Group therapy presents another area for potential delivery optimisation, with therapy sessions delivered in groups and dosing sessions involving multiple patients supervised by a single therapist. At a ratio of one therapist to four patients, only 6,000 therapists would be required across 1,000 clinics. Digital approaches may also reduce infrastructure requirements — for example, preparation sessions could be delivered to some extent through digital platforms that provide patient education and support. As the result of perceived safety concerns with psychedelic-assisted therapies, increased regulatory scrutiny means both of these changes are likely to occur on a longer timeline of approximately five to six years. Digital approaches in particular are likely to enhance rather than completely replace the role of the therapist.
Next-generation psychedelics
The capacity model outlined above, along with its associated delivery challenges, is based on the use of hallucinogenic compounds sometimes referred to as first-generation psychedelic drugs. Second-generation psychedelics may have modified safety profiles or a decreased duration of action, which could decrease the required duration of dosing sessions and level of supervision. Third-generation psychedelics with reduced or eliminated hallucinogenic effects could allow for an entirely different treatment paradigm with significantly reduced psychological support requirements and at-home delivery options. The efficacy of these non-hallucinogenic compounds has yet to be demonstrated, and this generation of psychedelics may best suit a different population of patients — for example, the neuroplastic effects of psychedelics could have greater significance for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or migraine whereas the hallucinogenic experience may be central to efficacy in psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions.
Conclusion
L.E.K. anticipates significant — though not insurmountable — challenges in the commercialisation of psychedelic drugs, rooted in part in the scale of capacity required. Due to the highly regulated nature of these drugs, developing the necessary standard and volume of infrastructure will be critical to a successful launch. Meeting this challenge will require investment targeted towards the development of new clinics and the adaptation of existing practices to offer psychedelic-assisted therapy as well as training, ongoing professional development and support for a large number of specialised therapists.
How can L.E.K. help
As mental health assumes an increasingly prominent role in the healthcare system, we help organisations address a range of key issues, creating value for our provider clients and across the investment landscape. We help clients with their commercial and growth strategy, supporting them in growing sectors such as psychedelic drugs. Our approach helps organisations consistently make better decisions, deliver improved business performance and create greater shareholder returns.
To find out more and for a further discussion, please contact Adrienne Rivlin, Partner or Jess Sharpe, Senior Associate Consultant.
L.E.K. Consulting is a registered trademark of L.E.K. Consulting. All other products and brands mentioned in this document are properties of their respective owners. © 2023 L.E.K. Consulting