Helus Pharma Announces CEO Transition; Eric So Resumes Interim Role

The company's co-founder will lead the search for a permanent chief executive officer.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:03pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a collection of polished, geometric objects representing the pharmaceutical industry and mental health research, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background using dramatic lighting to convey a sense of precision and scientific progress.Helus Pharma's leadership transition aims to maintain momentum in developing novel mental health treatments as the company approaches a key data milestone.NYC Today

Helus Pharma, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel serotonergic agonists, announced that Michael Cola is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer at the request of the Board of Directors. The Board has appointed Co-founder and Executive Chairman Eric So to resume his role as Interim Chief Executive Officer while a search for a permanent successor is conducted.

Why it matters

The leadership transition at Helus Pharma comes as the company prepares for a key data readout from its Phase 3 trial of HLP003, a proprietary drug candidate for major depressive disorder. Maintaining continuity during this period will be crucial as the company works to advance its clinical pipeline and deliver innovative mental health treatments.

The details

Eric So, a co-founder and the Executive Chairman of Helus Pharma, previously served as Interim CEO and will now resume that role. The company says he will ensure continuity during the transition and maintain the focus on executing the company's strategy, advancing the clinical pipeline, and creating long-term value for patients and shareholders. Helus Pharma is particularly anticipating topline data from the APPROACH trial of HLP003 in the fourth quarter of 2026.

  • Michael Cola stepped down as CEO on April 20, 2026.
  • Eric So resumed his role as Interim CEO on April 20, 2026.
  • Helus Pharma expects to report topline data from the APPROACH trial of HLP003 in Q4 2026.

The players

Eric So

Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Helus Pharma who is resuming his role as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Michael Cola

Former Chief Executive Officer of Helus Pharma who is stepping down at the request of the Board of Directors.

Helus Pharma

A clinical-stage pharmaceutical company committed to developing novel serotonergic agonists to address mental health conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Helus Pharma was founded with a clear mission: to advance innovative therapies that address serious unmet needs in mental health. With a strong foundation of clinical progress, regulatory recognition, and dedicated teams, we remain well-positioned to continue advancing our programs. I am committed to ensuring continuity during this transition and maintaining our focus on creating long-term value for both patients and shareholders.”

— Eric So, Interim Chief Executive Officer

“Our priorities remain clear as we execute on our strategy, advance our clinical pipeline, and work closely with our partners to deliver meaningful therapeutic options for patients. In particular, our focus remains on the upcoming topline data readout from the APPROACH trial of HLP003 expected in the fourth quarter, and we remain committed to disciplined execution and supporting our teams as we move forward.”

— Eric So, Interim Chief Executive Officer

What’s next

The Board of Directors has initiated a search process to identify a permanent Chief Executive Officer for Helus Pharma.

The takeaway

The leadership transition at Helus Pharma comes at a critical juncture as the company prepares to report key data from its lead drug candidate. Maintaining stability and focus during this period will be essential as the company works to advance its innovative mental health treatments and create long-term value for patients and shareholders.