BetterLife Receives Positive Cardiac Safety Data for BETR-001

On November 25, 2024, BetterLife Pharma Inc. (referred to as “BetterLife” or the “Company”) announced the completion of an important cardiac safety study for its drug candidate BETR-001. The company, listed on the CSE under the ticker BETR, is a biotech firm devoted to developing BETR-001, a non-hallucinogenic derivative of LSD. The recent study, conducted in vitro under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, revealed that BETR-001 has a minimal effect on the hERG channel, which is crucial for maintaining proper cardiac function.

Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, the CEO of BetterLife, expressed satisfaction with the study results, stating that the data aligns well with previous in vivo cardiac safety telemetry studies. He highlighted that these new findings bolster earlier reports on BETR-001's interaction with the 5HT-2B receptor. Unlike LSD and other psychedelics that strongly activate this receptor and are associated with cardiac valvulopathy, BETR-001 acts as an antagonist, which makes it safer for the heart. Dr. Doroudian emphasized that these results bring the company closer to completing the necessary studies to start clinical trials.

BetterLife Pharma Inc. is a burgeoning biotech company that focuses on the development and commercialization of two key compounds, BETR-001 and BETR-002, aimed at treating neuro-psychiatric and neurological conditions.

BETR-001 is undergoing preclinical and IND-enabling studies. It is a unique LSD derivative that is both non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled, meaning it can be self-administered without regulatory restrictions. The company holds a synthesis patent for BETR-001, which helps bypass regulatory challenges. Additionally, BetterLife has a pending patent covering the composition and method of use of BETR-001 for the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety, neuropathic pain, and other neuro-psychiatric conditions.

BETR-002, also in preclinical and IND-enabling stages, is derived from honokiol, a compound found in magnolia bark known for its anxiolytic properties. BetterLife has a pending patent for the use of BETR-002 in treating anxiety-related disorders, including benzodiazepine dependency.

In addition to these compounds, BetterLife owns a drug candidate intended for the treatment of viral infections. The company is currently exploring strategic options for its further development.

BetterLife's progress with BETR-001 signifies a significant advancement in developing safer treatment options for mental health and neurological disorders. The company’s innovative approach and focus on non-regulated compounds could potentially transform treatment paradigms in these fields, paving the way for more accessible and safer therapeutic options.