Helus Pharma (NASDAQ: HELP) (Cboe CA: HELP) has announced a strategic collaboration with TARA Mind, in partnership with Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), to support clinical trial recruitment for its PARADIGM HLP003 Phase 3 program. The program targets major depressive disorder (MDD), and the partnership aims to enhance veteran engagement and awareness within the mental health space. This initiative aligns with the April 18, 2026 Executive Order on accelerating treatments for serious mental illness, as Helus advances its FDA Breakthrough Therapy-designated HLP003 program and broader pipeline of novel serotonergic agonists.
The collaboration leverages the networks of TARA Mind and VETS to connect with veterans who may benefit from participation in the PARADIGM trial. Helus Pharma, formerly known as Cybin Inc., is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing proprietary novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs) designed to promote neuroplasticity and address unmet needs in depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. HLP003, currently in Phase 3 development for adjunctive treatment of MDD, has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the company is developing HLP004 for generalized anxiety disorder, now in Phase 2, and maintains an extensive research portfolio of investigational NSAs.
Helus Pharma aims to improve the treatment landscape by introducing NSAs that provide durable improvements in mental health. The company operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.helus.com or follow the team on social media platforms. The latest news and updates relating to HELP are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HELP.
This partnership underscores the growing emphasis on addressing mental health challenges among veterans, a population with elevated rates of depression and suicide. By focusing recruitment efforts on veterans, Helus Pharma not only supports the development of a potentially transformative treatment but also raises mental health awareness within a community that often faces barriers to care. The collaboration with TARA Mind and VETS leverages existing trust and infrastructure to facilitate access to clinical trials, potentially accelerating enrollment and bringing the therapy closer to approval. The alignment with the recent executive order further highlights the national priority on advancing mental health treatments.
The PARADIGM HLP003 program represents a significant step in Helus Pharma's mission to help minds heal. With Breakthrough Therapy designation, HLP003 has the potential to address the large unmet need for effective MDD treatments, particularly for patients who have not responded to existing therapies. The company’s pipeline also includes other NSA candidates targeting various mental health conditions, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in this space.
