Clinical-stage pharmaceutical company Helus Pharma has appointed world-renowned biotechnology pioneer Dr. Robert Langer and CNS therapeutics expert Dr. Stephen Brannan to its Scientific Advisory Board, strengthening the scientific foundation underpinning its novel serotonergic agonist pipeline, according to the Manila Times.

The appointments support Helus Pharma's advancement of HLP003, its Phase 3 asset for major depressive disorder which holds US FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, and HLP004, a Phase 2 programme targeting generalised anxiety disorder.

Eric So, interim chief executive of Helus Pharma, said: "Dr. Langer is globally recognized for translating groundbreaking science into therapies that reach patients, and Dr. Brannan brings decades of leadership in advancing CNS programs through clinical development. Their complementary expertise strengthens our scientific foundation as we progress our novel serotonergic agonists."

Dr. Robert Langer, who leads the largest biomedical engineering laboratory in the world, has authored more than 1,600 scientific papers and holds over 1,500 issued and pending patents worldwide. He has co-founded more than 40 biotechnology companies, including Moderna, and has received more than 220 major awards, including the United States National Medal of Science and the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering.

Dr. Langer said Helus Pharma's commitment to transforming novel discoveries into meaningful therapies aligned strongly with his approach to research and innovation.

Dr. Stephen Brannan, former chief medical officer at Karuna Pharmaceuticals and former Vice President for Neuroscience Clinical Development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, said there remains significant unmet need in serious psychiatric disorders and that Helus Pharma's disciplined approach to clinical development aligned closely with his experience in advancing CNS therapies.

The Scientific Advisory Board is chaired by Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, former Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Pfizer.

Read the full report for further detail on the Helus Pharma Scientific Advisory Board appointments.