BetterLife Pharma Announces Engagement with Shanghai-Based YAFO Capital

Rhea-AI Summary

BetterLife Pharma (OTCQB: BETRF) announced an engagement agreement dated December 11, 2025 to retain Shanghai-based YAFO Capital as its exclusive advisor for seeking strategic partnerships for development of BETR-001 in the Greater China region (mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau).

The company said it will retain YAFO on a non-exclusive basis for territories outside Greater China. BETR-001 is described as a patented, non-hallucinogenic stereoisomer of 2-bromo-LSD being developed for traumatic brain injury, PTSD and cluster headache.

Market Reality Check

$0.0376 Last Close

Volume Volume 5,932 is well below 20-day average of 39,505, limiting confirmation. low

Technical Price 0.0446 is trading below the 200-day MA at 0.07.

Peers on Argus

While BETRF gained 8.52%, select peers like MBCOF (+8.73%) and ZEOX (+5.71%) also rose, but scanner data does not flag a broad sector move.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock dropped -11.4% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite partnership news would have fit a scenario where the market prioritized the stock’s broader downtrend and technical weakness over strategic updates. Trading below the 200-day MA at 0.07 and far under the 52-week high could have reinforced caution. With no historical reaction data, it would be unclear whether such selling followed prior patterns, leaving execution on BETR-001 partnerships as a key factor for sentiment.

Key Terms

lysergic acid diethylamide medical

"non-hallucinogenic derivative of lysergic acid diethylamide ("LSD")"

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent psychoactive compound that alters perception, mood and thought, often causing strong sensory distortions or 'trips' experienced as altered sights, sounds and sense of self. For investors, LSD matters because ongoing research, clinical trials and changing legal or regulatory status can create new markets or risks for companies developing therapies, manufacturing supply chains or seeking approvals—similar to how a new technology can open commercial opportunities once rules and evidence align.

LSD medical

"non-hallucinogenic derivative of lysergic acid diethylamide ("LSD")"

LSD is a powerful psychedelic drug studied for effects on perception and mood; in medical research it is being tested as a potential treatment to help reset or rewire brain patterns linked to depression, PTSD and addiction. Investors watch LSD-related programs because clinical trial results, regulatory approval, production controls, and legal status determine whether an experimental therapy can become a commercially viable medicine or remain a niche, high-risk asset—like a high-potential but tightly regulated new technology.

neuroplastogen medical

"BETR-001, a potent neuroplastogen, is BetterLife's patented stereoisomer"

A neuroplastogen is a drug or compound designed to boost the brain’s ability to rewire and form new connections, enhancing recovery or adaptation after injury, stress, or disease. For investors, these molecules matter because they target underlying brain repair processes rather than just masking symptoms, offering the potential for durable benefits in conditions like depression, neurodegeneration, or cognitive decline—akin to giving a tired garden fresh tools to regrow and reshape itself.

stereoisomer technical

"BetterLife's patented stereoisomer of 2-bromo-LSD, a non-hallucinogenic"

A stereoisomer is one of two or more molecules that have the same atoms and bonds but differ in the three-dimensional arrangement of those atoms, like left and right hands that are mirror images. For investors, stereoisomers matter because different arrangements can change a drug’s effectiveness, side effects, regulatory approval, manufacturing complexity and patent protection, all of which can affect a company’s sales, costs and legal risks.

2-bromo-LSD medical

"stereoisomer of 2-bromo-LSD, a non-hallucinogenic derivative of LSD"

2-bromo-LSD is a laboratory-made chemical closely related to the psychedelic drug LSD, with a single bromine atom added to its molecular structure; it is generally considered a research compound rather than an approved medicine. Investors should care because compounds like this can signal early-stage drug discovery or intellectual property steps, but they also carry high regulatory, safety and commercialization uncertainty — like evaluating a prototype car that may never reach dealers.

traumatic brain injury medical

"under development for the potential treatment of traumatic brain injury,"

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by a sudden external force—like a blow, jolt, or penetration—that disrupts thinking, movement, senses, or emotion; think of the brain as a delicate computer that can short-circuit after a hard impact. For investors, TBI matters because it drives demand for medical devices, drugs, rehabilitation services, and long-term care, and it creates financial risks for insurers and companies facing liability or costly clinical research and regulatory hurdles.

post-traumatic stress disorder medical

"treatment of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and"

A mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, causing persistent symptoms such as intrusive memories, heightened stress reactions, avoidance of reminders, and trouble sleeping or concentrating. For investors it matters because it can reduce employee productivity, increase healthcare and disability costs, alter consumer behavior, and create demand for treatment and support services—think of a business whose systems keep freezing after a shock, requiring ongoing fixes and higher operating costs.

cluster headache medical

"post-traumatic stress disorder and cluster headache. Previous forms"

Cluster headache is a neurological condition that causes sudden, repeated attacks of extremely severe, one-sided pain around the eye or temple, often accompanied by tearing, redness, or nasal congestion; attacks can come on like brief but intense electrical storms that recur over weeks or months. Investors watch it because the condition drives demand for specialty treatments, devices and new drugs, affects healthcare costs and coverage decisions, and shapes the commercial and regulatory potential of therapies targeting a concentrated, high-need patient group.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - BetterLife Pharma Inc. (CSE: BETR) (OTCQB: BETRF) (FSE: NPAU) ("BetterLife" or the "Company"), an emerging biotech company focused on development of BETR-001, its proprietary non-hallucinogenic derivative of lysergic acid diethylamide ("LSD"), is pleased to announce it has signed an engagement agreement with Shanghai-based YAFO Capital ("YAFO"), as its exclusive advisor to seek strategic partnerships for development of BETR-001 in the Greater China regions, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. Pursuant to the agreement, BetterLife intends to retain YAFO on a non-exclusive basis for territories outside of Greater China.

Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife, commented, "We are excited to work with the YAFO team to establish partnerships for the development of BETR-001 and to bring potential non-hallucinogenic treatments for neurological disorders to the Asian region. In recent years, YAFO has successfully concluded dozens of pharma and biotech cross-border transactions."

Sean Jiang, Founder and CEO of YAFO, added, "We are pleased to partner with BetterLife Pharma on the advancement of BETR-001 into the Greater China region. The non-hallucinogenic profile of BETR-001 represents a highly differentiated approach in neurological therapeutics, with significant clinical and commercial potential. Through this collaboration, YAFO will leverage its deep expertise and strong pharmaceutical network to accelerate strategic partnering and development opportunities for BetterLife in Asia."

BETR-001, a potent neuroplastogen, is BetterLife's patented stereoisomer of 2-bromo-LSD, a non-hallucinogenic derivative of LSD under development for the potential treatment of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and cluster headache. Previous forms of 2-bromo-LSD has been shown to be non-hallucinogenic, safe and tolerable in man, and in a small clinical study, to cause meaningful reduction in cluster headache frequency (Karst et al, Cephalgia 2010).

About YAFO Capital

Founded in 2013, YAFO Capital is a Shanghai-based boutique investment and advisory firm, with professional teams in China, United States, European Union and Southeast Asia. Partnering with pharmaceutical companies, YAFO Fund mainly invests in global assets. YAFO Life Sciences is a leading advisory boutique focused on asset transactions. YAFO has built a strong proven track record and closed dozens of in-licensing and out-licensing transactions with global pharma and biotech companies. Over the past five years, YAFO has been a leader in advising on China cross border licensing transactions.

For more information, please visit www.yafocapital.com.

About BetterLife Pharma

BetterLife Pharma Inc. is an emerging biotechnology company primarily focused on developing and commercializing BETR-001 to treat various neurological disorders. BETR-001, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is a non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled LSD derivative in development and it is unique in that it is unregulated and therefore can be self-administered. BetterLife's synthesis patent for BETR-001 eliminates regulatory hurdles and its pending patent, for composition and method of use, covers treatment of various neurological disorders, until around 2042.

BetterLife also owns a drug candidate for the treatment of viral infections and is in the process of seeking strategic alternatives for further development.

For further information, please visit BetterLife Pharma.

Contact

Ahmad Doroudian, Chief Executive Officer
Email: Ahmad.Doroudian@blifepharma.com
Phone: 1-604-221-0595

Wendi Xiang, Vice President
Email: wxiang@yafocapital.com
Phone: +86-13733685995

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

No securities exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277601

FAQ

What did BetterLife Pharma announce on December 11, 2025 regarding BETR-001 and YAFO Capital?

BetterLife announced an engagement agreement with YAFO Capital to be exclusive advisor for strategic partnerships for BETR-001 in Greater China.

Which territories are covered by YAFO's exclusive advisory role for BetterLife (BETRF)?

YAFO is exclusive advisor for the Greater China region: mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

Will BetterLife (BETRF) work with YAFO outside Greater China under the same exclusivity?

No. The release says BetterLife intends to retain YAFO on a non-exclusive basis for territories outside Greater China.

What is BETR-001 and what indications is BetterLife pursuing with BETRF stock?

BETR-001 is a patented, non-hallucinogenic stereoisomer of 2-bromo-LSD being developed for traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and cluster headache.

Does the announcement disclose financial terms or a timeline for the YAFO engagement for BETRF?

No. The announcement does not disclose financial terms, fees, or a specific timeline for the engagement.

How might the YAFO engagement affect BetterLife Pharma (BETRF) near term?

The company positions the engagement as a step to seek strategic partners in Asia, which could support regional development efforts for BETR-001 if partnerships are secured.