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 (Ottawa, Canada) will present a study titled “A non-hallucinogenic LSD analogue with therapeutic potential in mood disorders” on the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety activity of BetterLife’s 2-bromo-LSD (“BETR-001”) at the upcoming IBNS Meeting on June 25-30 at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. BETR-001 is a non-hallucinogenic Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (“LSD”) derivative molecule.
Dr. Lewis will present preclinical data showing that BETR-001 promotes 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 correlates 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.
“We are extremely excited about the exposure and encouraging feedback we continue to receive from the research community on our positive preclinical data, confirming that BETR-001 is a unique LSD derivative that promotes reversal activity in depressive and anxiety disorders without the burden of being hallucinogenic. Distinctively, BETR-001 is not a controlled substance and will not have all the special restrictions and requirements that classical psychedelics need, such as administration only in specialized clinics under special treatment protocols and restricted manufacturing and distribution, which curtail 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 and 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
BetterLife is also pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven Sangha as corporate development advisor to the Company. Dr. Sangha has over 25 years of experience in investment banking, business development and asset management. His extensive experience with public company governance and compliance, and finance has led him to successfully run a Private Fund Family Office. Dr. Sangha’s interest in the biotechnology industry has allowed positive growth for early-stage companies with his consummate efforts in assessment, development and financial support. Dr. Sangha holds a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, and a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Dr. Doroudian commented, “We welcome Dr. Sangha to our advisory team. As one of the largest shareholders of BetterLife, he continues to contribute to and support our management team.”
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.