We recently compiled a list of the 12 Best Psychedelic Stocks to Buy in 2025. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) stands against the other psychedelic stocks.
The Therapeutic Potential and Investment Boom in Psychedelic Medicine
In contrast to drugs like cocaine or marijuana, psychedelics are strong and give users access to a kind of “alternate reality.” One class of hallucinogenic substances that can produce unusual states of consciousness is psychedelics. LSD and chemicals originating from plants are among the many chemical substances included in this class. Psychedelics have the power to change or heighten feelings, thoughts, and energy levels, which frequently leads to spiritual experiences. They are divided into two primary categories: serotonergic chemicals (like LSD) and empathogens and dissociative drugs (like PCP). These medications are being investigated for therapeutic uses in addition to recreational ones, and they have shown promise in the treatment of several illnesses, including opiate addiction, severe depressive disorders, treatment-resistant depression, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The revival of interest in psychedelics has been greatly aided by venture capital investors. Startups in this sector saw a spike in investor interest around the beginning of 2020, which was dubbed the “psychedelic renaissance.” On February 16, 2023, Clara Burtenshaw, a partner at Neo Kuma Ventures, the biggest European venture capital fund specializing in psychedelic investments, shared her excitement about psychedelic healthcare, saying:
“Psychedelic healthcare is a very exciting area because it’s this apex of drugs, clinics, and experimental treatments.”
Growth and Promise of the Psychedelic Drugs Market
Many psychedelic-focused pharmaceutical businesses are working to have their medications approved by the government. Psilocybin and other hallucinogens are showing great promise in treating disorders including schizophrenia and depression. The US psychedelic drugs market is projected to grow from $4.51 billion in 2025 to $15.62 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 16.8%. This growth is part of a larger global trend, with the worldwide market expected to reach $11.93 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 16.9%.
Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) is the most widely used psychedelic drug in the United States, with an estimated 8 million American adults using it in 2023, according to a survey conducted by RAND Corporation. Around 12% of respondents reported lifetime use, and 3.1% used it in the past year. LSD use has also risen significantly, particularly among individuals aged 18-25, with usage increasing from 0.9% in 2002 to 4% in 2019. The LSD market is projected to grow from $145.9 million in 2024 to $265.7 million by 2034. MDMA, although not providing specific usage data, remains popular, especially in research for PTSD treatment. Ketamine has gained attention for its depression treatment potential, particularly with the FDA approval of Spravato nasal spray.
Market growth is driven by rising mental health issues, increasing demand for alternative treatments, and regulatory changes as several US cities and states decriminalize or legalize psychedelics. Psychedelic drugs are showing therapeutic potential in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Ongoing research and development are also expanding their therapeutic applications.
Our Methodology
We selected the following psychedelic stocks based on the hedge fund sentiment, as assessed from Insider Monkey’s database, which tracks over 1,000 elite hedge funds as of the end of Q4 2024. The stocks are listed in ascending order according to the number of hedge fund holders for each stock.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
A close-up of a medical professional providing advice to a patient struggling with opioid use disorder.
Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing psychedelic-inspired treatments for mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and addiction. While it doesn’t yet sell products, the company generates revenue through research, clinical trial support, and licensing agreements. What sets Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) apart is its decentralized drug development model, where it creates and acquires businesses focused on specific psychedelic compounds, allowing for a diversified portfolio and reduced risk.
As of September 30, 2024, Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) reported a strong cash position of $101.0 million, providing an operational runway into 2026. The company reduced its R&D expenses to $12.4 million in Q3 2024, down from $13.3 million in Q3 2023, and also lowered its general and administrative expenses to $10.3 million from $13.6 million. However, the corporation posted a net loss of $26.3 million for Q3 2024, compared to a net income of $44.2 million in Q3 2023.
Recognized among the best psychedelic stocks, Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) is making significant progress in its clinical pipeline. VLS-01, a DMT treatment for treatment-resistant depression, has received FDA clearance and expects to begin Phase 2 studies by the end of 2024. EMP-01, an R-MDMA treatment for social anxiety disorder, also anticipates its Phase 2 trial around the same time. RL-007, targeting cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, is in Phase 2b, with results expected in mid-2025. Additionally, Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) completed the acquisition of IntelGenx Corp., enhancing its drug delivery capabilities for VLS-01’s buccal film DMT program.
Overall ATAI ranks 9th among the best psychedelic stocks to buy in 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of ATAI as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ATAI but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
