List of Psychedelic Patents

In recent years, patents have become a hot topic in the world of psychedelics — and for good reason. 

Patents are a key step to creating profitable new therapies. Naturally, there’s a lot of passion both for and against the use of patents.

There are already hundreds of existing patents relating to psychedelics that have been filed to date. 

This article explores the current landscape of psychedelic-related patents. We cover new forms of DMT, LSD, psilocybin, ibogaine, and various new forms of application methods or clinical protocols submitted by various organizations and their potential implications. 

Related: Should Psychedelics Be Patented? What Are the Ethical Implications of Patents?

List of Companies Filing for Psychedelic Patents

Several major pharmaceutical and mental health companies around the world have been filing for psychedelic patents. 

The following list provides an overview of some of these companies:

1. Compass Pathways

Compass Pathways is a mental health care company (valued at $450 million) that is active in conducting research and clinical trials with psilocybin, the active compound of magic mushrooms. 

The company’s vision, albeit fairly generic, is to “help reduce mental health suffering at scale, using evidence-based approaches.” 

To date, Compass Pathways has filed at least 50 patent claims. 

One of their patents containing claims describing the room setting in which psychedelic-assisted therapy should be provided has even made it onto the TV show Last Week Tonight, where the host John Oliver compared Compass Pathways’ patent claim as follows: “It’d be like me patenting the concept of wearing a suit while sitting at a desk.” 

You can watch the clip here starting from minute 18:15.

List of Compass Pathways Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
WO2022207746	Psilocybin	Psilocybin compositions, methods of making, and methods of using the same
WO2022084480	Psilocybin	Use of benzodiazepines to increase sensitivity to psilocybin following a chronic SSRI regimen
WO2022038299	Psilocybin	Novel psilocin derivatives having prodrug properties
US20220169668	Psilocybin	Methods of treating neurocognitive disorders, chronic pain, and reducing inflammation
WO2020212952	Psilocybin	Treatment of depression and other various disorders with psilocybin
US20220088041A1	Psilocybin	Method for treating anxiety disorders, headache disorders, and eating disorders with psilocybin
WO2020212948	Psilocybin	Methods of treating neurocognitive disorders, chronic pain, and reducing inflammation
WO2020212951	Psilocybin	Methods for treating anxiety disorders, headache disorders, and eating disorders with psilocybin
US20230000883	Psilocybin	Methods for treating anxiety disorders, headache disorders, and eating disorders with psilocybin
US20230023092	Psilocybin	Treatment of depression and other various disorders with psilocybin
US20220402949	Psilocybin	Preparation of psilocybin, different polymorphic forms, intermediates, formulations, and their use
US10947257	Psilocybin	Preparation of psilocybin, different polymorphic forms, intermediates, formulations, and their use
US10947257	Psilocybin	Preparation of psilocybin, different polymorphic forms, intermediates, formulations, and their use
US11180517B2	Psilocybin	Preparation of psilocybin, different polymorphic forms, intermediates, formulations, and their use
US11149044	Psilocybin	Preparation of psilocybin, different polymorphic forms, intermediates, formulations, and their use
US11447510	Psilocybin	Preparation of psilocybin, different polymorphic forms, intermediates, formulations, and their use
US10519175B2	Psilocybin	Preparation of psilocybin, different polymorphic forms, intermediates, formulations, and their use
WO2022008627	LSD	Improved method for the production of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and synthetic derivatives thereof
WO2022053696	MDMA	Novel safrylamine derivatives having prodrug properties

2. Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson, another pharmaceutical company, is in the business of conducting research with ketamine. 

The company’s nasal spray “Esketamine,” has already gained regulatory approval and is used to treat some forms of depression and has shown promise in clinical trials conducted so far.

3. ATAI Life Sciences

Another company researching the potential of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health disorders is the biotechnology company ATAI Life Sciences. 

This company has invested in other companies focused on similar research, among others, such as Compass Pathways, which we mentioned above. 

It’s the goal of ATAI Life Sciences to further the development of therapies that use psychedelics.

List of ATAI Life Sciences Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
WO2022261383	DMT	Novel prodrugs and conjugates of dimethyltryptamine
US20230041584	DMT	Novel prodrugs and conjugates of dimethyltryptamine
US20230066720	DMT	Novel prodrugs and conjugates of dimethyltryptamine
WO2022251351	DMT	New n,n-dimethyltryptamine salts, and crystalline salt forms
US20220339139	DMT	Novel n,n-dimethyltryptamine compositions and methods

4. MindMed

The biotechnology company MindMed is researching using LSD and psilocybin for the treatment of mental health disorders. 

MindMed has already initiated multiple clinical trials and is collaborating with universities to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. 

The company has been granted a patent relating to combining LSD and MDMA as a single pill dosage. This is already a common practice referred to colloquially as a “candy flip.” 

List of MindMed Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
US20220395499	Psilocybin	Controlling effects after 5HT2A agonists administration
WO2022265878	Psilocybin	Controlling effects after 5HT2A agonists administration
WO2022235531	Psilocybin	Movement disorders
US20220354831	Psilocybin	Movement disorders
US20220347195	Psilocybin	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
WO2022235500	Psilocybin	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
US20220280482A1	Psilocybin	Formulations of Psilocin that have enhanced stability
US20220370413	Psilocybin	Formulations of psilocin that have enhanced stability
WO2022192097	Psilocybin	Formulations of Psilocin that have enhanced stability
US20220362237	Psilocybin	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
WO2023023182	LSD	Lyophilized orally disintegrating tablet formulations of d-lysergic acid diethylamide for therapeutic applications
WO2023023192	LSD	Immediate-release formulations of d-lysergic acid diethylamide for therapeutic applications
US20230064429	LSD	Immediate-release formulations of d-lysergic acid diethylamide for therapeutic applications
US20220395499	LSD	Controlling effects after 5HT2A agonists administration
WO2022265878	LSD	Controlling effects after 5HT2A agonists administration
WO2022235531	LSD	Movement disorders
US20220347195	LSD	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
US20220354831	LSD	Movement disorders
WO2022235500	LSD	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
WO2022232093	LSD	LSD salt crystal forms
US20220362237	LSD	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
US20220395499	DMT	Controlling effects after 5HT2A agonists administration
WO2022265878	DMT	Controlling effects after 5HT2A agonists administration
WO2022235531	DMT	Movement disorders
US20220354831	DMT	Movement disorders
US20220347195	DMT	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
WO2022235500	DMT	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
US20220362237	DMT	Psychedelics for the treatment of pain
US20230066171	MDMA	Synthesis routes to access MDMA prodrugs by using controlled and non-controlled intermediates.
WO2023028022	MDMA	Synthesis routes to access MDMA prodrugs by using controlled and non-controlled intermediates.
AU2021106190A4	MDMA	Improved method of synthesis of 1-(3’,4’-methylene dioxyphenyl)-2-(methylamino) propane (MDMA)
WO2023019298	MDMA	Improved method of synthesis of 1-(3′,4′-methylene dioxyphenyl)-2(methylamino)propane (MDMA)
WO2022235530	MDMA	MDMA enantiomers
US20220354822	MDMA	MDMA enantiomers
US20220354831	MDMA	Movement disorders
WO2022235531	MDMA	Movement disorders
US20220151986	MDMA	Mdma prodrugs to assist psychotherapy

5. CaaMTech

CaamTech is a biotech company specializing in the production of serotonergic medications. They’ve got numerous patents around new tryptamine compounds and modified or combination forms of existing tryptamines like DMT, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. 

Recently, CaaMTech teamed up with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to research a lesser-known class of psychedelic tryptamines called N-cyclohexyltryptamine compounds for treating mood disorders. 

List of CaaMTech Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
WO2022150530	Psilocybin	Protected alkyl tryptamines and their therapeutic uses
WO2022125616	Psilocybin	Dialkyl tryptamines and their therapeutic uses
WO2021236759	Psilocybin	Crystalline 4-hydroxy-n,n-di-n-propyltryptammonium (4-ho-dpt) salts
US11358934	Psilocybin	Crystalline forms of psilacetin
US20220363635	Psilocybin	Crystalline forms of psilacetin
WO2021188812	Psilocybin	Crystalline norpsilocin compounds
WO2021188782	Psilocybin	Crystalline psilacetin derivatives
WO2021173989A1	Psilocybin	Crystalline bis-miprocin fumarate
US20220112162	Psilocybin	Alkyl quaternary ammonium tryptamines and their therapeutic uses
US20220273620	Psilocybin	Compositions containing toad secretion compounds
WO20202f263941A1	Psilocybin	Ibogaine formulations
US20190142851A1	Psilocybin	Compositions comprising a psilocybin derivative and a cannabinoid
US20210346346A1	Psilocybin	Compositions comprising a serotonergic tryptamine compound
US20210085671A1	Psilocybin	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
US10933073B2	Psilocybin	Compositions and methods comprising a psilocybin derivative
US20210361679A1	Psilocybin	Compositions comprising a serotonergic tryptamine compound
WO2018148605A1	Psilocybin	Compositions and methods comprising a psilocybin derivative
US20210353615	Psilocybin	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
20210085671	Psilocybin	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
US20230029139	Psilocybin	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
US20210346346A1	LSD	Compositions comprising a serotonergic tryptamine compound
US20210353615	LSD	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
20210085671	LSD	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
US20230029139	LSD	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
WO2022173584	DMT	Crystalline 5-methoxy-dipropyl tryptamine compounds
WO2022155284	DMT	Crystalline bufotenidine compounds
US20220112162	DMT	Alkyl quaternary ammonium tryptamines and their therapeutic uses
US20210023052A1	DMT	Compositions containing toad secretion compounds
US20220273620	DMT	Compositions containing toad secretion compounds
US20210085671A1	MDMA	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
US20210085671	MDMA	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
US20210353615	MDMA	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs
US20230029139	MDMA	Compositions and methods comprising a combination of serotonergic drugs

6. Universitatsspital Basel

Universitatsspital Basel (University Hospital Basel) has been one of the leading psychedelic research institutions for several years now. This is where the Leichiti Research Institute is located, which conducts research on psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA. 

The bulk of the patents from this University involve the therapeutic doses of classical psychedelics. 

List of Universitatsspital Basel Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
WO2023012524	Psilocybin	LSD and psilocybin dose equivalence determination
US20230039395	Psilocybin	LSD and psilocybin dose equivalence determination
WO2022259046	Psilocybin	Antidepressant-psilocybin co-treatment to assist psychotherapy
US20220273628A1	Psilocybin	Effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and of lsd analogs to assist psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety not related to life-threatening illness
WO2022175821	Psilocybin	Effects of lysergic acid diethylamide [lsd] and of lsd analogs to assist psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety not related to life-threatening illness
US20220082578A1	Psilocybin	Methods of quantifying psilocybin’s main metabolites, psilocin, and 4-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, in human plasma
WO2021211358	Psilocybin	LSD dose identification
US20210315884A1	Psilocybin	LSD dose identification
WO2021173273	Psilocybin	Controlling effects after 5ht2a agonists administration
US20220347169	LSD	Using geno- or phenotyping to adjust LSD dosing
WO2023012524	LSD	LSD and psilocybin dose equivalence determination
US20230039395	LSD	LSD and psilocybin dose equivalence determination
US20220280501	LSD	Using geno- or phenotyping to adjust lsd dosing
WO2022189907	LSD	Using geno- or phenotyping to adjust lsd dosing
US20220265582	LSD	Effects of mescaline and of mescaline analogs (scalines) to assist psychotherapy
US20220273628	LSD	Effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and of lsd analogs to assist psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety not related to life-threatening illness
WO2022175821	LSD	Effects of lysergic acid diethylamide [lsd] and of lsd analogs to assist psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety not related to life-threatening illness
US20220128580	LSD	Method of quantifying lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2-oxo lysergide (o-h-lsd) in human plasma
WO2021225796	LSD	Mdma treatment to enhance the acute emotional effects profile of LSD, psilocybin, or other psychedelics
US11364221	LSD	Mdma treatment to enhance the acute emotional effects profile of LSD, psilocybin, or other psychedelics
US20210315884A1	LSD	LSD dose identification
WO2021211358	LSD	LSD dose identification
WO2021173273	LSD	Controlling effects after 5ht2a agonists administration
WO2022175821	DMT	Effects of lysergic acid diethylamide [lsd] and of lsd analogs to assist psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety not related to life-threatening illness
US20220273628	DMT	Effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and of lsd analogs to assist psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety not related to life-threatening illness
US20220082578A1	DMT	Methods of quantifying psilocybin’s main metabolites, psilocin, and 4-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, in human plasma
WO2021211358	DMT	LSD dose identification
US20210315884A1	DMT	LSD dose identification
WO2021173273	DMT	Controlling effects after 5HT2A agonists administration
US20220323405	MDMA	Combination product using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and carvedilol for the treatment of psychiatric disorders
WO2022214889	MDMA	Combination product using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and carvedilol for the treatment of psychiatric disorders
WO2021257169	MDMA	MDMA response prediction
US20210386704A1	MDMA	MDMA response prediction
WO2021225796	MDMA	MDMA treatment to enhance the acute emotional effects profile of LSD, psilocybin, or other psychedelics
US11364221	MDMA	MDMA treatment to enhance the acute emotional effects profile of LSD, psilocybin, or other psychedelics

7. Psilo Scientific / Filament Health

Psilo Scientific Ltd. is a subsidiary of Filament Health Corp., which is a large plant extraction company focused on the production of natural psychedelic extracts for clinical use. 

This company has over a dozen patents that are either approved or currently pending. Most of these patents involve new production, extraction, or delivery methods for existing psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, and DMT). 

List of Psilo Scientific Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
WO2023010203	Psilocybin	Pre-evaporation standardization of extracted psychoactive compounds
US20220226405	Psilocybin	Methods and compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms
WO2022140846	Psilocybin	Vaporizable psychoactive alkaloid composition and preparation thereof
WO2022140841	Psilocybin	Transmucosal psychoactive alkaloid composition and preparation thereof
US20220313713	Psilocybin	Vaporizable psychoactive alkaloid composition and preparation thereof
US20220313762	Psilocybin	Transmucosal psychoactive alkaloid composition and preparation thereof
WO2022082320	Psilocybin	Process for obtaining a purified psychoactive alkaloid solution
WO2021253116	Psilocybin	Compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms
WO2021253123	Psilocybin	Extraction of psychoactive compounds from psilocybin fungus
WO2021253124	Psilocybin	Methanol-based extraction of psychoactive compounds from fungus
US20210393716A1	Psilocybin	Methods and compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms
US20220202886	Psilocybin	Aqueous extraction of psychoactive compounds from psilocybin fungus
CA3088384C	Psilocybin	Extraction of psychoactive compounds from psilocybin fungus
US20210393717A1	Psilocybin	Methods and compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms
US20220152136	Psilocybin	Methods and compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms
US20220040246A1	Psilocybin	Psychoactive alkaloid extraction and composition with controlled dephosphorylation
US20220305402	Psilocybin	Methanol-based extraction of psychoactive alkaloids from fungus
WO2022082320	LSD	Process for obtaining a purified psychoactive alkaloid solution
US20210393716A1	LSD	Methods and compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms
WO2022082320	DMT	Process for obtaining a purified psychoactive alkaloid solution
WO2021253116	DMT	Compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms
US20210393716A1	DMT	Methods and compositions comprising psychoactive compounds from psychoactive organisms

8. Eleusis

Eleusis Ltd. is a biotech company focused on the identification and development of new psychedelic-based therapies. They currently have one compound undergoing Phase I clinical testing for the treatment of depression. This drug is a psilocin analog called ELE-Psilo.

Eleusis has many patents in progress as well as a few already approved. These patents range from new production or delivery methods to proprietary new psychedelic compounds not yet tested. 

List of Eleusis Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
WO2022173888	Psilocybin	Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of psilocin and uses thereof
WO2022011350	Psilocybin	Method of treatment for psilocybin or psilocin infusion
WO2021183490	Psilocybin	Methods and systems for enhancing clinical safety of psychoactive therapies
WO2019079742	Psilocybin	Methods and systems for enhancing the safety of psychedelic drug therapies
US20200147038A1	Psilocybin	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects
WO2018195455	Psilocybin	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects
WO2021183490	LSD	Methods and systems for enhancing clinical safety of psychoactive therapies
WO2019079742	LSD	Methods and systems for enhancing the safety of psychedelic drug therapies
US20200147038A1	LSD	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects
WO2018195455	LSD	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects
WO2016145193	LSD	LSD for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
US20220117956	LSD	LSD for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
WO2022082058	DMT	Method of treatment by tryptamine alkaloids
WO2019079742	DMT	Methods and systems for enhancing the safety of psychedelic drug therapies
US20200147038A1	DMT	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects
WO2018195455	DMT	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects
WO2019079742	MDMA	Methods and systems for enhancing the safety of psychedelic drug therapies
WO2018195455	MDMA	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects
US20200147038A1	MDMA	Assessing and treating psychedelic-responsive subjects

9. Small Pharma

Small Pharma is a newer startup in the biotech space focused on the development of new drugs and new delivery systems for classical psychedelics. 

The company is currently running Phase II clinical trials on a short-term session using an injectable form of DMT called SPL026. Small Pharma is also running preclinical studies on long session DMT (over 30 minutes) using an intramuscular DMT preparation (SPL026), an injectable deuterated form of DMT (SPL028), and an oral tryptamine preparation (SPL029). 

List of Small Pharma Psychedelic Patents:

Patent #	Chemical	Topic
US20220081396A1	DMT	Deuterated compounds
US20220202775	DMT	Deuterated or partially deuterated n,n-dimethyltryptamine compounds
US20220169606	DMT	Compositions and compounds for bioanalysis
US20220168274	DMT	Parenteral formulation
WO2022117359	DMT	Deuterated or partially deuterated n,n-dimethyltryptamine compounds
WO2022117640	DMT	Inhalable formulations
US20220062238	DMT	Injectable formulation
US20220062237	DMT	Injectable formulation
WO2022043227	DMT	Injectable formulation
US11406619B2	DMT	Injectable formulation
US20220313660	DMT	Injectable formulation
US20210378969A1	DMT	Therapeutic solid dosage forms
US20210403426A1	DMT	Deutered n,n-dimethyltryptamine compounds
WO2021116503A2	DMT	Deuterated compounds
US20210395201A1	DMT	Synthesis of n,n-dimethyltryptamine-type compounds, methods, and uses
US20220281818	DMT	Compounds
WO2020245133A1	DMT	Therapeutic compositions comprising deuterated or partially deuterated n,n-dimethyltryptamine compounds

10. Other Companies With Psychedelic Patents

The psychedelic space is already a behemoth, and it continues to grow each year. Numerous companies, venture capital funds, researchers, and philanthropists have applied for various patents in their name. These patents range from new delivery systems for existing psychedelics, to clinical elements or techniques, to brand-new psychedelic analogs. 

Here are some other companies currently dabbling in psychedelic patents:

• Abormentis LLC
• Applied Biology
• Atai Life Sciences
• Beckley Psytech
• Bexson Biomedical
• Charleston Laboratories
• Concept Matrix Solutions
• Diamond Therapeutics
• Empyrean Neuroscience
• Enveric Biosciences
• Folium Labs
• GH Research Limited
• GW Research
• Lennham Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Matthias Liechti/Universitätsspital Basel
• Miami University
• Mindset Pharma
• Mydecine Innovations
• Neonmind Biosciences
• Paul Stamets
• Pisgah Labs
• Psilera
• Sandoz
• Syqe Medical
• Terran Biosciences
• The Regents of the University of California
• Turtle Bear Holdings
• University of Maryland
• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Yale University

List of All Current Psychedelic Patents

The field of psychedelic-related research is booming, as literally hundreds of psychedelic-related patents have been filed to date. 

The UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics has collaborated with Psychedelics Alpha and created a psychedelic-related patent tracker, which is awesome as it shows each patent’s status, owner, and a brief overview of what it relates to. 

As there are too many to list in this article individually, you can find the links to each patent tracker below, as well as an indication of how many patents have been filed for each substance up to date.

Psilocybin Patents

Psilocybin is the prodrug of psilocin, which is the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. 

As a naturally-occurring substance, psilocybin itself cannot be patented on its own. However, new methods of administration, new analogs, and new applications can be patented.

The first patent involving psilocybin was submitted by Albert Hofmann at Sandoz. Hofmann was the first person to isolate and synthesize psilocybin from a dried mushroom sample sent to him from R Gordon Wasson. The first of these patents was submitted in 1958, which outlined his method of extracting psilocybin from the mushroom. Later that year, another patent was filed that outlined Hofmann’s method of synthesizing psilocybin. The following year a patent was filed on behalf of Sandoz for the use of psilocybin as a tranquilizer (seriously). 

So far, we’ve cataloged 234 patents involving psilocybin, psilocin, or magic mushrooms.

Companies with the most psilocybin patents thus far include CaaMTech (20), Compass Pathways (17), Psilo Scientific (17), Enveric Biosciences (13), Turtle Bear Holdings (11), Universitatsspital Basel (7), Mindset Pharma (7), and Eleusis (6).

Patents involving psilocybin range significantly. Many companies or individuals are trying to patent specific uses of psilocybin (such as pain or movement disorders); others are creating new analogs; some are developing new administration forms of synthesis pathways; and others yet are patenting specific aspects of the psilocybin-assisted therapy (such as room layout, the use of music, etc.). 

Patents that have been filed are always kept secret for 18 months from the date of filing, but many entities filing for these patents will announce them to the public during these 18 months — there are likely significantly more patents under review that we won’t know about for another couple of months. 

List of Psilocybin Patents:

1. 2655626 Ontario Inc. — WO2022155741
2. Abormentis LLC — WO2022240853, WO2020181194
3. Akili Interactive — WO2019161050
4. Albert Labs Inc. — WO2023023857
5. Algae-C — WO2022099424
6. Allen Institute — WO2022212585
7. Allied Corp. — WO2022187973
8. Alte Verde — US20220071946
9. Apollo Neuroscience — US10974020
10. Applied Biology — WO2020023084
11. Arcadia Medicine — WO2023283386
12. Arena Pharmaceuticals — US20230055376
13. Beckley Psytech — WO2022123232
14. Bright Minds Biosciences — WO2021179091, WO2022246554
15. CaaMTech — WO2022150530, WO2022125616, WO2021236759, US11358934, US20220363635, WO2021188812, WO2021188782, WO2021173989A1, US20220112162, US20220273620, WO20202f263941A1, US20190142851A1, US20210346346A1, US20210085671A1, US10933073B2, US20210361679A1, WO2018148605A1, US20210353615, US20210085671A1, US20230029139
16. Callitas Health Inc. — WO2022221554, US20220331292
17. Canna-Chemistries LLC — US20220380308, WO2022251169, WO2022235912, US20220371994
18. Canopy Growth Corp — US20220259221, US20220267239
19. CB Therapeutics — WO2021248087, US11441164B2
20. Ceria — WO2022165387
21. Charleston Laboratories — WO2015157738A1
22. Compass Pathways — WO2022207746, WO2022084480, WO2022038299, US20220169668, WO2020212952, US20220088041A1, WO2020212948, WO2020212951, US20230000883, US20230023092, US20220402949, US11180517B2, US11149044, US11447510, US10947257, US10947257, US10519175B2
23. Concept Matrix Solutions — US20210015833A1, US20210015738A1
24. Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) — WO2019081764
25. CTT Pharma — US20220079881
26. Cure Pharmaceutical — US20210275618A1
27. Cybin IRL — WO2022243285, WO2022195011
28. Danmarks Tekniske Universitet — WO2021052989, US20220403428
29. Diamond Therapeutics — WO2022189855, WO2022023812A1, US20220096504A1, WO2020157569
30. Eleusis — WO2022173888, WO2022011350, WO2021183490, WO2019079742, US20200147038A1, WO2018195455
31. Emory University — US20120108510A1
32. Empyrean Neuroscience — WO2021067626, US20220306997, US20220396780
33. Enveric Biosciences — WO2022170438, WO2022155751, WO2022115960, US20230044216, WO2022115944, US20230044066, US20230051548, WO2022047583, WO2022047579, WO2022047580, US20230043896, WO2022040802
34. Esolate — WO2021081138
35. Folium Labs — WO2021113986, US20230010871
36. Galenea Corp — US20120159656A1
37. Goodcap Pharmaceuticals — WO2022079574
38. Greenway DNA — US20210407643A1
39. GW Research — US20200237683A1, US20200237683A1, US11419829B2, WO2019064031
40. Gwella Mushrooms Inc. — US20230039272
41. Institute Of Science And Technology Austria — WO2021074448
42. Intelgenx Corp. — US20220409584
43. LDN Pharma Limited — WO2022269267
44. Lennham Pharmaceuticals Inc. — WO2023023155, US20230062523, US11344564B1, US11324762B2, US11000534B1, US20220110955A1
45. London Pharmaceuticals and Research Corporation — WO2022236407, WO2022183292
46. LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme GmbH — US10881607B2
47. Miami University — WO2022226493, WO2022150854, WO2022150840, US20220372494, WO2021086513
48. Mind Cure Health — WO2022204805
49. Mind Medicine — US20220395499, WO2022265878, WO2022235531, US20220354831, US20220347195, WO2022235500, US20220280482A1, US20220370413, WO2022192097, US20220362237
50. Mindset Pharma — WO2022246572, WO2021155470, WO2021155467, US20220024956A1, US11427604B2, WO2021155468, US11453689B2
51. Mycrodose Therapeutics Inc. — WO2022212789
52. Mydecine Innovations — WO2023288013, WO2022120181, WO2022072808A1, WO2022061196
53. Mynd Life Sciences — WO2022204802
54. Neonmind Biosciences — WO2021243460, WO2021159213, WO2021108911, US20230021957
55. New Atlas Biotechnologies — US20210277433A1, US20210108238A1
56. New York University — WO2022150563, US20220151993
57. Numinus Bioscience — WO2022261761
58. Octarine Bio APS — WO2022248635
59. Orthogonal Thinker — WO2021188870
60. Pisgah Laboratories — US9226925B1
61. Pisgah Labs — US20080293695A1, US10183001B1, US9421266B2
62. Procare Beheer — US10729706B2
63. Psilera — WO2021226416A1
64. Psilo Scientific — WO2023010203, US20220226405, WO2022140846, WO2022140841, US20220313713, US20220313762, WO2022082320, WO2021253116, WO2021253123, WO2021253124, US20210393716A1, US20220202886, CA3088384C, US20210393717A1, US20220152136, US20220040246A1, US20220305402
65. Psilobrain Therapeutics — WO2022137107
66. Pure Laboratories — US20210100741A1
67. Red Light Holland Corp. — WO2022232933
68. Resurgent Biosciences — US20220331344
69. Revive Therapeutics — WO2021207824
70. Sandoz — US3192111A, US3183172A, US3075992A
71. Sensory Design & Technology — WO2019025763, US20200211703A1
72. Silo Pharma — WO2022125949, WO2022031552, WO2022031551
73. Synaptive Therapeutics — WO2022272176
74. Syqe Medical — US11229758B2, US10166349B2, US11160937B2, US11071712B2, US9775379B2
75. Tassili Life Sciences (Champignon Brands) — WO2021072530, WO2021016710
76. Terran Biosciences — WO2023023347, WO2022212854
77. The George Washington University — WO2022150763
78. The Regents of the University of California — WO2021202730A1, WO2020185581
79. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — US10188342B2
80. Tryp Therapeutics — WO2022195489
81. Turtle Bear Holdings — WO2022236130, US20220370483, US20220160737A1, US20220125809A1, US20210145851A1, WO2021101926, US20220016104A1, US20190105313A1, US20210251976A1, US20220313674, US20230024804
82. Universitatsspital Basel — WO2023012524, US20230039395, WO2022259046, US20220273628A1, WO2022175821, US20220082578A1, WO2021173273
83. University of Maryland — US20220273680A1, WO2021030571
84. Wesana Health — WO2022115798, WO2022115796
85. Yale University — US20220062310
86. Zosano Pharma — WO2021222885A1

LSD Patents

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was first invented by Albert Hofmann and his team at Sandoz Pharmaceutical back in 1938. The invention of this powerful and ubiquitous psychedelic was a total accident — Hofmann was looking for extracts from the rye fungus Claviceps purpurea. 

Sandoz applied for the initial patent within just a few days of realizing its unique psychedelic effects, which was officially approved nearly 10 years later. This patent (US2438259) expired in 1963. 

For a while, Sandoz didn’t know what to do with this fabulous new substance. They eventually sold it under the trade name Delysid and began shipping it to researchers around the world for free as long as they were willing to publish anything they found. 

The Sandoz supply of LSD came to a screeching halt in 1966 after various governments around the world began prohibiting psychedelics.

Today, there are at least 105 individual patents involving either LSD or close analogs of LSD. Companies with the most patents currently filed for LSD include Universitatsspital Basel (14), Mind Medicine (11), and Eleusis (6). 

Most of these patents involve new applications (such as treating Alzheimer’s disease, movement disorders, or chronic pain), new lysergamide analogs, or new administration forms. 

List of LSD Patents:

1. Abormentis LLC — WO2020181194
2. Akili Interactive — WO2019161050
3. Allen Institute — WO2022212585
4. ALS Mountain — US20140350064A1
5. Apkarian Technologies — US11419857B2, US20220401391
6. Applied Biology — WO2020023084
7. Arena Pharmaceuticals — US20230055376
8. Beckley Psytech — WO2022153266
9. Bexson Biomedical — WO2022109050
10. Bioniqs Limited — WO2007110637A1
11. CaaMTech — US20210346346A1, US20210353615, 20210085671, US20230029139
12. Ceruvia Lifesciences — WO2022115405
13. Charleston Laboratories — WO2015157738A1, US20170360772A1
14. Compass Pathways — WO2022008627
15. Cure Pharmaceutical — WO2021138564
16. D’Or Institute for Research and Education — US20220273644, WO2021019023
17. Delix Therapeutics — WO2021076572
18. Diamond Therapeutics — WO2022023812A1
19. The Beckley Foundation — WO2021175816
20. Eleusis — WO2021183490, WO2019079742, US20200147038A1, WO2018195455, WO2016145193, US20220117956
21. Folium Labs — WO2021113986, US20230010871
22. Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals — WO2022226408
23. Goodcap Pharmaceuticals — WO2022079574
24. Greenway DNA — US20210407643A1
25. GW Research — US20200237683A1, WO2019064031, US20200237683A1
26. Havn Life Sciences — WO2022107095
27. Health Innovations — US8137690B2
28. Institute Of Science And Technology Austria — WO2021074448
29. LDN Pharma Limited — WO2022269267
30. Lobe Sciences — WO2021216489A1
31. Mcgill University — WO2022023813
32. McMaster University — US20130287705A1
33. Mind Cure Health — WO2022204805
34. Mind Medicine — WO2023023182, WO2023023192, US20230064429, US20220395499, WO2022265878, WO2022235531, US20220347195, US20220354831, WO2022235500, WO2022232093, US20220362237
35. Mindset Pharma — WO2022246572
36. Mycrodose Therapeutics Inc. — WO2022212789
37. Neonmind Biosciences — WO2021243461A1
38. Neurolign — WO2020097320A1
39. Pike Therapeutics — WO2021209815A1
40. Pisgah Laboratories — US9226925B1, US9421266B2, US10183001B1
41. Psilera — WO2021226416A1
42. Psilo Scientific — WO2022082320, US20210393716A1
43. Psychnostics — WO2018089204
44. Purposeful IKE — WO2022079307, WO2022079302, WO2022079304
45. Red Light Holland Corp. — WO2022232933
46. RedX Pharma PLC — WO2023021278
47. Regents of the University of Minnesota — US10426772B2
48. Rejoy — US20200060997A1
49. Relevale — US20220304991
50. Sensory Design & Technology — WO2019025763
51. SipNose — US10549052B2, WO2013128447
52. Synosia Therapeutics — WO2010124089A2
53. Terran Biosciences — WO2022212854
54. The Regents of the University of California — WO2021202730A1, WO2020185581, US20200030309A1
55. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — US10188342B2
56. Transcend Biodynamics — US10377752B2, US9868732B2
57. Universitatsspital Basel — US20220347169, WO2023012524, US20230039395, US20220280501, WO2022189907, US20220265582, US20220273628, WO2022175821, US20220128580, WO2021225796, US11364221, US20210315884A1, WO2021211358, WO2021173273
58. University of Maryland — WO2021030571, US20220273680
59. University of Minnesota — US5028611A
60. Vivus — US6228864B1
61. West Virginia University — US9790528B2
62. YZTherapeutic Performance — WO2022049574
63. Zoll Medical — WO2014035473
64. Zosano Pharma — WO2021222885A1

MDMA Patents

MDMA (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine) was first patented in 1914 by chemists working for Merck. Despite the patent, Merck didn’t do anything with their MDMA — it sat on a shelf until long after this initial patent expired.

It wasn’t until many years later that the psychedelic chemist, Alexander Shulgin, developed a new method of synthesizing MDMA and began sharing it with his friends, including psychotherapist Leo Zeff who developed the first model of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

So far, we’ve cataloged 82 patents involving MDMA. Organizations with the most patents in this space are Mind Medicine (9), Universitatsspital Basel (6), and Pharmala Biotech Inc. (3). 

Most of the patents involving MDMA focus on new methods of synthesis, new delivery methods, and modified forms of MDMA to improve either the duration of effect or reduce associated side effects. 

List of MDMA Patents:

1. Agouron Pharmaceuticals — US20040224960A1
2. Akili Interactive — WO2019161050
3. Alexander Shulgin Research Institute — WO2023028091, WO2023028092
4. Allen Institute — WO2022212585
5. Alpvision — WO2020049182A1
6. Alto Neuroscience — WO2022159632
7. Applied Biology — WO2020023084
8. Arcadia Medicine — WO2023283386, WO2022256720
9. Auspex Pharmaceuticals — US20100172916A1, US20080045588A1
10. Awakn Life Sciences — WO2022238507, WO2022150525
11. Bexson Biomedical — WO2022109050
12. Biotech Intellectual Holdings — AU2020904571A0
13. CaaMTech — US20210085671A1, US20210085671, US20210353615, US20230029139
14. Compass Pathways — WO2022053696
15. Concept Matrix Solutions — US20210015833A1, US20210015738A1
16. Contera Pharma — WO2020127954A1
17. Eleusis — WO2019079742, WO2018195455, US20200147038A1
18. Emory University — US20120108510A1
19. GlyTech — US10202469B2
20. Goodcap Pharmaceuticals — WO2022079574
21. Gosforth Centre — US20140142140A1, US10028971B2
22. Greenway DNA — US20210407643A1
23. Gruenenthal GmbH — US20170071862A1
24. GW Research — US20200237683A1, US20200237683A1, WO2019064031
25. Helium 3 Resources — WO2020006606A1
26. Insectergy — US10738268B2
27. Institute Of Science And Technology Austria — WO2021074448
28. LDN Pharma Limited — WO2022269267
29. LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme — US8980308B2
30. Mclean Hospital — US20170312308A1
31. Melior Pharmaceuticals II — US11351169B2
32. Mind Cure Health — WO2022204805
33. Mind Medicine — US20230066171, WO2023028022, AU2021106190A4, WO2023019298, WO2022235530, US20220354822, US20220354831, WO2022235531, US20220151986
34. Mindset Pharma — WO2022246572
35. Mycrodose Therapeutics Inc. — WO2022212789
36. Mydecine Innovations — WO2023288013, WO2022061196
37. Octavian & Desmond Pty — AU2021900219A0
38. Pharma America Holding — US20220152032, US20220265664
39. Pharmala Biotech Inc. — WO2023019298, WO2022232948, WO2022232949
40. Pisgah Laboratories — US20080293695A1, US10183001B1, US9421266B2, US9226925B1
41. Rejoy — US20200060997A1
42. Rhodes Pharmaceuticals — WO2019074829A1
43. Shire — US20060100136A1
44. SipNose — US10549052B2, WO2013128447
45. Stanford University — US10641782B2
46. Stargate International Limited — WO2007069925A2
47. Syneurx International Taiwan Corp — US10226442B2
48. Terran Biosciences — WO2023283373, WO2022212854
49. The Regents of the University of California — WO2021202730A1, WO2020185581
50. Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science — US20170357750A1
51. Universitatsspital Basel — US20220323405, WO2022214889, WO2021257169, US20210386704A1, WO2021225796, US11364221
52. University of Maryland — WO2021030571, US20220273680
53. University of Minnesota — US5028611A
54. University of South Florida — US10821107B2
55. Yale University — US5059600A
56. Zosano Pharma —  WO2021222885A1

DMT Patents

DMT (dimethyltryptamine) was first identified in 1931 by Richard Manske. 

It’s unclear whether there were ever any patents on the initial structure of N,N-DMT, or 5-MeO-DMT, but these patents would be long-expired by this point anyway. 

Most of the patent submissions involving DMT revolve around new applications of these substances (such as in the treatment of sexual dysfunction or movement disorders), new forms of administration (such as new intranasal forms, injectable forms, or oral preparations), new DMT analogs, or modified versions of DMT (such as Small Pharma’s deuterated DMT).

Small Pharma has the lead here with at least 17 existing patents related to DMT, with GH Research Limited (8), Mind Medicine (7), and Universitatsspital Basel (7) following behind. 

So far, we’ve cataloged a total of 133 patents involving DMT or DMT-analogs. 

List of DMT Patents:

1. Abormentis LLC — WO2020181194
2. Akili Interactive — WO2019161050
3. Alcon Laboratories — WO1998018458A1
4. Algae-C — WO2022099424
5. Algernon Pharmaceuticals — WO2022160056
6. Allen Institute — WO2022212585
7. Alvarius Pharmaceuticals — WO2022189662
8. Anavex Life Sciences — WO2019222754A1
9. Applied Biology — US20210030787A1, WO2020023084
10. Arcadia Medicine — WO2023283386
11. Atai Life Sciences — WO2022261383, US20230041584, US20230066720, WO2022251351, US20220339139
12. Beckley Psytech — WO2021250434, WO2021250435, US20220396552A1
13. Bioniqs Limited — WO2007110637A1
14. CaaMTech — WO2022173584, WO2022155284, US20220112162, US20210023052A1, US20220273620
15. CB Therapeutics — WO2021248087
16. Concept Matrix Solutions — US20210015833A1, US20210015738A1
17. Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) — WO2019081764
18. Danmarks Tekniske Universitet — WO2021052989
19. Diamond Therapeutics — WO2022023812A1
20. Eleusis — WO2022082058, WO2019079742, US20200147038A1, WO2018195455
21. Empyrean Neuroscience — WO2021067626, US20220306997
22. Folium Labs — WO2021113986, US20230010871
23. GH Research Limited — WO2023002005, US20230075124, US20220031662A1, WO2020169850A1, US20220071958A1, US20220324802, WO2020254584A1, WO2020169851A1
24. Goodcap Pharmaceuticals — WO2022079574
25. Greenway DNA — US20210407643A1
26. Gregory Ellis — US20220031966A1
27. GW Research — US20200237683A1, US20200237683A1, WO2019064031
28. Intelgenx Corp. — US20220409584
29. Kare Chemical Technologies Inc. — WO2022232931
30. LDN Pharma Limited — WO2022269267
31. LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme GmbH — US10881607B2
32. Miami University — WO2023015279
33. Mind Cure Health — WO2022204805
34. Mind Medicine — US20220395499, WO2022265878, WO2022235531, US20220354831, US20220347195, WO2022235500, US20220362237
35. Mindset Pharma — WO2023019368, WO2022246572, WO2022246572
36. Mycrodose Therapeutics Inc. — WO2022212789
37. Mydecine Innovations — WO2023288013, WO2022072808A1
38. Neurolign — WO2020097320A1
39. New Atlas Biotechnologies — US20210108238A1
40. Octarine Bio APS — WO2022248635
41. Philip Morris Products — US10750785B2, US10721963B2, US9974743B2, US10668058B2
42. Psilera — WO2021226416A1, 
43. Psilo Scientific — WO2022082320, WO2021253116, US20210393716A1
44. Psychiatric Genomics — US7132287B2
45. Regents of the University of Minnesota — WO2020185581
46. Rejoy — US20200060997A1
47. Small Pharma — US20220081396A1, US20220202775, US20220169606, US20220168274, WO2022117359, WO2022117640, US20220062238, US20220062237, WO2022043227, US11406619B2, US20220313660, US20210378969A1, US20210403426A1, WO2021116503A2, US20210395201A1, US20220281818, WO2020245133A1
48. Synbionik Gmbh — EP3957726A1, WO2021110992A1
49. Syqe Medical — US11229758B2, US10166349B2, US11160937B2, US11071712B2, US9775379B2
50. Terran Biosciences — WO2023283364, WO2022235587, WO2022212854
51. Teva Pharmaceuticals — WO2016138135A1
52. The Regents of the University of California — WO2021202730A1, US20200030309A1
53. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — US20200187851A1, US10188342B2
54. Turtle Bear Holdings — WO2022236130, US20220370483, US20220160737A1, US20220313674
55. Universitatsspital Basel — WO2022175821, US20220273628, US20220082578A1, WO2022031566, WO2021211358, US20210315884A1, WO2021173273
56. University of Maryland — WO2021030571, US20220273680
57. University of Zurich — WO2021259962
58. YZTherapeutic Performance — WO2022049574

Patent Law 101: How Drugs Become Patented

Patents provide for Intellectual Property (IP) protection for an invention or idea for a specific period (usually 20 years) and ban others from making money off said invention or idea. 

The Criteria For Patentability

To patent a concept or invention, it must be novel, nonobvious, and useful. 

Let’s look at these criteria, which are laid out under 35 USC § 102, in more detail:

• Novelty — An invention must be new and must not have been subject to public disclosure more than one year before the patent application filing date. To determine whether a patent is a novel, a patent examiner will examine prior art and look at previous patents for similar inventions. 
• Nonobvious — Patent examiners look at whether an invention will be seen as obvious for a person with ordinary skills in the relevant art. Determining this can be a difficult process that involves a review of previous, similar patents.
• Usefulness — For an invention to be considered useful, it must be practical, beneficial, and operational. Examiners will look at whether the subject matter at hand can operate to perform an intended purpose in the real world.

The Patent-Filing Process

The application process for patents is determined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 

To apply for a patent, the following steps must be followed:

1. Patent Application & Filing

The patent application must be prepared and provide a detailed description of the subject matter’s composition, structure, etc., as well as any relevant other data supporting its novelty, usefulness, and effectiveness. The application must clearly state what the scope is of the sought protection. The patent is then filed with the USPTO.

2. Examination

The USPTO then assigns an examiner to review the application and will assess the application based on the three requirements we described above.

3. Objections or Rejections

After examining the application, the examiner may raise objections and concerns, and the applicant is given a chance to address said concerns and amend the patent claim and/or application as needed.

4. Patent Grant

Once the patent examiner is happy with the application, the USPTO issues a “Notice of Allowance.” The applicant must then pay the required fees and complete the paperwork. The patent is then granted and published.

Patent Wars in the Psychedelic Space

In the sea of psychedelic patents that have been filed over the past few years, it isn’t surprising that various stakeholders are trying to challenge the validity of some of these patents. 

There are also a ton of concerns and skepticism raised around the legitimacy of patenting substances that have been around for generations in the first place.

One such example is a patent that was granted to the MindMed-affiliated individual Dr. Matthias Liechti— which is for the combination of LSD and MDMA in a single oral dosage form. 

This patent led to loads of uproar in the community as taking LSD and MDMA together has been a common practice known as “candy flipping” for a long time. The only difference between traditional candy flipping and the patent filed is that the patent foresees only one instead of two separate pills to be consumed. 

The fact that such a minor detail can justify the granting of IP in the space is worrying as it shows how simple it can be for companies to limit competition. 

Ronan Levy, who is the Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health, one company researching in the space of psychedelics, tweeted: “I used to have some faith in the patent system. No longer.” in response to the Candy Flipping Patent being granted. 

Other patents that have been legally challenged by a group called “Freedom to Operate” in December 2021 are the two Comp 360 Patents that were filed by and granted to Compass Pathways. 

Freedom To Operate claimed before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board that Comp 360 was not a novel invention as it is essentially a mixture of psilocybin crystalline forms that have been created previously. In June 2022, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board announced that it agreed with Compass Pathways’ interpretation of its patents, and this decision was final and non-appealable.

The lack of novelty surrounding these patents is a common issue, as it’s well-known that psychedelics were discovered and used by tribal and indigenous people a long time ago. 

For instance, there is a lot of data and information on the potential of psilocybin out there, and the substance has been used by practitioners of indigenous medicine for centuries. The original molecule was first synthesized over 65 years ago, in 1958. 

It is therefore criticized by many that companies try to establish IP protection in regards to this substance that is not “novel.”

While some of the patents seek to establish new structures containing the active ingredient, such as enantiomers or salts, other patents, such as the one filed by Compass Pathways that we already mentioned above, contain claims involving the use of a particular kind of room setting or background music while providing psychedelic-assisted therapy. 

It’s tricky to see the novelty in that. Many in the space argue that psychedelic-related patents should at least aim to create chemically novel products.

The patent lawyer Graham Pechenik who founded a law firm working in the field of psychedelic patents and who is also affiliated with Psychedelic Alpha, is an expert on all things IP relating to psychedelics. 

In his opinion, the Comp 360 patents that were legally challenged (and possibly many other psychedelic patents) raise three separate issues:

1. Poor Acknowledgement of “Prior Art”

In many instances, the patent examiners who need to determine whether or not a patent application meets the criteria of being novel, nonobvious, and inventive often fail to identify relevant prior art. 

In the area of psychedelic patents, this is a tricky requirement as many of the studies and findings on psychedelics in the past were done underground due to the substances being strictly regulated and prohibited. 

The non-profit group Porta Sophia is trying to address this concern by compiling prior art from news articles and hidden archives to help patent examiners make a well-informed decision.

2. Lack of Novelty Enforcement

The bar for considering something to be novel and nonobvious can be very low — for instance, in regards to the patent that granted the “invention” of taking LSD and MDMA in a single pill that we mentioned above.

3. Fighting Bad Patents is Difficult

Graham Pechenik also raises the point of how lengthy and expensive the process is of challenging patents. These issues should therefore be thoroughly examined before granting a patent, as once it has been granted, it is very difficult to change that status.

Should Psychedelics Be Patented? 

While we are rather critical when it comes to this, let’s look at both the pros and cons relating to psychedelic patents:

The Benefits of Psychedelic Patents

The main argument in support of patents is that they help fuel research.

Investment in Psychedelic Research

As patent holders have exclusive rights during the validity duration of the patent, they can therefore put their entire focus on development and research without having to worry about others making profits off their hard work.

Patents also attract investors from the private and public sectors, and this is promoting the development of psychedelic-related research (by the patent owner) further.

Improvements in Quality Control

Another argument in support of patenting is that they help establish safe regulation and quality controls.

Patents require a detailed description of the invention, including methods of production, use, etc. This transparency ensures that the patented psychedelic substances meet specific quality standards, which is vital for consumer safety, especially when dealing with substances that can have profound effects on the human mind and body.

The Negatives of Psychedelic Patents

The main arguments against psychedelic patenting are the exploitation of indigenous knowledge and the restriction of access to therapies.

Exploitation of Indigenous Knowledge

Psychedelic substances have existed long before humans did. Shamans and indigenous people have been using psychedelics as part of their spirituality and/or for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years. 

Psychedelic patents that profit from existing knowledge from indigenous peoples are not sharing the fruit of such patents with the people that have actively collected knowledge on and consumed these substances for centuries. 

This raises serious questions about cultural appropriation. 

Access to Therapies

There’s nothing novel about the concept of using psychedelics as a form of therapy, and it is, therefore, rather difficult to grasp why it’s necessary to create (hundreds of) patents in this area. 

It appears to be quite obvious that the major motivation of these pharmaceutical and mental health companies is the big money that can be made with their patented “technologies.”

If the bar to be granted IP protection is so low that a patent is granted for the “invention” of taking LSD and MDMA in a single pill, then that raises concerns as other stakeholders wanting to research similar things are restricted from doing so, and monopolies can be created by patent-owning companies quite easily. This eventually affects the end consumer who requires these products and/or forms of therapy. 

Many who could profit from such therapies will not be able to afford them, as companies owning the patents can charge exorbitant prices.

Once these patents exist, it is a very difficult, expensive, and lengthy process to try to challenge them.

Restriction of Access

Patents grant exclusivity, which can lead to monopolistic practices. People in low-income areas or in the hands of marginalized communities who stand to benefit as much, if not more, than higher-income groups are the most at risk of being excluded due to high costs or lack of local development.

Increasing Costs

The patenting process itself is costly and time-consuming. These costs are often passed on to the consumer, making psychedelic therapies more expensive and less accessible.

Contradictory to the Spirit of Open Science

Many in the scientific community advocate for open access and collaboration. Patents can be seen as contrary to this ethos, creating barriers between researchers and slowing down the progress of understanding these substances and how they can be used to help society overall. 

FAQ: Psychedelic Patents

The patent process is convoluted — entire textbooks have been written on the topic. 

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about the process of patenting in the realm of psychedelics.

1. How Long Do Psychedelic Patents Last?

The general term of patents in the United States is 20 years from the date of filing. This is also the standard duration for other countries throughout Europe as well as Canada and Australia.

There are, however, certain circumstances where this time can be extended, for example, due to delays in regulatory approvals or the length and type of clinical trials.

2. How Do Psychedelic Patents Affect the Development of Psychedelic Drugs?

Psychedelic patents have both positive and negative effects on the development of psychedelic drugs. 

Patents protect intellectual property hence protecting the Intellectual property (IP) of the companies researching substances and new forms of therapies. 

Patents also offer incentives to research and development in the field, for instance, by enabling companies to get funding for additional research. 

On the flip side, psychedelic patents can put a stop to other researchers or companies who wish to conduct similar research, as doing so would breach the patent. This may limit innovation in the field and will result in products — once available on the market — being at a very high price point and, therefore, not available to many who would benefit from accessing them.

3. What Are the Potential Ethical Concerns Related to Psychedelic Patents?

The most obvious ethical concern of psychedelic patents is that many of these substances have existed in nature long before humans existed on this planet. 

Companies trying to control said substances and patenting them to make a profit — and in the process claiming that there is a novel factor to their patent — raises obvious ethical and moral concerns.

Pharmaceutical companies aiming to sell psychedelic-assisted therapies and products containing psychedelics do so with the main intention of making as much profit as possible. Given that the patent-owning companies will be able to essentially monopolize their product means that prices of psychedelic-assisted therapies are likely going to be extremely high. Many patients who need these therapies will never be able to afford them in the first place.

The other important ethical concern is the fact that these patents are closely linked to indigenous knowledge and practices. Psychedelic substances have been used by Indigenous people for centuries, and patents are likely derived from such existing knowledge. This raises concerns about cultural appropriation and exploitation of this heritage, and it is unclear how Indigenous communities may benefit from such patents in any way.

→ Learn more about the negative implications of patenting psychedelics here.

4. Can Psychedelic Patents be Challenged or Invalidated?

Yes, there are ways for any kind of patent to be legally challenged and even invalidated. 

In the US, the procedure to challenge a patent can be initiated before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) because a patent lacks novelty or is obvious, among other grounds. 

A person or company wanting to challenge a patent may also seek the avenue of litigation by filing a lawsuit against the owner of a particular patent. 

It’s to be said, however, that once a patent claim is granted, it becomes an extremely time-consuming and expensive procedure to challenge such a patent. 

5. How Might Psychedelic Patents Impact the Accessibility & Affordability of Psychedelic Therapy?

Patents are likely to lead to exclusivity of use around psychedelics (legally speaking, at least). This is due to the fact that patents prohibit other companies from conducting similar research and therefore hold a monopoly over such therapies or products. 

This means that the patent-owning company can price its product excessively, and this likely impacts the accessibility of a product as many people will not be able to afford it.