Betterlife hires YAFO as adviser in Greater China

Executive Summary

• Betterlife Pharma Inc. has engaged Shanghai-based YAFO Capital as its exclusive adviser to seek strategic partnerships for the development of its lead drug candidate, BETR-001, specifically within the Greater China region (mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau).
• The engagement is exclusive for the Greater China territories, while Betterlife retains the right to retain YAFO on a non-exclusive basis for territories outside of this region.
• BETR-001 is a patented, non-hallucinogenic derivative of LSD (2-bromo-LSD) currently in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, targeting neurological disorders such as traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and cluster headaches.

Key Details

• Advisory Agreement: Betterlife Pharma signed an engagement agreement with YAFO Capital.
• Scope of Engagement: YAFO Capital serves as the exclusive adviser for seeking strategic partnerships for BETR-001 in Greater China.
• Territorial Rights: Betterlife intends to retain YAFO on a non-exclusive basis for territories outside of Greater China.
• Product Profile (BETR-001):
  • Potent neuroplastogen and patented stereoisomer of 2-bromo-LSD.
  • Non-hallucinogenic derivative of LSD.
  • Under development for traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cluster headache.
  • Status: Preclinical and IND-enabling studies.
  • Regulatory Status: Unregulated and self-administerable due to synthesis patent eliminating certain regulatory hurdles; composition and method of use patent pending until ~2042.
• Clinical History: Previous forms of 2-bromo-LSD demonstrated safety, tolerability, and meaningful reduction in cluster headache frequency in a small clinical study (Karst et al., Cephalgia 2010).
• Additional Assets: Betterlife owns a drug candidate for viral infections and is seeking strategic alternatives for its further development.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of Betterlife Pharma: "We are excited to work with the YAFO team to establish partnerships for the development of BETR-001 and to bring potential non-hallucinogenic treatments for neurological disorders to the Asian region. In recent years, YAFO has successfully concluded dozens of pharma and biotech cross-border transactions."
• Sean Jiang, Founder and CEO of YAFO Capital: "We are pleased to partner with Betterlife Pharma on the advancement of BETR-001 into the Greater China region. The non-hallucinogenic profile of BETR-001 represents a highly differentiated approach in neurological therapeutics, with significant clinical and commercial potential. Through this collaboration, YAFO will leverage its deep expertise and strong pharmaceutical network to accelerate strategic partnering and development opportunities for Betterlife in Asia."