Eli Lilly nears deal to acquire psychedelic drugmaker AtaiBeckley

Jul 15, 2026

Eli Lilly & Co. is nearing a deal to acquire psychedelic drugmaker AtaiBeckley, signaling growing pharmaceutical interest in the sector. A deal could be announced this week. AtaiBeckley, which develops a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, saw its shares soar 66% on the news, reaching a market value of $1.97 billion. The sector has been boosted by a Trump administration order to speed up reviews and increase research funding.

Eli Lilly acquisition talks

▪A potential takeover of AtaiBeckley could be announced as soon as the week of July 15, 2026.
▪Eli Lilly & Co. is in talks to acquire psychedelic drugmaker AtaiBeckley Inc.
▪Eli Lilly is reportedly negotiating the acquisition deal at a premium.

AtaiBeckley market reaction

▪As of the market close on July 15, 2026, AtaiBeckley had a market value of $1.97 billion.
▪Following the acquisition news, AtaiBeckley's shares soared 66% in aftermarket trading.
▪Eli Lilly's shares were flat in aftermarket trading after the news.

Psychedelic depression treatment

▪AtaiBeckley is developing BPL-003, an intranasal formulation of 5-MeO-DMT for treatment-resistant depression.
▪AtaiBeckley is a New York-based company focused on psychedelic-based treatments for mental health conditions.
▪The potential acquisition reflects growing interest from large drugmakers in the field of psychedelic medicine.

Trump regulatory policy

▪President Donald Trump's 2026 order also increased federal funding for psychedelic research.
▪In 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered health regulators to speed up reviews of psychedelic treatments.