Psychedelic Drugs

Pharma firms continue psychedelic drug research despite trial setbacks

Several pharmaceutical companies are continuing to invest in psychedelic compounds as potential treatments for mental-health conditions, even after some clinical trials have produced disappointing results. Separately, researchers are expanding longevity science beyond humans, testing repurposed drugs and new gene therapies to extend lifespan and treat age-related conditions in pets such as dogs and cats.

nature.com · 2026-10-27

Eli Lilly to acquire AtaiBeckley for up to $3.8bn in psychedelic drug push

Eli Lilly announced in July plans to acquire psychedelic-medicine developer AtaiBeckley for up to $3.8 billion, targeting its lead drug BPL-003 for treatment-resistant depression. The deal follows AbbVie's $1.2 billion acquisition earlier in 2025 of Gilgamesh Pharmaceutical's short-acting psychedelic bretisilocin, signaling renewed big-pharma interest despite the FDA's 2023 rejection of an MDMA-based PTSD treatment.

nature.com · 2026-10-27