diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 90ef355a..52f33ffc 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,5 +1,13 @@
 # Change Log
 
+## 1.6.1
+
+- Includes updated pyOCD distribution ([pyOCD v0.44.1](https://github.com/pyocd/pyOCD/releases/tag/v0.44.1))
+    - Improves flash programming post-reset robustness.
+    - Improves reset handling robustness for debug sequences.
+    - Fixes error if additional access port is added to *.cbuild-run.yml [#972](https://github.com/Open-CMSIS-Pack/vscode-cmsis-debugger/issues/972)
+    - Fixes potential name clashes between default debug sequences and user-defined debug vars [#967](https://github.com/Open-CMSIS-Pack/vscode-cmsis-debugger/issues/967)
+
 ## 1.6.0
 
 - The extension now has a *pre-release channel* for early access to upcoming features.  
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index d27b3e67..1cf628d5 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   "name": "vscode-cmsis-debugger",
   "displayName": "Arm CMSIS Debugger",
   "description": "Run and debug embedded and Edge AI projects on Arm Cortex-M single or multi core devices. Connects via pyOCD to CMSIS-DAP or other GDB servers.",
-  "version": "1.6.0",
+  "version": "1.6.1",
   "preview": false,
   "publisher": "Arm",
   "author": "Jens Reinecke <jens.reinecke@arm.com>",
@@ -622,7 +622,7 @@
     "yargs": "^18.0.0"
   },
   "cmsis": {
-    "pyocd": "pyocd/pyOCD@0.44.0",
+    "pyocd": "pyocd/pyOCD@0.44.1",
     "pyocdNightly": "pyocd/pyOCD@nightly",
     "gdb": "14.3.1"
   }