Levomilnacipran Hydrochloride

Former Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (“Intra-Cellular”) executives bring complementary experience in organizational scale-up, central nervous system (“CNS”) drug development, regulatory approvals and commercialization Ms. Donohue is the former Chief Human Resources Officer of Intra-Cellular, where she led the company’s people strategy and human resources infrastructure as it transitioned from a clinical to a commercial stage organization of 1,000+ employees Dr. Durgam is a recognized CNS drug-development leader who played a pivotal role in securing multiple U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approvals for CAPLYTA® (lumateperone), including in schizophrenia, bipolar depression and adjunctive major depressive disorder Appointments support Helus Pharma’s continued growth, scientific leadership and preparation for potential commercialization This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purpose of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated December 30, 2025, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated September 17, 2025, as amended on December 19, 2025. NEW YORK and TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helus Pharma (Nasdaq: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP) (the “Company” or “Helus Pharma”), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company committed to helping minds heal by developing novel serotonergic agonists (“NSAs”), today announced the appointment of Regina Donohue as Chief People Officer and the appointment of Suresh Durgam, M.D., to the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board (“SAB”). “I had the pleasure of working with both Regina and Suresh at Intra-Cellular, and I am delighted to welcome them to Helus Pharma,” said Michael Halstead, Chief Executive Officer of Helus Pharma. “As we execute against our upcoming clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, Regina’s experience thoughtfully scaling organizations and building high-performing teams will be instrumental. Suresh’s deep expertise in CNS clinical development, regulatory strategy and scientific leadership will further strengthen our SAB as we advance our pipeline toward potential commercialization.” Chief People Officer Appointment Ms. Donohue has extensive human resources leadership experience working with life sciences companies amidst their transition from clinical platforms through commercialization by building scalable human resources functions through periods of rapid growth. Most recently, at Intra-Cellular, Ms. Donohue served as Chief Human Resources Officer, where she built the company’s people strategy and infrastructure, and managed its rapid growth as it transitioned into a commercial-stage organization, launched its first product, and grew to 1,000+ employees. Intra-Cellular was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in April 2025. Previously, Ms. Donohue was among the first five executives hired to build LEO Pharma’s U.S. subsidiary, establishing its human resource function and supporting the organization through the rapid growth necessary to launch two products in the U.S. During her tenure at LEO Pharma, she also served as the interim Global Head of Human Resources. “I am thrilled to join a company so deeply committed to advancing innovative treatments for people living with mental health conditions,” said Ms. Donohue. “Mental health is a cause that is personally meaningful to me, and I am particularly excited to bring my experience and passion for building strong, purpose-driven organizations to Helus Pharma. The Company is at an exciting stage of its growth, and I look forward to helping build a patient-centric culture and developing the strong people strategy Helus Pharma will need as it advances towards potential commercialization of its programs.” Ms. Donohue holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton and professional human resources designations from the HR Certification Institute and Society for Human Resources Management. SAB Appointment Dr. Durgam is a CNS drug-development executive with more than two decades of experience spanning clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy and pharmacovigilance. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Intra-Cellular, where he provided strategic oversight across global clinical development and operations, data science, regulatory affairs, drug safety and medical affairs. He played a pivotal role in securing FDA approvals for CAPLYTA across multiple indications, including schizophrenia, bipolar depression, as both a monotherapy and adjunctive therapy, and adjunctive major depressive disorder. Earlier in his career, Dr. Durgam held senior clinical-development leadership roles at Allergan, Forest Laboratories and Solvay Pharmaceuticals, with responsibility for programs across major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. His development experience includes lumateperone, cariprazine, vilazodone, levomilnacipran and other CNS therapies. He has led or supported numerous interactions with regulatory authorities worldwide and authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 200 abstracts and posters. “Helus Pharma is advancing a differentiated CNS pipeline with the potential to address significant unmet needs in mental health,” said Dr. Durgam. “I look forward to working with the Company’s leadership team and fellow SAB members to provide scientific and clinical guidance as Helus Pharma advances its programs through late-stage development.” Dr. Durgam received 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. He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology and received the 2026 International Society for CNS Drug Development Leadership Award. About Helus Pharma Helus Pharma™, the commercial operating name of Cybin Inc. is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to helping minds heal by developing proprietary NSAs, synthetic molecules designed to activate serotonin pathways that are believed to promote neuroplasticity. The Company’s proprietary NSAs are intended to address the large unmet need for people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. With class leading data, Helus Pharma aims to improve the treatment landscape through the introduction of NSAs that aim to provide durable improvements in mental health. Helus Pharma is currently developing HLP003, a proprietary NSA, in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of MDD that has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA and HLP004, also a proprietary NSA in Phase 2 for GAD. Additionally, Helus Pharma has an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs. The Company operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. For Company updates and to learn more about Helus Pharma, visit or follow the team on X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. Helus Pharma™ is a trademark of Helus Pharma Corp. Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release relating to the Company are forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “potential”, “possible”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the anticipated contributions of Ms. Donohue and Dr. Durgam; the Company’s continued growth and commercialization of the Company’s programs; execution against clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones; and plans to engineer proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for mental health conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the NSA market; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Company operates; implications of disease outbreaks on the Company's operations; and the risk factors set out in each of the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2026, and the Company’s annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2026, which are available under the Company's pro SEDAR+ at and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. The Company makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about the Company’s proposed products. The FDA, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding NSAs or HLP003, HLP004 and other programs of the Company. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of NSAs, HLP003, HLP004 or other programs of the Company can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. If Helus Pharma cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s performance and operations. Neither Cboe Canada, nor the Nasdaq Global Market stock exchange, have approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and are not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein. Investor Contact: Matthew Beck astr partners Managing Partner (917) 415-1750 Matthew.beck@astrpartners.com Gabriel Fahel Chief Legal Officer Helus Pharma 1-866-292-4601 irteam@helus.com – or – media@helus.com Media Contact: Victoria Verdeja RXMD Public Relations Director (212) 537-9495 cwray@rxmedyn.com

With the anticipated introduction of new treatments such as COMP360 (COMPASS Pathways), Zuranolone (SAGE Therapeutics/Biogen), LY03005 (Luye Pharma), REL-1017 (Relmada Therapeutics), Seltorexant (Minerva Neurosciences/Janssen Pharmaceutical), ABV-1504 (BioLite/ABVC BioPharma), and other and increasing disease awareness, it's reasonable to expect a significant transformation in the major depressive disorder market in the coming years. LAS VEGAS, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is a serious medical condition that affects a person's mood, behavior, thinking, and physical well-being. It is different from the temporary feelings of sadness that everyone experiences and should not be confused with the deep grief following the loss of a loved one. MDD is typically a recurrent and episodic condition, meaning that someone who has experienced depression and recovered is likely to face additional episodes, often within 2 to 3 years. As per DelveInsight analysis, the total diagnosed prevalent cases of MDD in the 7MM were found to be approximately 44 million cases in 2023, which is expected to increase during the forecast period (2024–2034). Among the severity-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of MDD, the highest prevalence was observed in moderate cases accounting for approximately 17 million cases in the 7MM in 2023 followed by severe cases and mild cases. Major depressive disorder can be addressed through several treatment approaches, including pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, interventional methods, and lifestyle changes. Initial treatment often involves either medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, with combined therapy proving more effective than using either alone. For severe cases of major depression, electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective option. The current range of recommended pharmacological treatments for major depressive disorder primarily includes antidepressants such as monoamines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective reuptake inhibitors, including medications like VRAYLAR, BRINTELLIX (now TRINTELLIX), SPRAVATO, REXULTI, and FETZIMA. In the upcoming major depressive disorder treatment market landscape, there are a plethora of companies investigating agents for use in major depressive disorder which includes Sage Therapeutics, Relmada Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Biogen, COMPASS Pathways, Luye Pharma, and others. Many more pharma companies are conducting clinical trials for therapies for major depressive disorder. To know more about upcoming major depressive disorder therapies showing positive results, visit @ Drugs for Major Depressive Disorder Treatment DelveInsight estimates that the market size for major depressive disorder is expected to grow from USD 7.1 billion in 2023 with a significant CAGR by 2034. The disease awareness and the emergence of new products in the pipeline will add to the market growth in the future. In addition, persistently rising cases of MDD in the forecast period will contribute to the rise in the MDD treatment market. The current pipeline for major depressive disorder includes a range of drugs with diverse mechanisms of action (MoA). COMP360 (COMPASS Pathways) , Zuranolone (SAGE Therapeutics/Biogen) , LY03005 (Luye Pharma) , REL-1017 (Relmada Therapeutics) , seltorexant (Minerva Neurosciences/Janssen Pharmaceutical) , ABV-1504 (BioLite/ABVC BioPharma), and some others are the most promising drugs of this indication. Ongoing research and current trials have the potential to change the MDD market. Keen to know how the MDD market will evolve by 2034? Find out @ Major Depressive Disorder Market Report The potential for effective major depressive disorder treatment in the future is expected to grow with the addition of numerous drugs to the pipeline of new therapeutics. Currently, a variety of candidate drugs for the treatment of major depressive disorder are being tested in various clinical trials, with some showing positive results. Any drug approved with increased safety and efficacy is expected to cause significant changes in the overall major depressive disorder market. Now, let's examine the pipeline therapies under investigation for major depressive disorder COMP360: COMPASS Pathways Phase III COMPASS Pathways is investigating the use of its experimental psilocybin therapy, COMP360, for treating serious mental health conditions like major depressive disorder. COMP360 is a synthesized version of psilocybin, the active compound found in certain "magic mushrooms," and is administered alongside psychological support. Psilocybin has shown promise in therapeutic applications, and COMP360 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy status by the US FDA as well as an Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) designation in the UK for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Currently, COMPASS Pathways is running a Phase II trial for MDD, with a Phase III trial underway in partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital to further explore its potential in meeting mental health treatment needs. The company is anticipated to release top-line data from two key trials, COMP005 and COMP006, by the fourth quarter of 2024 and mid-2025, respectively, for the treatment of TRD. Zuranolone: SAGE Therapeutics/Biogen Phase III Zuranolone, being developed by SAGE Therapeutics and Biogen, is a next-generation oral, highly potent, and selective positive allosteric modulator, designed for specific targeting of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. The binding sites for neuroactive steroids (NASs) are different from those for GABA, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. The GABA system, which is the primary inhibitory signaling pathway in the brain and central nervous system (CNS), plays a key role in regulating CNS function. SAGE-217 is currently in phase III clinical development for major depressive disorder and is being evaluated through the LANDSCAPE and NEST clinical trial programs, which include multiple studies involving thousands of participants, with varying dosing regimens, clinical endpoints, and treatment approaches. In February 2023, the US FDA accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for zuranolone in the treatment of MDD. However, in August 2023, the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) regarding the NDA for zuranolone for treating adults with MDD. Sage and Biogen are now assessing the feedback and determining their next steps. LY03005: Luye Pharma LY03005, developed by Luye Pharma, is one of the company's key products in the CNS therapeutic space. It is their exclusive extended-release tablet formulation of ansofaxine hydrochloride, a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine triple reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI) designed for treating major depressive disorder. LY03005 aims to offer improved efficacy and fewer side effects compared to conventional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs. Ansofaxine, a prodrug of desvenlafaxine, strongly inhibits dopamine reuptake in addition to serotonin and norepinephrine, demonstrating superior efficacy in clinical trials. In March 2020, the US FDA accepted the NDA submission for LY03005, which is currently in Phase III pivotal clinical trials for MDD treatment. Seltorexant: Minerva Neurosciences/Janssen Pharmaceutical Phase III Seltorexant, developed by Minerva Neurosciences and Janssen Pharmaceutical, is a selective orexin-2 receptor antagonist intended as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder and for managing insomnia. It is the most advanced ORX2-specific molecule in clinical development, acting as an antagonist by binding to its receptor. Seltorexant is being studied for two main uses: insomnia without psychiatric disorders and MDD in patients who do not respond adequately to SSRIs or SNRIs. In May 2024, Johnson & Johnson reported positive topline results from the pivotal Phase III MDD3001 trial, which assessed its efficacy and safety as an add-on therapy to antidepressants in adults and elderly MDD patients. Discover which therapies are expected to grab major MDD market share @ New Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder REL-1017: Relmada Therapeutics Phase III REL-1017, being developed by Relmada Therapeutics, is a novel chemical entity (NCE) and an NMDA receptor (NMDAR) channel blocker that specifically targets overactive channels while preserving normal glutamatergic neurotransmission. The U.S. FDA has granted it Fast Track Designation as an immunotherapy for treating major depressive disorder. In a Phase II trial, REL-1017 exhibited rapid, strong, and lasting antidepressant effects, with statistically significant improvements over placebo in depression measures. The study also indicated a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile for the drug. Currently, it is in late-stage development for MDD, being tested in Phase III trials for both adjunctive and monotherapy. In June 2024, Relmada published clinical data from the Reliance I Study. The company is actively enrolling patients in ongoing trials for REL-1017, including Reliance II (Study 302), with top-line results expected in the latter half of 2024, and Relight (Study 304), which is anticipated to provide results about six months after the completion of Study 302. ABV-1504: ABVC BioPharma Phase II ABV-1504, developed by ABVC BioPharma, features PDC-1421 as its active ingredient and is classified as a botanical investigational new drug. Through its subsidiary BioLite, ABVC has completed a Phase II trial of ABV-1504, a botanical Norepinephrine Transporter (NET) inhibitor. This trial, conducted at Stanford University, showed that the PDC-1421 capsule was safe and well-tolerated among six enrolled adult patients. Both low and high doses of PDC-1421 successfully achieved the study's primary endpoints, showing a necessary 40% improvement in ADHD-RS-IV test scores. In April 2023, PDC-1421 was awarded a US patent (US 11,554,154 B2) for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The drug has also completed a Phase II trial in MDD patients, and the company intends to hold an End of Phase II (EOP II) meeting with the FDA in the near future. Itruvone (PH10): VistaGen Therapeutics Phase II Itruvone (PH10), being developed by VistaGen Therapeutics, is an investigational first-in-class synthetic neurosteroid that is odorless and fast-acting, showing promise for various neuropsychiatric conditions related to depression and suicidal thoughts. VistaGen is focusing on PH10 as a potential quick-acting, non-sedating, and non-addictive treatment for MDD that patients can conveniently self-administer at home. When self-administered, a microgram-level dose of PH10 sprayed into the nose interacts with nasal chemosensory receptors, activating brain neural circuits to produce rapid antidepressant effects without the side effects, systemic exposure, or safety issues associated with FDA-approved treatments for MDD, such as oral antidepressants and esketamine. After successfully completing Phase IIa trials for MDD, VistaGen is now gearing up for the planned Phase IIb clinical development of PH10 for this condition. Moreover, in December 2022, PH10 received fast-track designation from the US FDA. LPCN 1154: Lipocine Phase II LPCN 1154, developed by Lipocine, is an oral formulation of brexanolone designed for rapid relief of postpartum depression. Its active ingredient is a naturally occurring positive allosteric modulator of the GABAa receptor. This medication is intended to provide an "at-home" treatment option, making it more accessible than the current standard care, which involves invasive procedures and hospitalization. In September 2022, the FDA approved Lipocine's proposal to demonstrate the efficacy of LPCN 1154 through a single pivotal pharmacokinetic bridge to the approved IV infusion of brexanolone via a 505(b)(2) NDA submission. In June 2024, Lipocine announced positive topline results from a pivotal pharmacokinetic study, confirming that LPCN 1154 is bioequivalent to IV brexanolone for PPD treatment. Lipocine aims to submit the NDA by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. Discover more about drugs for major depressive disorder in development @ Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Trials DelveInsight's latest published market report titled as Major Depressive Disorder Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 will help you to discover which market leader is going to capture the largest market share. The report provides comprehensive insights into the major depressive disorder country-specific treatment guidelines, patient pool analysis, and epidemiology forecast to help understand the key opportunities and assess the market's underlying potential. The major depressive disorder market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020–2034 in the 7MM segmented into: Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of MDD Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of MDD Severity-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of MDD The report provides an edge while developing business strategies by understanding trends shaping and driving the 7MM major depressive disorder market. Highlights include: 11-year Forecast 7MM Analysis Epidemiology-based Market Forecasting Historical and Forecasted Market Analysis upto 2034 Emerging Drug Market Uptake Peak Sales Analysis Key Cross Competition Analysis Industry Expert's Opinion Access and Reimbursement Download this major depressive disorder market report to assess the epidemiology forecasts, understand the patient journeys, know KOLs' opinions about the upcoming treatment paradigms, and determine the factors contributing to the shift in the major depressive disorder market. Also, stay abreast of the mitigating factors to improve your market position in the major depressive disorder therapeutic space. Related Reports Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Insight – 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key major depressive disorder companies, including GH Research, Praxis Precision Medicines, AbbVie, Gedeon Richter, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Relmada Therapeutics, SAGE Therapeutics, Janssen Research & Development, Minerva Neurosciences, Takeda, Neurocrine Biosciences, Pherin Pharmaceuticals, among others. Treatment-Resistant Depression Market Treatment-Resistant Depression Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key TRD companies, including Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Supernus Pharmaceuti, Novartis, Relmada Therapeutics, Beckley Psytech, COMPASS Pathways, Axsome Therapeutics, Celon Pharma, among others. Treatment-Resistant Depression Pipeline Treatment-Resistant Depression Pipeline Insight – 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key treatment-resistant depression companies, including Axsome Therapeutics, COMPASS Pathways, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., GH Research Limited, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Relmada Therapeutics, Inc., SAGE Therapeutics, Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, Alkermes, AbbVie, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Celon Pharma, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Pherin Pharmaceuticals, ATAI Life Sciences, among others. Postpartum Depression Market Postpartum Depression Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key postpartum depression companies, including Sage Therapeutics, Epharmix, Inc., among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve . Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +14699457679 Logo: SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED