Helus Pharma, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), has announced the appointment of Regina Donohue as chief people officer and Suresh Durgam, M.D., to its Scientific Advisory Board. These strategic additions come as the company advances its pipeline toward potential commercialization.
Donohue brings extensive experience in human resources, most recently serving as chief human resources officer at Intra-Cellular, where she built the company's people strategy and infrastructure, managing its growth to over 1,000 employees as it transitioned into a commercial-stage organization. Intra-Cellular was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in April 2025. Her expertise will be instrumental in scaling Helus Pharma's workforce and fostering a culture aligned with its mission.
Durgam, with more than two decades of experience in CNS drug development, clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy, and pharmacovigilance, previously served as executive vice president and chief medical officer at Intra-Cellular. He helped secure FDA approvals for CAPLYTA across multiple indications, demonstrating his regulatory and clinical acumen. His addition to the Scientific Advisory Board strengthens Helus Pharma's scientific leadership as it navigates late-stage development.
Helus Pharma CEO Michael Halstead emphasized that these appointments enhance the company's organizational capabilities and scientific expertise. "We are thrilled to welcome Regina and Dr. Durgam to our team," Halstead said. "Their proven track records in building successful organizations and advancing CNS therapies will be invaluable as we progress our pipeline."
The company is currently developing HLP003, a proprietary NSA in Phase 3 clinical development for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, which has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, HLP004 is in Phase 2 for generalized anxiety disorder. These candidates represent a potential shift in mental health treatment, focusing on neuroplasticity to provide durable improvements.
The appointments signal Helus Pharma's preparation for future growth and the eventual commercialization of its therapies. With a robust pipeline and a strengthened leadership team, the company is positioning itself to address the large unmet need in mental health care. For more information on Helus Pharma and its developments, visit Helus Pharma.
