SXSW 2023
Building an Equitable Psychedelic Medicines System
Description:
Psychedelics are a step away from becoming prescription medicines. Companies are flooding in to capitalize on what could become a $100B market, backed by a massive onrush of investment, and accompanied by a deluge of patent filings.
With innovation in mental healthcare stagnant for decades, and the need for new therapies more urgent than ever, surely turning psychedelics into patented pharmaceuticals will be a force for good? Or will it instead entrench existing inequalities, and lead to immense profit for a few, while stifling further innovation and leaving the neediest patients unable to access important and lifesaving treatments?
Will the mainstreaming of psychedelics simply repeat old mistakes, or will it be an opportunity to reimagine—and psychedelicize—the medicines system itself?
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Takeaways
- A patent land grab risks restricting access to psychedelics, repeating the problems of big pharma, and negating the traditional use of many compounds.
- Greater public participation and accountability can lead the way toward solving the problems of unfair drug pricing and an unjust patent system.
- The psychedelic renaissance opens another door to challenge systemic injustice and advocate for health equity in drug development and access.
Speakers
- Shayla Love, Senior Staff Writer, VICE
- Graham Pechenik, Founder, Psychedelics Patent Attorney, Calyx Law
- Priti Krishtel, Cofounder, Co Executive Director, I-MAK
- Josh Hardman, Founder & Editor, Psychedelic Alpha
Organizer
Emily Chan, Sr. Communications Strategist, Calyx Law
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