BetterLife Pharma Inc. announced on January 14, 2025, that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a composition of matter patent for BETR-001, the company's non-hallucinogenic derivative of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The patent, designated US publication number US2023/0219955, provides intellectual property protection until 2042 and represents a significant milestone for the emerging biotechnology company's lead drug candidate.
Patent Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio
The newly granted patent covers BETR-001 and other forms of 2-bromo-LSD, adding to BetterLife's existing intellectual property protection. The company previously secured synthesis patents US9,868,732B2 and US10,377,752B2 for 2-bromo-LSD in 2018 and 2019, respectively, creating multiple layers of protection for its lead compound.
Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife, emphasized the commercial significance of the patent grant. "This is a significant milestone as the issuance of this patent by USPTO ensures the commercial potential of BETR-001 which is the R:R stereoisomer of 2-bromo-LSD," he stated. "BetterLife is the first to show that, of the four possible 2-bromo-LSD stereoisomers (R:R, R:S, S:R and S:S), the R:R stereoisomer is the one that is active at the neuroreceptors that are involved in the treatment of various mental health disorders."
Unique Therapeutic Profile and Development Status
BETR-001 distinguishes itself from traditional psychedelic compounds through its non-hallucinogenic properties and unregulated status. Currently in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, the compound offers the unique advantage of potential self-administration due to its non-controlled classification, which could eliminate significant regulatory hurdles in development and commercialization.
The drug candidate targets multiple neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions, with patent coverage extending to treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, and other related disorders. This broad therapeutic scope positions BETR-001 as a potentially versatile treatment option in the mental health space.
Expanding Patent Strategy
BetterLife continues to pursue additional intellectual property protection through method-of-use claims and other patent applications. Dr. Doroudian noted that the company is "actively pursuing additional claims such as method-of-use and so forth, which were part of the original provisional application" and has "separately filed other patent applications that cover BETR-001 as well as other forms of 2-bromo-LSD."
Broader Pipeline Development
Beyond BETR-001, BetterLife is developing BETR-002, based on honokiol, the active anxiolytic ingredient of magnolia bark. This compound, also in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, targets anxiety-related disorders including benzodiazepine dependency. The company maintains a pending method of use and formulations patent for BETR-002, demonstrating its commitment to building a comprehensive neuropsychiatric portfolio.
The patent grant represents a crucial step in validating BetterLife's approach to developing novel treatments for mental health disorders while maintaining strong intellectual property protection. With patent coverage extending to 2042, the company has secured long-term commercial potential for its lead compound as it advances through clinical development.
