Midomafetamine

2024 was a challenging year for the biopharma industry, with companies like Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson cutting hundreds to thousands of jobs. Cassava Sciences announced layoffs of 10 employees, 33% of its workforce, following a failed Phase III trial for its Alzheimer's drug. CytomX Therapeutics cut 40% of its staff to focus on clinical programs. Velia, a San Diego biotech, is shutting down, affecting 47 employees. Regeneron's acquisition of Oxular led to layoffs, with no Oxular employees joining Regeneron. Javara, Ring Therapeutics, Outlook Therapeutics, Editas, Bavarian Nordic, BenevolentAI, Chroma Medicine and Nvelop Therapeutics, Cellectar Biosciences, Carisma Therapeutics, Belharra Therapeutics, National Resilience, AmplifyBio, Agenus, Alligator Bioscience, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Kronos Bio, Novartis, Recursion Therapeutics, Medigene, Alector, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sonata Therapeutics, 23andMe, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Gilead Sciences, Adaptimmune, Sensei Biotherapeutics, Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Orna Therapeutics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Charles River Laboratories, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Viracta Therapeutics, Astellas Gene Therapies, Sana Biotechnology, Sage Therapeutics, Compass Pathways, Spero Therapeutics, ICON, Pfizer, Takeda, SalioGen Therapeutics, Evonik, Medtronic, CareFusion Resources, Turnstone Biologics, Leo Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Prime Medicine, Kaléo, Stryker, Relay Therapeutics, ImmunityBio, Shattuck Labs, Inventprise, bluebird bio, Athira Pharma, AGC Biologics, Oncternal Therapeutics, Biosense Webster, Vesigen Therapeutics, Connect Biopharma, BioMarin, IN8bio, Edwards Lifesciences, DermTech, Repare Therapeutics, Genentech, Tome Biosciences, Aadi Bioscience, Lykos Therapeutics, Evotec, Galera Therapeutics, Grail, Ovid Therapeutics, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Acelyrin, Boundless Bio, FibroGen, Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, AN2 Therapeutics, Entero Therapeutics, Precigen, Sumitomo Pharma America, uniQure, Vir Biotechnology, Arbutus Biopharma, HilleVax, and Bayer also announced significant layoffs, reflecting a tough year for the industry.

Psychedelic therapy shows promise for treating mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with long-term benefits. The FDA has issued guidance for psychedelic drug development, emphasizing psychotherapy integration, patient safety, and rigorous data collection. This marks a significant shift towards recognizing and expanding psychedelic therapy's potential in mental healthcare.

In April 2024, Louisiana State Police NVCTF investigated a Bogalusa DTO distributing opioids, marijuana, THC, and MDMA via social media, using profits for firearms linked to violent crimes. Arrests include Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong and others for drug offenses. Collaboration among law enforcement agencies emphasized.

A Minnesota task force recommends decriminalizing psilocybin mushrooms for personal use and establishing a therapeutic access program. It also suggests funding research into psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. The recommendations aim to provide equitable access and safety, reflecting a broader movement towards psychedelic reform.

Mushrooms, MDMA, and LSD are prioritized for decriminalization due to their potential therapeutic benefits, including treating anxiety, PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. These substances may offer more effective treatment by addressing root causes of symptoms.

Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, special agents in Utah, face charges for drug distribution conspiracy and converting U.S. government property for profit. They allegedly stole and sold illegal drugs and valuables from evidence, using a confidential informant for transactions. If convicted, Kindle faces up to 25 years, Cole up to 20 years in prison.

Rick Perry views Trump's health policy appointees as a boon for psychedelics reform, especially for ibogaine's potential in treating mental health issues. He criticizes ibogaine's Schedule I status, hindering research and use. Perry, influenced by veterans' experiences, advocates for clinical trials and policy changes, seeing bipartisan support and a unique opportunity with the new administration.

December 2024 saw significant psychiatry developments: brilaroxazine's efficacy for schizophrenia, brexpiprazole with sertraline's rapid PTSD relief, and navacaprant's MDD trial failure. Lumateperone advanced as an MDD adjunctive therapy. Despite FDA's CRL for MDMA-assisted therapy, innovative treatments and ongoing research signal hope for 2025, addressing mental health crises and improving patient outcomes.

75% of C-suite executives in life sciences are optimistic about 2025, citing growth and innovation. AI in biopharma is expanding, with increased investments and partnerships. Cancer vaccines and gene editing are advancing, with late-stage trials and new therapies. VC and IPO markets are rebounding, and M&A activity is expected to increase. Multiomics tools are expanding, and spatial biology is consolidating. Regulatory changes under Trump 2.0 may impact biopharma and health policy.