BetterLife Pharma Inc. (“BetterLife” or the “Company”) (CSE: BETR / OTCQB: BETRF / FRA: NPAU), an emerging biotech company focused on the development and commercialization of cutting-edge treatments for mental disorders, is pleased to announce that its patent application for BETR-001 and LSD derivatives titled “LSD derivatives, synthesis & method for treatment of diseases and disorders” has been published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) under publication number US-2023/0357243-A1 and available for access on USPTO’s databases. BetterLife is presently developing one of these derivatives: a 2-bromo derivative of LSD (BETR-001) that is non-hallucinogenic and, in preclinical animal models, has been shown to be a potent neuroplastogen and have efficacy against depression/anxiety states.
This published U.S. patent is part of a developing international patent portfolio which cover new compositions of 2-bromo-LSD and other LSD derivatives. In addition to composition claims, these applications also cover a novel method for making non-hallucinogenic LSD derivatives that does not involve the use of controlled substances at any stage. The applications also cover use of these derivatives in the treatment of a range of neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, cluster headaches and neuropathic pain.
Betterlife is also pleased that its efforts to develop novel therapies for mental disorders were highlighted in the November 8 edition of The Atlantic. The Atlantic journal highlighted the potential of the BETR-001 program, as a non-hallucinogenic analog of LSD, in an article entitled “What If Psychedelics’ Hallucinations Are Just a Side Effect?” The article discusses, in part, that a growing number of key opinion leaders in neuroscience now believe that the hallucination caused by psychedelics is just a side effect and not necessary to produce mental-health benefits by this class of drugs. BETR-001 is currently undergoing IND-enabling studies and projected to enter human trials in 2024.
Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife commented, “We are very pleased with the recognition of our development work in The Atlantic as well as the publication of our patent. These strong claims on synthesis and composition of BETR-001, including its stereoisomers and polymorphs, will greatly enhance the value of our lead product, much like we are seeing with similar composition patents for molecules such as S-and R-ketamine and psilocybin polymorphs that have recently been upheld by the USPTO.”
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 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.