Lucid Psycheceuticals Acquired by FSD Pharma to further develop UHN MS therapy platform

“Congratulations to Lucid and FSD Pharma on taking this important step to accelerate potential treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis based on technology developed at UHN. Working with our industry partners on moving our research forward means working together to create a healthier world,” says Mark Taylor, Director, Commercialization, University Health Network.

Full News Release:

FSD Pharma, a life sciences holding company dedicated to building a portfolio of assets and biotech solutions, recently announced completion of their previously announced acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc. (“Lucid”), a Canadian-based specialty psychedelic pharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapies to treat critical neurodegenerative diseases, for approximately CAD$11.3 million (US$8.9 million) in FSD Pharma stock (the “Transaction”).

In connection with the transaction, Dr. Lakshmi P. Kotra(link is external), B.Pharm.(Hons), Ph.D., Lucid’s co-founder, Senior scientist at Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network(link is external) (“UHN”), and Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Toronto, has joined FSD Pharma as CEO of Lucid, which will be the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary. In that newly created role, he will continue to assess and advance FSD Pharma’s innovative drug development programs.

“The acquisition of Lucid represents a positive and exciting step in pursuit of our strategic objectives at FSD Pharma, as we advance a diversified pipeline of novel, patent-protected drug candidates. These are leading edge molecules to target therapies for mental health disorders and neurodegenerative diseases in a totally unique way, through the regulatory process,” said Anthony Durkacz, Interim CEO of FSD Pharma. “We are excited that Dr. Kotra, an award-winning researcher and accomplished executive with experience in drug discovery and clinical development, will now be leading this effort.”

Dr. Kotra commented, “Energized by the tremendous opportunity that the combination of the two companies represents, I am thrilled to join the FSD Pharma team at this pivotal time as it works to accelerate the development of a robust pipeline of innovative treatments that address significant unmet needs in neurodegenerative and mental health disorders. Lucid recently licensed novel compounds from UHN for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, and is also developing a psychedelics-class of compounds for mental health disorders. These add to the current anti-inflammatory pipeline under development at FSD. As we move forward, we will be adding complementary expertise to the Company’s team, as well as partnering with experienced organizations globally. We are laser focused on completing advanced preclinical studies and scale-up activities to successfully move FSD Pharma’s assets through the clinical trials. This transformative transaction is a mutually synergistic step toward addressing total brain health, and the Company’s team is excited at the new possibilities and therapeutics.”

Hance Clarke, M.D., Ph.D.(link is external), an anesthesiologist, renowned pain specialist, Director of Pain Services at Toronto General Hospital, and expert scientific advisor for Lucid, said, “I am pleased to see FSD Pharma and Lucid combining expertise to fuel research and development efforts for novel therapies. Lucid has a truly exciting pipeline and stellar team leading the progress of novel therapeutics for mental health and neurodegenerative disorders.”

Eleanor N. Fish, Ph.D(link is external)., Professor, University of Toronto Faculty of Immunology and Emerita Scientist, UHN, who is a world-renowned immunologist and cytokines expert, commented, "I am delighted at the news of FSD Pharma’s acquisition of Lucid, which under Dr. Kotra’s leadership, is developing exciting technologies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and mental health challenges. I am very hopeful these next generation therapeutics will reach patients to address this unmet clinical need.”

“Congratulations to Lucid and FSD Pharma on taking this important step to accelerate potential treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis based on technology developed at UHN. Working with our industry partners on moving our research forward means working together to create a healthier world,” says Mark Taylor, Director, Commercialization, University Health Network.

Source: FSD News Release (link is external)

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