Capitalism goes rogue with patent claims on psychedelics
Neither Ekaterina Malievskaia (of COMPASS) nor Christian Angermayer (of ATAI) have succeeded so far in convincing other actors in the psychedelic field that Compass has not put its commercial interests and revenue projections before public health benefits and research freedom. This why Rick Doblin (of MAPS) reacted by tweeting: “Attempts to patent therapeutic methods invented by others are doomed to fail, reputationally terrible, and capitalism gone rogue.” Tim Ferriss, it seems, was right when he diplomatically penned that “even the purest of intentions can warp when they collide with the harsh realities of business.”
One of the reasons lies in other patent applications filed by the company, such as WO2020212952, where Compass claims IP rights over a method of treating depression described in 162 clauses, including the administration of psilocybin in a room with a substantially non-clinical appearance, soft furniture, decoration with muted colors, a high-resolution sound system, and a bed or a couch. Anyone familiar with the protocols for psychedelic treatments and clinical research developed by legions of therapists since the 1960s, some at personal risk while working under the radar of law enforcement during prohibition times, can immediately recognize that there is no novelty there, if not a not-so-subtle intention to prevent others from competing with Compass.
Original Article (Chacruna):
Capitalism goes rogue with patent claims on psychedelics
Artwork Fair Use: Tyrenius
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