Healis Therapeutics

Healis Therapeutics is a clinical-stage neurotherapeutics company dedicated to pioneering a new class of neuromuscular treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The company's primary focus is the development of botulinum toxin-based therapies, specifically targeting Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Healis operates on the scientific foundation of the 'facial feedback' mechanism, which suggests that modulating facial muscle expressions can directly influence the brain's emotional neuroanatomical circuits, particularly the amygdala. Founded by pioneers in the field, Healis has secured significant intellectual property, including an exclusive license from AbbVie (formerly Allergan) to develop botulinum toxin for MDD. The company is actively advancing its lead candidate, CKDB-501, through strategic partnerships with global biologics leaders like CKD Bio and prestigious research institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Healis aims to provide a long-acting, well-tolerated alternative to traditional antidepressants by leveraging the established safety profile of neuromodulators in a novel psychiatric context.