The latest in a string of acquisitions, Eli Lilly is buying AtaiBeckley to increase its portfolio of treatment-resistant depression therapies.
AtaiBeckley’s pipeline includes rapid-acting neuroplastogens. Unlike conventional antidepressants (which target neurotransmitter levels), these therapies restore synaptic connectivity and encourage new neural connections.
The company's lead asset, BPL-003, is a synthetic form of 5-MeO-DMT administered intranasally for treatment-resistant depression, curently in phase 2 trials. The AtaiBeckley’s second most advanced program is VLS-01, an investigational oral transmucosal film formulation of DMT currently undergoing a phase 2b clinical trial. Another in the pipeline is EMP-01, an experimental oral formulation of R-MDMA to treat social anxiety disorder.
Lilly is acquiring AtaiBeckley for $6.75 per share in cash, plus up to $2.50 per share in Contingent Value Rights, which entitles the company to cash payments when the VLS-01 program reaches specific milestones.
This year alone, Lilly has also purchased 4E Therapeutics for its chronic pain treatments, Centessa Pharmaceutical for its sleep medicine portfolio, and Ventyx Biosciences for oral therapies to treat inflammatory-mediated diseases.