file its IND and begin human trials as soon as these are completed.”

Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife

About BetterLife Pharma

BetterLife Pharma Inc. is an emerging biotechnology company primarily focused on developing and commercializing two compounds, BETR-001 and BETR-002, to treat neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders.

BETR-001, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is a non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled LSD derivative in development and it is unique in that it is unregulated and therefore can be potentially self-administered. BetterLife’s synthesis patent for BETR-001 eliminates regulatory hurdles and its pending patent, for composition and method of use, covers treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and neuropathic pain and other neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders.

BETR-002, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is based on honokiol, the active anxiolytic ingredient of magnolia bark. BetterLife’s pending method of use and formulations patent covers treatment of anxiety related disorders including benzodiazepine dependency.

BetterLife also owns a drug candidate for the treatment of viral infections such as COVID-19 and is in the process of seeking strategic alternatives for further development.