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BetterLife To Present BETR-001 Preclinical Data at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP) in San Diego, California

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BetterLife Pharma Inc. (CSE: BETR / OTCQB: BETRF) announced that its collaborators from Carleton University will present findings on BETR-001, a non-hallucinogenic LSD derivative, at the SOBP Conference, April 27-29, 2023, in San Diego. Preclinical data indicate that BETR-001 enhances stress-coping behaviors and reverses anxiety and depression in mouse models, correlating with increased neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex. Driven by the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, these effects position BETR-001 as a promising candidate for treating mood disorders without the regulatory challenges of traditional psychedelics. CEO Ahmad Doroudian noted that ongoing IND-enabling studies will pave the way for human trials. BetterLife's proprietary patents protect BETR-001, facilitating potential self-administration and broader patient access.

Positive
  • BETR-001 shows promise in preclinical models for treating anxiety and depression.
  • Increased neuroplasticity indicated by improved spine density in the prefrontal cortex.
  • Non-hallucinogenic status allows for wider patient access without strict regulatory hurdles.
  • Strong patent protection enhances market position and potential for commercialization.
  • Ongoing IND-enabling studies signify progression towards human trials.
Negative
  • None.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BetterLife Pharma Inc. (“BetterLife” or the “Company”) (CSE: BETR / OTCQB: BETRF / FRA: NPAU), an emerging biotech company focused on the development and commercialization of cutting-edge treatments for mental disorders, today announced that its scientific collaborators, Drs. Vern Lewis and Argel Aguilar-Valles from Carleton University’s Department of Neuroscience in Ottawa, Canada, will present on the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety activity of BetterLife’s 2-bromo-LSD (“BETR-001”) at the upcoming SOBP Conference, being held April 27-29, 2023 at San Diego, California, USA. BETR-001 is a non-hallucinogenic Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (“LSD”) derivative molecule.

Dr. Lewis will present preclinical data showing that BETR-001 promoted active stress-coping behaviours, and reverses depression and anxiety-like behaviours, in chronically stressed and stress-naïve mouse models. The positive behavioural effects of BETR-001 correlated with improved spine density (increased neuroplasticity) in the prefrontal cortex of these mice. Furthermore, the mechanism of BETR-001-mediated effects were shown to be driven by the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor in these preclinical models. The presentation abstract is published in the May 1, 2023 edition of the journal of Biological Psychiatry.

Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife commented, “We are very excited about these preclinical data confirming our position that BETR-001 is a unique LSD derivative with activity in depressive and anxiety disorders without the burden of being hallucinogenic. BETR-001 is not a controlled substance and will not have all the special restrictions and requirements needed for psychedelics, such as administration only in specialized clinics under special treatment protocols and restricted manufacturing and distribution, all of which impact patient access and lead to high treatment costs. Additionally, BETR-001 is protected by BetterLife’s composition, method-of-use, synthesis, and formulation patents (issued & provisional).” He further added, “BETR-001 IND-enabling studies are ongoing, and we will file its IND and begin human trials as soon as these are completed.”

About BetterLife Pharma

BetterLife Pharma Inc. is an emerging biotechnology company primarily focused on developing and commercializing two compounds, BETR-001 and BETR-002, to treat neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders.

BETR-001, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is a non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled LSD derivative in development and it is unique in that it is unregulated and therefore can be potentially self-administered. BetterLife’s synthesis patent for BETR-001 eliminates regulatory hurdles and its pending patent, for composition and method of use, covers treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and neuropathic pain and other neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders.

BETR-002, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is based on honokiol, the active anxiolytic ingredient of magnolia bark. BetterLife’s pending method of use and formulations patent covers treatment of anxiety related disorders including benzodiazepine dependency.

BetterLife also owns a drug candidate for the treatment of viral infections such as COVID-19 and is in the process of seeking strategic alternatives for further development.

For further information, please visit BetterLife Pharma.

Contact Information

David Melles, Investor Relations Manager
Email: David.Melles@blifepharma.com
Phone: 1-778-887-1928

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

No securities exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.


FAQ

What are the key findings regarding BETR-001 presented at the SOBP Conference?

The presentation revealed that BETR-001 promotes active stress coping and reverses anxiety and depression-like behaviors in mouse models, with effects linked to increased neuroplasticity.

When will BetterLife Pharma begin human trials for BETR-001?

Human trials for BETR-001 will commence after the completion of ongoing IND-enabling studies.

What is the significance of BETR-001 being a non-hallucinogenic substance?

Being non-hallucinogenic means BETR-001 can be more easily administered, potentially allowing for self-administration and avoiding the stringent regulations associated with traditional psychedelics.

What regulatory benefits does BETR-001 have compared to traditional psychedelics?

BETR-001 is not a controlled substance, thus it avoids the special restrictions and high costs tied to psychedelics, enhancing patient access.

What future developments should investors expect from BetterLife Pharma?

Investors can expect the completion of IND-enabling studies and the filing of an IND application, leading to human trials for BETR-001.

BETTERLIFE PHARMA INC

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