Compass Pathways: Pioneering Psychedelic Treatment

This case follows Compass Pathways, a pioneering company developing treatment for depression based on psilocybin, the compound found in ‘magic mushrooms.’ Psilocybin was a federally illegal substance in the U.S., and a “Schedule I” drug, defined as a drug “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” As the case opens in 2023, CEO Kabir Nath is preparing for the release of the company’s Phase 3 clinical trial results, expected to lead to FDA clearance and the “re-scheduling” of the company’s product. As Nath and his team prepare for commercialization, they grapple with decisions that balance short-term success and long-term sustainability in an uncertain, stigmatized industry.