Eli Lilly in Advanced Talks to Buy AtaiBeckley for Over $2 Billion; Shares Surge 50% Premarket

Published Jul 16, 10:35 AM UTC

Shares of AtaiBeckley surged 50% in premarket trading on July 16, 2026, following a Bloomberg report that Eli Lilly is in advanced talks to acquire the psychedelic drug developer as soon as this week. The deal could exceed $2 billion, with BMO Capital Markets noting that ongoing talks with other pharmaceutical companies might support a higher price. The rally was also fueled by President Donald Trump's April executive order aimed at accelerating access to psychedelic-based treatments, which had already sparked an industrywide rally. AtaiBeckley focuses on psychedelic treatments for mental health, including BPL-003 for treatment-resistant depression. Other psychedelic drug developers like Compass Pathways, GH Research, Definium Therapeutics, and Enveric Biosciences also saw premarket gains. Eli Lilly shares were flat. RBC Capital Markets said the sector is poised to go mainstream. Lilly has been active in neuroscience acquisitions, including the $7.8 billion buyout of Centessa Pharmaceuticals.