BetterLife To Present BETR-001 Preclinical Data at the Upcoming Canadian Association for Neuroscience Conference

Rhea-AI Summary

BetterLife Pharma announced that an abstract on the preclinical data for its lead compound BETR-001 was accepted for presentation at the Canadian Association for Neuroscience Conference on May 12-15, 2022. The study, led by Dr. Vern Lewis, indicates that BETR-001 promotes neural plasticity and exhibits anti-depressant properties, outperforming ketamine in some metrics. BETR-001 is a non-hallucinogenic LSD derivative, potentially simplifying patient access and reducing treatment costs compared to traditional LSD therapies. BetterLife is committed to addressing neuro-psychiatric disorders through innovative research and development.

Positive

• Preclinical data shows BETR-001 has anti-depressant activity and promotes neural plasticity.
• BETR-001 outperforms ketamine in certain measurements of structural plasticity.
• As a non-hallucinogenic compound, BETR-001 avoids regulatory hurdles associated with LSD.

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 21, 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 an abstract on the preclinical data on anti-depressant activity of its lead compound 2-bromo-LSD (“BETR-001”) was accepted for presentation at the upcoming Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN) Conference, being held May 12-15 in Toronto, Canada. The study, led by Dr. Vern Lewis, is part of BetterLife’s collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Argel Aguilar-Valles at Carleton University’s Department of Neuroscience. This collaboration is also supported by the Mitacs Accelerate program.

At CAN, Dr. Lewis will present preclinical data demonstrating the neural plasticity-promoting and anti-depressant properties of BETR-001 from both in vitro and in vivo studies. The Dr. Lewis’ study demonstrated that treatment of rat embryonic cortical neurons with BETR-001 increases the structural complexity of neurons (dendrite growth and complexity) and therefore, provides evidence of neural plasticity activity of BETR-001. In certain measurements of structural plasticity in neurons, BETR-001 performed better than ketamine in this model.

BetterLife believes that BETR-001 is an uniquely positioned LSD derivative with the potential to be as effective as LSD in various neuro-psychiatric 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. BETR-001 is protected by BetterLife’s composition, method-of-use, synthesis and formulation patents (issued & provisional).

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 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, cluster headaches, post-traumatic stress disorder 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.

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 is BETR-001 and its significance in mental health treatment?

BETR-001 is BetterLife Pharma's lead compound, a non-hallucinogenic LSD derivative showing promise in treating neuro-psychiatric disorders.

When will BETR-001's data be presented?

BETR-001's preclinical data will be presented at the Canadian Association for Neuroscience Conference from May 12-15, 2022.

How does BETR-001 compare to ketamine?

BETR-001 demonstrates superior structural plasticity metrics compared to ketamine in preclinical studies.

What are the potential advantages of BETR-001 over traditional LSD treatments?

BETR-001 is non-hallucinogenic, reducing treatment costs and regulatory complications, which facilitates easier patient access.

What organization supports the study of BETR-001?

The study is part of a collaboration with Carleton University's neuroscience department, supported by the Mitacs Accelerate program.