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MAPS Raises Nearly $1.6 Million in Christie’s NFT Auction

MAPS Raises Nearly $1.6 Million in Christie’s NFT Auction

Historic Curated “Cartography of the Mind: A Curated NFT Sale” Auction is the First Time MAPS has Raised Money Using NFTs

Beeple’s PILGRIMAGE
Price Realized: $252,000

  • Digital art, inspired by personal experience and the potential of psychedelic healing, was donated by leading digital artists including Beeple, David Choe, and Alex Grey
  • Cartography of the Mind represented the single-largest sale of art to benefit MAPS in its 30+ year history of philanthropic art sales
  • Select pieces will be exhibited at Psychedelic Science 2023, marking the first time digital art will be exhibited in the extensive Psychedelic Science galleries and exhibits

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has announced that the recent curated digital art NFT sale – Cartography of the Mind: A Curated NFT Sale– raised $1,569,960. Proceeds of the auction, presented by Christie’s in collaboration with Ryan Zurrer, founder of Dialectic and Vine Ventures, will benefit MAPS.

On the heels of NFT.NYC, we were absolutely thrilled with the successful results of Cartography of the Mind: A Curated Sale to Benefit MAPS. Throughout the week, the physical exhibition at Christie’s new gallery on 6th Avenue drew impressive crowds of enthusiastic visitors. With competitive bidding, the sale realized over $1.5 million. It was 100% sold, and 130% sold hammer over low estimate. This is a true testament to the continued strength and vibrancy of the digital art market.

Nicole Sales, Christie’s Business Director of Digital Art

Digital artists from all over the world, including Beeple, David Choe, Alex Grey, Sarah Meyohas, Refik Anadol, Mad Dog Jones, and IX Shells, donated their art to support MAPS. The 501(c)(3) non-profit research, education, and advocacy organization was founded in 1986 and remains the leading body at the vanguard of research into potentially life-saving psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Psychedelic Healing is an artistic interpretation of the MAPS logo by renowned psychedelic artist Alex Grey. It was purchased by Ryan Zurrer, who donated it back to MAPS for the organization’s use and additional fundraising. Grey painted the original artwork to celebrate MAPS’ 35th anniversary in 2021; it is also available as a poster with proceeds benefiting MAPS and Grey’s Chapel of Sacred Mirrors.  

As a not-for-profit, we are always looking for innovative ways to fundraise, and working with this digital art community has truly been eye-opening. We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support from Ryan, Christie’s, and especially these incredible artists who put forth their art in support of our work in advancing psychedelic medicine. We have seen a significant overlap amongst people who have a passion for NFTs, blockchain, and psychedelics. All speak to the decentralized nature of experience, and we look forward to continuing to explore the intersection of both communities.

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS Founder and Executive Director

For those interested in seeing the art in person, it will be on display at Psychedelic Science 2023, the largest psychedelic gathering happening on June 17-25, 2023, in Denver. For those interested in learning more, contributing art or general participation, please visit psychedelicscience.org/participate

ABOUT MAPS
Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education. MAPS has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business. Renowned and trusted for its expert live and online auctions, as well as its bespoke private sales, Christie’s offers a full portfolio of global services to its clients, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s has a physical presence in 46 countries, throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. It also is the only international auction house authorized to hold sales in mainland China (Shanghai).

Christie’s auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $200 to over $100 million. In recent years, Christie’s has achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction (Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, 2017), for a 20th century artwork (Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, 2022) and for a work by a living artist (Jeff Koons’ Rabbit, 2019). Christie’s is also recognised as a reference for prestigious single owner collections, having auctioned 8 of the 10 most important collections in history.

Christie’s Private Sales offers a seamless service for buying and selling art, jewellery and watches outside of the auction calendar, working exclusively with Christie’s specialists at a client’s individual pace.

Recent innovations at Christie’s include groundbreaking sale of the first NFT for a digital work of art ever offered at a major auction house (Beeple’s Everydays, March 2021), with the unprecedented acceptance of cryptocurrency as a means of payment. As an industry leader in digital innovation, Christie’s also continues to pioneer new technologies that are redefining the business of art, including the use of hologram technology to tour life-size 3D objects around the world, and the creation of viewing and bidding experiences that integrate augmented reality, global livestreaming, buy-now channels, and hybrid sales formats.

Christie’s is dedicated to advancing responsible culture throughout its business and communities worldwide, including achieving sustainability through net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and actively using its platform in the art world to amplify under-represented voices and support positive change. 

Browse, bid, discover, and join us for the best of art and luxury at: www.christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps.

*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price – see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.

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MDMA-Assisted Group Therapy for PTSD Among Veterans Study Will Proceed Following Successful Safety Negotiations

MDMA-Assisted Group Therapy for PTSD Among Veterans Study Will Proceed Following Successful Safety Negotiations

  • The FDA lifted the clinical hold from a MAPS-sponsored Phase 2 study of MDMA-assisted group therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder among veterans at the VA Portland Health Care System
  • This essential proof-of-principle study tests safety and logistics of group therapy, the first step in fully investigating the treatment for efficacy and broader patient access
  • The data-driven negotiation strategy included substudies of participants’ no-overnight stay conducted in the first Phase 3 trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD

After months of negotiations with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has been permitted to initiate the MAPS-sponsored Phase 2 Open-Label Feasibility and Safety Study of MDMA-Assisted Group Therapy for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans (MPG1). Despite its status as the world’s leading research center for PTSD, few Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities have hosted clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapies for PTSD. 

Though the study was approved by the VA Portland Health Care System Institutional Review Board months earlier, the FDA placed a partial clinical hold due to a theoretical safety concern surrounding a perceived need for overnight stays at the trial location, a requirement that was not part of the proposed study protocol. In response to the clinical hold, MAPS submitted safety data from a Phase 3 sub-study; the FDA agreed to lift the clinical hold on June 15, 2022.

In the early Phase 2 studies, we included overnight stays as an opportunity for the participants to rest and integrate what unfolded during their MDMA-assisted therapy session. Though we had no data to suggest there was a concern about safety overnight, these stays became required from the FDA perspective. In the Phase 3 program, we’re collecting safety data from participants with and without overnight stays to gather evidence to whether overnight stays are necessary. From the data we have so far, that doesn’t seem to be the case. We are pleased that the safety data in the Phase 3 substudy without overnight stays could support the FDA in making the data driven decision to permit no overnight stays in this important group study research.

Allison Coker, Ph.D., Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs, MAPS PBC

The study is conducted by MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MAPS, led by Chris Stauffer, M.D., and hosted within the VA Portland Health Care System. Eighteen Veterans in three cohorts of six will undergo the first of two MDMA-assisted therapy sessions individually and the second treatment session in their group cohort, along with individual and group preparation and integration sessions. If MAPS’ appeal was not granted, each cohort of six Veterans would have been obligated to stay overnight in the VA hospital after their MDMA-assisted therapy sessions. 

There is so much yet to explore regarding the relational potential of MDMA-assisted therapy, and research on group therapy combined with MDMA sessions is a logical next step. What drives this work for me are the unique therapeutic properties of group cohesion that I’ve witnessed in my previous group therapy trials with oxytocin and psilocybin. If the FDA finds MDMA-assisted therapy to be safe and effective, the benefit of the group model for scalability and access could be an added bonus. My team and I are grateful that the FDA is permitting our innovative MDMA-assisted group therapy protocol, including sending Veterans home after MDMA sessions with a pre-screened and informed support person, to proceed.

Chris Stauffer, M.D., Principal Investigator for MPG1

The first Phase 3 trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD achieved encouraging results among participants with severe, chronic PTSD: two months after the final experimental session, 88% of participants experienced a ≥10 point reduction in PTSD symptoms and 67% no longer met the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. MDMA may be an effective catalyst for other therapy modalities commonly used in the treatment of PTSD. MAPS PBC is collaborating with experts in these modalities, trained through the MDMA Therapy Training Program, to explore the potential of other treatments through proof-of-principle studies such as MPG1. Group therapy, which can be a highly effective treatment for people with common experiences, may also be highly effective at reducing costs for patients. If this trial indicates the treatment may be safe and effective, further research of group therapy will be pursued as one element of MAPS’ comprehensive patient access and health equity programs.   

NOTE
The safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy is currently under investigation. It has not yet been approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, does not work for everyone, and carries risks even in therapeutic settings. These statements are no guarantee of future regulatory approval or availability of MDMA-assisted therapy.

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ABOUT MAPS
Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education. MAPS has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

ABOUT MAPS PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION
MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) catalyzes healing and well-being through psychedelic drug development, therapist training programs, commercialization, and patient access of prescription psychedelics while prioritizing public benefit above profit. Founded in 2014, MAPS PBC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. MAPS PBC is the parent company of MAPS EU, formed to organize and administer clinical trials of investigational MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD in the United Kingdom and European Union.

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Novel PTSD Treatment Advances Toward Regulatory Evaluation with New Collaboration

Novel PTSD Treatment Advances Toward Regulatory Evaluation with New Collaboration

  • On PTSD Awareness Day, MAPS PBC announces plans to develop the New Drug Application for MDMA-assisted therapy in collaboration with MMS Holdings
  • The second Phase 3 trial of the Breakthrough-Designated Therapy for PTSD will be completed in late 2022, with a targeted NDA submission in 2023 supported by MMS Holdings
  • MMS Holdings was selected for extensive experience supporting neuroscience-related and first-in-class NDAs

MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) announced today that it has selected MMS Holdings (MMS), an award-winning data-focused contract research organization (CRO), as its CRO for the development of a New Drug Application (NDA) for MDMA-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This announcement comes on PTSD Awareness Day and follows MAPS PBC’s May milestone: completing enrollment for the MAPP2, the second, confirmatory Phase 3 trials.

MAPP1, the first of two Phase 3 trials conducted by MAPS PBC to evaluate investigational MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD, showed that 88% of participants experienced a clinically significant reduction (≥10 points) in PTSD symptoms two months after the last experimental session, with no serious safety signals emerging. In addition to being granted Breakthrough Therapy designation, MDMA-assisted therapy has the potential to  become the first-in-class FDA-approved psychedelic-assisted therapy.

MMS will support the NDA submission by providing regulatory strategy, biostatistics, statistical programming, medical writing, medical review, publishing, and submission project management support.

Part of our mission at MMS is using our decades of experience to bring life-changing therapies to positively improve patient lives worldwide. While PTSD was identified decades ago, we remain woefully behind with therapeutic treatment options. This collaboration with MAPS PBC and their groundbreaking therapy may change the course of PTSD treatment and could greatly impact those with the disorder.

Uma Sharma Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at MMS

MMS brings decades of experience developing new drug applications, averaging support for 8 to 12 annually and specializing in first-in-class and other challenging submissions with their creative approach. Since inception, MMS sponsors have not received a refusal to file or a complete response letter, giving MAPS PBC the confidence that a successful submission dossier will be submitted to the FDA.

MAPS PBC is excited to work with a Contract Research Organization like MMS that has years of neuroscience and regulatory submission experience.Together, we can work towards gaining FDA approval and bringing this treatment to patients and families who may greatly benefit from it.

Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at MAPS PBC

Reaching completion of enrollment for the second Phase 3 study is an extraordinary achievement for this program and one step closer to submission of the NDA.  I am confident that collaboration with MMS will lay the groundwork for a high quality regulatory submission.

Dawn McCollough, Chair, MAPS PBC Board of Directors

This announcement comes on PTSD Awareness Day, observed annually to educate people about PTSD and its symptoms, reduce stigma toward people with mental injuries, and bring hope for improved treatments. It is estimated that more than 350 million people, including 12 million Americans, are estimated to experience PTSD from accidents, war, interpersonal violence, or other causes. Yet underdiagnosis is common, particularly among marginalized populations. PTSD may be misdiagnosed as a commonly comorbid condition such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder. While some first-line treatments are effective in the treatment of PTSD or its symptoms, dropout rates may be high or the treatments might have limited effectiveness for certain causes of trauma. 

NOTE 
The safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy is currently under investigation. It has not yet been approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, does not work for everyone, and carries risks even in therapeutic settings. These statements are no guarantee of future regulatory approval or availability of MDMA-assisted therapy. 

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ABOUT MMS
MMS Holdings (MMS) is an innovative, data-focused CRO that supports the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries with a proven, scientific approach to complex trial data and regulatory submission challenges. Strong industry experience, technology-enabled services, and a data-driven approach to drug development make MMS a valuable CRO partner, creating compelling submissions that meet rigorous regulatory standards. With a global footprint across four continents, MMS maintains a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating. Visit mmsholdings.com to learn more.

ABOUT MAPS
Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education. MAPS has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

ABOUT MAPS PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION (MAPS PBC)
MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) catalyzes healing and well-being through psychedelic drug development, therapist training programs, commercialization, and patient access of prescription psychedelics while prioritizing public benefit above profit. Founded in 2014, MAPS PBC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. MAPS PBC is the parent company of MAPS EU, formed to organize and administer clinical trials of investigational MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD in the United Kingdom and European Union.

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MAPS under fire for alleged investigator misconduct

MDMA trials under review in Canada over alleged abuse of study participants

Health Canada is reviewing all previously approved MDMA trial applications after a former trial participant came forward with sexual assault allegations.

Footage from MAPS’ PTSD trial in 2015 shows patient Meaghan Buisson being physically restrained and spooned by two therapists (one of them unlicensed) during an MDMA therapy session.

The session was recorded to ensure that therapists were following treatment protocols, but the footage wasn’t actually reviewed for 6 years. MAPS is finally looking into recordings from all past patients.

“I just want people to realize, this is not against MDMA. This is not against psychedelics,” Meaghan ensures.

“I’m just saying that if this drug is going to be legalized and medicalized in this way, then there is a certain degree of safety and fiduciary responsibility and credibility that goes into being part of the medical system — and especially with vulnerable subjects.”

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Equity initiatives for PTSD treatment

MAPS Completes Enrollment, as Planned, for the Confirmatory Phase 3 Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

MAPS announced that its Phase 3 MDMA trial for PTSD is now fully enrolled at 13 sites across the United States and Israel.

The organization took equity initiatives to ensure that BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals are represented in the study, as these individuals are more likely to have PTSD (yet less likely to be diagnosed or have reasonable access to treatment).

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MAPS celebrates bday with 30,000 doses of MDMA

MAPS Places Fully Validated, Multi-Kilogram Synthesis of MDMA in the Public Domain

MAPS developed the first validated method of synthesizing MDMA on an industrial scale while meeting Good Manufacturing Practices. And better yet, they are placing the process in the public domain to promote scientific advances and patient access. 

The 4-step process produces up to 5 kg of MDMA (or roughly 30,000 doses) with 99.9% purity.

With MDMA expected to be FDA-approved next year, this advancement comes at the perfect time to meet the growing demand for the drug 👏

Today is MAPS’ 36th birthday 🥳 See all that they’ve accomplished here.

Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies – MAPS

PDF of article

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MDMA treats PTSD + eating disorders simultaneously

MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduces eating disorder symptoms in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of adults with severe PTSD

Patients with PTSD often have eating disorders too. MDMA is known to improve self acceptance and emotional processing, so it may be the perfect treatment for both!

In MAPS’ Phase 3 trial on MDMA for PTSD, 42%* of patients scored in the “clinical” or “at-risk” range on an eating disorder scale prior to the treatment.

MDMA therapy was found to significantly reduce eating disorder symptoms in comparison to a placebo.

MAPS is commencing a multi-site Phase 2 trial this May to further examine MDMA therapy on both anorexia and binge eating.

*Patients with active purging were excluded as a precaution to avoid cardiac arrhythmias.

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Numinus Completes First MDMA Administration in PTSD Trial Sponsored by MAPS

Numinus Completes First MDMA Administration in PTSD Trial Sponsored by MAPS

Update marks the first MDMA-assisted therapy session at a Numinus clinic

VANCOUVER, BC, March 30, 2022 /CNW/ – Numinus Wellness Inc. (“Numinus” or the “Company”) (TSX: NUMI) (OTCQX: NUMIF), a mental healthcare company advancing innovative treatments and safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies, is pleased to announce that it has advanced to the next implementation phase in the clinical trial “A multi-site open-label extension study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD (MAPPUSX)” sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and organized by MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), by enrolling and dosing the first clinical trial volunteer in Canada.

Numinus hosts the Canadian sites for MAPPUSX, through two purpose-designed clinics located in Montreal and Vancouver. This week, the Montreal site began drug administration, led by trial co-therapists Dr. Joe Flanders, VP Psychology, Numinus, and Dr. Emma Hapke, Staff Psychiatrist, University Health Network and Principal Investigator for the MAPS-sponsored trial. The treatment follows MAPS’ protocol of three sessions of MDMA administration and therapy, each to be followed by three integration sessions. The full program is expected to complete in mid-summer 2022.

“Numinus is excited to administer the first MDMA-assisted therapy dosing of MDMA at our clinics and contribute to the growing body of MAPS’ research,” says Dr. Flanders. “Designed with accessibility and ethics at its core, we look forward to the continuation of this study and translating the findings into clinical practice.”

MAPPUSX is an extension of MAPS’ Phase 3 studies to investigate the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy for treating severe PTSD. The MAPPUSX trial is open to those participants from the Phase 3 studies who received the placebo drug and therapy and those who could not receive treatment due to COVID restrictions. The resulting safety data will be provided to regulatory bodies in the sponsor’s New Drug Application.

“We are proud of our clinical and research teams who have been and continue to be instrumental in driving MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD research forward in Canada,” said Payton Nyquvest, CEO and founder, Numinus. “This week’s trial progress is another step in our strengthening collaboration with MAPS as we work together to make psychedelic-assisted therapy accessible to those in need. We will continue to work with MAPS, Health Canada and the industry to help make MDMA-assisted therapy a reality.”About Numinus

Numinus Wellness helps people to heal and be well through the development and delivery of innovative mental health care and access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. The Numinus model – including psychedelic production, research and clinic care – is at the forefront of a transformation aimed at healing rather than managing symptoms for depression, anxiety, trauma, pain and substance use. At Numinus, we are leading the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapies into mainstream clinical practice and building the foundation for a healthier society. 

Learn more at numinus.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.About MAPS

Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since its founding, MAPS has raised over $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education and has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. Learn more at maps.org Forward-Looking Statements

Statements and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect” and “intend” and statements that an event “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Numinus Wellness Inc.

For further information: Investor Contact: Jamie Kokoska, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications, jamie.kokoska@numinus.com; Media Contact: May Lee, Communications Manager, may.lee@numinus.com

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atai Impact Donates to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to Support Pioneering Work in Psychedelic Medicine

atai Impact Donates to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to Support Pioneering Work in Psychedelic Medicine

– Leading non-profit and commercial organizations in psychedelic science united in visions to heal mental health conditions

– Donation is from atai Impact, the philanthropic arm of mental health company, atai Life Sciences

– Funds will help support the general operations of MAPS, including its Health Equity Program to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in psychedelic healthcare

NEW YORK and BERLIN, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — atai Impact, the philanthropic program of atai Life Sciences (Nasdaq: ATAI) (“atai”) and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) today announced a $500,000 donation from atai Impact to MAPS. This donation is an important demonstration of the synergy and collaboration across the leading non-profit and commercial organizations to advance psychedelic medicine and tackle the escalating mental health crisis affecting over one billion people worldwide.1

“We were already facing a global mental health crisis, but the pandemic has escalated this even further. To solve this crisis requires innovation, passion and collaboration,” said Florian Brand, CEO and Co-Founder, atai Life Sciences. “MAPS has been the driving force of the psychedelic renaissance over the last 35 years, promoting healing and well-being through education and research into psychedelics and their potential to revolutionize mental health for those in need. Their work has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation to all of us at atai, and we’re pleased to work alongside them.”

“Mental health is a fundamental human right – one that today’s healthcare systems are not equipped to provide for. The sheer scale of the global mental health crisis calls for a large-scale response from nonprofit, public benefit, and for-profit organizations working together to meet the collective need. With this gift, atai Impact is demonstrating their commitment to our shared values of healing and health equity,” added Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director, MAPS.

The $500,000 donation from atai Impact is for multi-year support of MAPS’ ongoing initiatives, including its Health Equity Program. The program aims to optimize access and healing through the development of a diverse network of therapy providers reflecting the diverse experiences of those who experience trauma and mental health conditions.

“We launched atai Impact, our philanthropic arm, because we know there must be a cross-sector approach to healing mental health conditions for everyone, everywhere,” said Rae Richman, Vice President of atai Impact. “It’s an incredibly exciting and pivotal time for psychedelic medicine and atai Impact is committed to ensuring that, as the field grows, it promotes equitable, sustainable and effective practices.”

The donation from atai Impact to MAPS was issued through the atai Impact Fund at Vanguard Charitable.

Live media briefing and Q&A

Florian Brand, CEO of atai Life Sciences, and Rick Doblin, founder and executive director of MAPS will host an online press briefing and live media Q&A at 11.00am ET on Wednesday, February 16.

To pre-register and secure your attendance please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ndd2dIznSKyFKe9D0RSnUw.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with joining information for the call.

About atai Impact

atai Impact was launched by atai Life Sciences, in October 2021, to harness the power of innovative mental health approaches for positive social change.

The key pillars of atai Impact’s activities are: advancing education, expanding access, and supporting the wider ecosystem of mental health care. atai Impact has an initial focus on the psychedelics sector, given its emerging potential in tackling the growing mental health crisis.

The establishment of atai Impact is based on atai Life Sciences’ position that harmonization across commercial and non-profit entities represents the best path forward to address all aspects of the escalating global mental crisis.

About atai

atai is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to transform the treatment of mental health disorders. atai was founded in 2018 as a response to the significant unmet need and lack of innovation in the mental health treatment landscape. atai is dedicated to acquiring, incubating, and efficiently developing innovative therapeutics to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health disorders.

atai’s business model combines funding, technology, scientific and regulatory expertise with a focus on psychedelic therapy and other drugs with differentiated safety profiles and therapeutic potential. By pooling resources and best practices, atai aims to responsibly accelerate the development of new medicines across its companies, seeking to effectively treat and ultimately heal mental health disorders.

atai’s vision is to heal mental health disorders so that everyone, everywhere can live a more fulfilled life. atai has offices in New York, London, and Berlin. For more information, please visit www.atai.life.

About MAPS 

Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since its founding, MAPS has raised over $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education and has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

References:

  1. Rehm J, Shield KD. Global Burden of Disease and the Impact of Mental and Addictive Disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2019;21(2):10.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release (including without limitation, the atai Impact program and any other future philanthropic endeavors by atai) that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation, the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in atai’s prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on June 21, 2021, and in atai’s other filings with the SEC. atai disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

Contact Information

For atai Impact:
Email: Impact@atai.life

Media Contact:
Camilla Dormer
VP, Communications
Email: camilla@atai.life

Investor Contact:
Chad Messer
VP, Investor Relations
Email: chad@atai.life