Eli Lilly Buys AtaiBeckley for $2.8 Billion to Push Depression Drugs
Updated
Updated · PR Newswire · Jul 16
Eli Lilly Buys AtaiBeckley for $2.8 Billion to Push Depression Drugs
3 articles · Updated · PR Newswire · Jul 16
Summary
$6.75 a share in cash plus up to $2.50 in CVRs values AtaiBeckley at $2.8 billion upfront, with another $1 billion tied to development and regulatory milestones.
BPL-003, AtaiBeckley’s lead treatment-resistant depression program, has FDA Breakthrough Therapy status, started Phase 3 activities, and showed months-long symptom relief in a Phase 2b study after an average two-hour clinic visit.
The acquisition also brings VLS-01, a DMT buccal film now in Phase 2b, expanding Lilly’s neuroscience pipeline beyond conventional antidepressants toward neuroplastogen therapies aimed at restoring synaptic connectivity.
Boards at both companies approved the deal, holders representing about 15% of AtaiBeckley shares agreed to support it, and Lilly expects to close the transaction in the third quarter pending shareholder and regulatory approval.