ATAI Life Sciences Shares Rise on Positive Phase 2b Psychedelic Depression Trial

Atai Life Sciences and Beckley Psytech have announced positive topline results from their Phase 2b trial of BPL-003, an intranasal psychedelic treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The study demonstrated significant and rapid reductions in depressive symptoms with single 8 mg and 12 mg doses, maintaining effects through eight weeks and showing minimal side effects, suggesting a promising new therapy for TRD. These results met all primary and secondary endpoints, enabling Atai and Beckley Psytech to proceed with their planned merger, expected to close in the second half of 2025. Atai also secured a $50 million private placement financing to fund clinical development, emphasizing their commitment to advancing psychedelic-based mental health treatments. The companies plan to advance the 8 mg dose into Phase 3 development after further regulatory discussions, positioning their combined entity as a leader in the emerging psychedelics therapy market. This breakthrough offers hope for rapid, durable relief in a population with limited effective treatment options.