By Connor Hart
Shares of several pharmaceutical companies were higher after President Trump signed an executive order aimed at accelerating research, development and access to psychedelic medicines for the treatment of mental illnesses.
Definium Therapeutics' stock was up 15%, at $26.03, in premarket trading Monday. Shares of Compass Pathways rose 32%, to $8.78, while shares of Psyence Biomedical jumped 76%, to $13.37.
The companies all released statements supporting the executive action.
"We applaud the administration's recognition that psychedelic medicines may represent meaningful new treatment options for patients," Definium Chief Executive Rob Barrow said, noting the company will advance a comprehensive clinical development program of its potential treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
Compass--which separately said Saturday it is conducting some of the largest, most robust classic psychedelic studies to date--noted it is actively working with the Food and Drug Administration on a rolling submission and review of its therapy for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"We welcome efforts to advance structured, evidence-based research that can more clearly define its safety, efficacy and role in clinical care," Psyence BioMed Chief Executive Jody Aufrichtig said Sunday. The company is studying ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and other neurological and mental health conditions.
Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 20, 2026 06:39 ET (10:39 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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