BetterLife To Present BETR-001 Preclinical Data at the 61ST Annual Meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) in Phoenix, Arizona

Rhea-AI Summary

BetterLife Pharma Inc. (CSE: BETR / OTCQB: BETRF) announced its lead compound, BETR-001, will be presented at the ACNP Conference from December 4-7, 2022. Dr. Argel Aguilar-Valles from Carleton University will share promising preclinical data showing BETR-001's acute and long-term anti-depressant effects and its promotion of neuroplasticity. CEO Dr. Ahmad Doroudian emphasized BETR-001's non-hallucinogenic nature, offering a regulatory advantage for future trials. IND-enabling studies are underway, with a potential IND filing and human trials targeted for mid-2023.

Positive

• Preclinical data shows BETR-001's acute and long-term anti-depressant activity.
• BETR-001 promotes structural neuroplasticity in brain neurons.
• Non-hallucinogenic nature allows for easier regulatory compliance and self-administration.
• IND-enabling studies are nearing completion, with human trials expected to begin by mid-2023.

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2022 (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 one of its scientific collaborators, Dr. Argel Aguilar-Valles from Carleton University’s Department of Neuroscience (Ottawa, Canada), will present on the anti-depressant activity of 2-bromo-LSD (“BETR-001”), the Company’s lead compound, at the upcoming ACNP Conference being held December 4 to 7 at Phoenix, Arizona, USA. BETR-001 is a non-hallucinogenic Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (“LSD”) derivative molecule.
Dr. Aguilar-Valles will present preclinical data supporting the acute and long-term anti-depressant activity of BETR-001 monotherapy in animal models. Furthermore, the data shows that BETR-001 promotes structural neuroplasticity in brain neurons and this effect is partly mediated by the activation of 5-HT2A receptor.
Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife commented, “BETR-001 is a uniquely positioned LSD derivative with the potential to be as effective as LSD in various neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders without the burden of being hallucinogenic. Because of its non-hallucinogenic nature, BETR-001 will not have all the LSD requirements of administration in specialized clinics under special treatment protocols, the LSD controlled substance regulatory issues which impact manufacturing, distribution and patient access, and the overall associated high treatment costs for all these parameters. Additionally, BETR-001 is protected by BetterLife’s composition, method-of-use, synthesis and formulation patents (issued and provisional).” He further added, “BETR-001 IND-enabling studies are being completed and we hope to file its IND and begin human trials by mid-2023.”

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, could be 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 depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, 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 other respiratory viral infections.

For further information, please visit BetterLife Pharma.

About the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University

Carleton Neuroscience has an international reputation for research on stress and its effects on brain functioning and mental health. The department has an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the emergence, prevention and treatment of mental and physical disorders.

For more information, please visit www.carleton.ca/neuroscience.

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 results of the BETR-001 preclinical study?

The preclinical study shows that BETR-001 has acute and long-term anti-depressant activity and promotes neuroplasticity in brain neurons.

When will BETR-001 enter human trials?

Human trials for BETR-001 are expected to begin by mid-2023, following the completion of IND-enabling studies.

What is the significance of BETR-001's non-hallucinogenic nature?

BETR-001's non-hallucinogenic nature allows for less stringent regulatory requirements, potentially facilitating easier access and administration.

Who is presenting BETR-001 at the ACNP Conference?

Dr. Argel Aguilar-Valles from Carleton University will present the findings on BETR-001 at the ACNP Conference from December 4-7, 2022.

What is the main focus of BetterLife Pharma?

BetterLife Pharma focuses on developing treatments for neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders, primarily through compounds BETR-001 and BETR-002.