Elon Musk is best known for building influential technology companies. However, several people in his orbit are backing another emerging field: psychedelic medicine.
According to The Wall Street Journal, investors including former Tesla board member Antonio Gracias are funding psychedelic medicine companies. Many of these companies are developing therapies based on MDMA and psilocybin. Interest in psychedelic-assisted treatment continues to grow. Regulators, however, are still evaluating the clinical evidence supporting these therapies.
These investors are established figures in the technology industry. Several have strong ties to companies associated with Musk. They are supporting research into compounds such as MDMA and psilocybin. Researchers continue studying these substances for potential medical applications. Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
One of the most active supporters is Antonio Gracias. Gracias is a longtime Musk ally, former Tesla board member and SpaceX director. He has invested in companies pursuing MDMA-assisted therapy. He has also supported academic research into psychedelics. The report also identifies Peter Thiel, Sergey Brin, and Sam Altman as notable investors in the sector. Each has backed organizations developing psychedelic-based treatments.
Musk has publicly discussed the potential therapeutic value of psychedelics. He has also suggested that public attitudes The enthusiasm persists despite regulatory challenges. In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declined an application from Lykos Therapeutics. The application sought approval for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Regulators cited concerns about the supporting clinical data. Even so, supporters continue funding research and additional clinical studies. could continue changing over time. Those views align with growing interest in the field among some technology leaders.
The future of psychedelic medicine remains uncertain. Regulatory approval is not guaranteed. Still, investment continues to flow into the sector. According to The Wall Street Journal, billionaire-backed funding is helping move psychedelic medicine into mainstream healthcare discussions. Growing investor interest suggests confidence in the field’s long-term scientific and commercial potential.
