Helus Pharma's 'HELP' Ticker Debuts on Nasdaq, Signals New Era

BOSTON & TORONTO – January 05, 2026 – In a significant strategic pivot aimed at reshaping the mental health treatment landscape, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company Cybin Inc. has begun operating as Helus Pharma and commenced trading today on the Nasdaq Global Market under the evocative ticker symbol ‘HELP’. The move, which transfers its U.S. listing from the NYSE American, marks a deliberate transformation from a discovery-focused entity into a commercial-ready pharmaceutical powerhouse poised to bring its novel therapies for depression and anxiety to market.

The rebranding and uplisting are more than symbolic gestures; they represent a company maturing its pipeline and preparing for a new chapter. Helus Pharma, pronounced “Heal-Us,” is advancing two lead candidates, HLP003 and HLP004, which are proprietary novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs) designed to address significant unmet needs in mental healthcare.

A Strategic Transformation for a New Market

The transition to Helus Pharma and the Nasdaq platform is central to the company's evolution. The new identity and ticker are designed to align the company's public profile with its core mission of developing groundbreaking therapies.

“Our new business name more accurately describes our compounds and reflects our anticipated transformation from a global clinical stage discovery and development company to a commercial-ready pharmaceutical company, with our two lead candidates HLP003 and HLP004,” said Eric So, interim chief executive officer of the company. “Our new identity represents who we are today and where we expect to be tomorrow—an innovative company focused on redefining mental health care with the goal of helping minds heal.”

The move to Nasdaq places Helus Pharma among a larger, more visible peer group of global pharmaceutical companies, potentially increasing its appeal to a broader base of institutional and retail investors. While the company is now operating as Helus Pharma, it plans to seek formal shareholder approval to change its legal name from Cybin Inc. to Helus Pharma Inc. at its next annual meeting. The company will also continue to trade on Cboe Canada under the same ‘HELP’ ticker.

The Promise of a Breakthrough Pipeline

At the heart of Helus Pharma's strategy is its advanced pipeline of proprietary NSAs, synthetic molecules engineered to activate specific serotonin pathways in the brain. This mechanism is believed to promote neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—which is thought to be crucial for achieving durable recovery from mental health conditions.

The company's lead program, HLP003, is in a Phase 3 clinical trial for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The compound has already received a significant endorsement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the form of a Breakthrough Therapy Designation. This designation is reserved for drugs that treat a serious condition and have shown preliminary clinical evidence of substantial improvement over available therapies. The benefits are considerable, providing Helus with more intensive FDA guidance, an organizational commitment to expedite development, and eligibility for both rolling and priority reviews, which can shave months or even years off the typical drug approval timeline.

Its second lead candidate, HLP004, is currently in a Phase 2 study for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). With key data readouts for both HLP003 and HLP004 anticipated in 2026, the company is approaching a series of potentially value-defining catalysts.

Navigating a Multi-Billion Dollar Market Opportunity

Helus Pharma is entering a therapeutic area characterized by immense need and substantial market value. The global market for major depressive disorder was valued at approximately $16 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing awareness and a persistent demand for more effective treatments. Current standards of care, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), often come with delayed onset of action and inconsistent efficacy, leaving a large patient population underserved.

There is a clear market appetite for innovative solutions, particularly rapid-acting therapies that can provide faster relief. Helus Pharma’s focus on NSAs positions it to compete directly in this high-growth segment.

Similarly, the generalized anxiety disorder market, estimated at over $7.7 billion in 2024, continues to expand. Stressful modern lifestyles and a greater willingness to seek treatment have fueled this growth. Helus Pharma's HLP004 targets this vast patient population, aiming to offer a novel mechanism of action compared to existing treatments like benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Success in this area could capture a significant share of a market projected to reach nearly $9.2 billion by 2029.

Investor Outlook and Intellectual Property Moat

For investors, the rebranding and Nasdaq listing under 'HELP' offer a clearer narrative and enhanced visibility. While, like many clinical-stage biotechs, the company has operated at a financial loss while funding its extensive research and development, recent updates suggest a financing runway that extends into 2027. This provides a critical window to achieve its upcoming late-stage clinical milestones for HLP003 and HLP004.

A cornerstone of the company’s long-term value proposition is its formidable intellectual property portfolio. With over 350 patents filed and more than 100 already granted, Helus Pharma has constructed a significant IP moat around its proprietary compounds and delivery systems. This extensive patent estate, which includes composition of matter protection for its deuterated drug candidates extending to 2040 in some cases, is designed to fend off competition and secure market exclusivity for years to come. This strategy is vital for justifying the immense investment required for drug development and maximizing shareholder value upon potential commercialization.

As Helus Pharma embarks on this new chapter, the investment community, healthcare providers, and patients will be watching closely. The upcoming clinical data in 2026 will be a critical test of its scientific platform and could determine whether the promise of 'HELP' translates into a new standard of care for millions suffering from mental health conditions.