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Michael Halstead

Helus Pharma Appoints Michael Halstead as Chief Executive Officer

Helus Pharma, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel serotonergic agonists (NSAs), has appointed Michael Halstead as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Halstead joins Helus Pharma as the company advances HLP003 through late-stage clinical development and prepares for potential commercialization. Enrollment has been completed in the APPROACH Phase 3 study, with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Enrollment is continuing in EMBRACE, the second pivotal study in the Phase 3 PARADIGM program, while participants continue to roll over into EXTEND, the long-term extension study.

Mr. Halstead brings 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience and most recently served as President of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. During his tenure, he helped transform the company from an early-stage clinical development organization into an integrated commercial biopharmaceutical company. He played a key role in the development, launch, and commercialization of CAPLYTA® (lumateperone), which received approvals for multiple indications, including schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. He also supported pipeline programs targeting generalized anxiety disorder and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

At Intra-Cellular, Mr. Halstead also managed multiple equity offerings and helped lead the company through its US$14.6 billion acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in 2025.

Previously, Mr. Halstead held senior leadership positions at Warner Chilcott plc, where he oversaw major strategic initiatives, including the US$3 billion acquisition of Procter & Gamble’s pharmaceutical business in 2009 and the integration of approximately 2,000 employees across multinational operations. He also played a role in Warner Chilcott’s US$8.5 billion sale to Actavis in 2013.

Mr. Halstead holds a J.D. from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and a B.A. in International Relations from Boston University.