Big Idea:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted Lykos Therapeutics' application for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, marking a potential breakthrough in mental health treatment.

Why It Matters:

• This acceptance signals a mainstream shift towards embracing psychedelic-assisted therapies, recognizing their potential to address the profound challenges of PTSD, a condition affecting millions globally.
• It underscores a growing acceptance of alternative treatments in the mental health arena, potentially setting a precedent for future innovations.

Key Details:

• Combining MDMA with psychotherapy represents a novel approach, leveraging the unique effects of MDMA to enhance therapeutic processes.
• Approval could lead to widespread adoption, changing the landscape of PTSD treatment and mental health care.
• Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS PBC), the FDA, mental health professionals, and PTSD sufferers stand at the forefront of this groundbreaking development.

"Securing priority review for our investigational MDMA-assisted therapy is a significant accomplishment and underscores the urgent unmet need for new innovation in the treatment of PTSD," stated Amy Emerson, CEO of Lykos.

What's Next:

With a target action date set for August 11, 2024, the coming months will be crucial for Lykos as it prepares for potential approval and a controlled launch, focusing on quality and accessibility.

Dive Deeper:

The therapy's foundation on two decades of research by MAPS highlights the rigorous scientific backing and the long journey of psychedelic-assisted therapy from fringe to mainstream acceptance.

Between the Lines:

The transition of MAPS from a nonprofit to launching Lykos Therapeutics as a public benefit corporation illustrates the evolving landscape of psychedelic research and its move towards commercialization.

Yes, but:

While the potential benefits are significant, concerns about the accessibility, cost, and implementation of MDMA-assisted therapy remain, underscoring the importance of careful planning and regulation.

Big Idea:

In a move towards transparency and sustainability, Automotive Cells Co (ACC), a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies, and Mercedes-Benz Group, collaborates with Circulor, a UK startup using blockchain, to trace the origin and carbon footprint of materials powering European EV batteries.

Why It Matters:

This partnership anticipates the imminent implementation of the European battery passport by 2027 that will scrutinize the environmental impact of EV cells. With pressure mounting on automakers to disclose carbon footprints and recycled material content, this collaboration positions ACC at the forefront of responsible and sustainable supply chain practices.

Key Details:

• ACC, formed in 2020, is investing €7 billion in EV battery plants across France, Germany, and Italy.
• Circulor's blockchain technology maps supply chains for eco-friendly production, with prior collaborations including Volvo Cars, BMW, and BHP.
• European batteries must disclose carbon footprints from this year and comply with emissions limits and recycled material disclosure by 2027.
• ACC and Circulor join the European battery passport initiative, ensuring accountability throughout the EV battery supply chain.

ACC's supply chain director, Olivier Talabard, emphasized, "Our partnership with Circulor is key to knowing our supply chains are operating sustainably and responsibly."

What's Next:

The collaboration raises awareness and responsibility in sourcing materials. The EU has added additional funding for battery technology and NGOs like the Global Battery Alliance are working with organizations to promote transparency in the supply chain and social responsibility to protect workers.

The Intrigue: 

Battery upcycling is part of the circular economy for battery production. Startups like Redwood Materials and Circu Li-ion give decommissioned batteries a second life and reuse their raw materials for new batteries. They have received millions in funding from venture firms and automotive companies to support the reduction of carbon emissions.

Big Idea:

ElevenLabs, an AI voice software company, has garnered $80 million in a Series B funding round, propelling the company to unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. The funding underscores the Andreeson Horowitz-backed company’s commitment to the voice AI landscape and ensuring responsible and ethical development of AI technology.

Why It Matters:

ElevenLabs' revolutionary multilingual voice generation model is capable of producing emotionally expressive AI audio content in almost 30 languages. The funding not only validates its impact on diverse sectors but also marks a pivotal moment in advancing responsible AI development.

Key Details:

• ElevenLabs introduces a suite of products, including the Dubbing Studio, Voice Library marketplace, Mobile Reader App, and upgraded models.
• The company has generated over 100 years' worth of audio content since its public launch.
• Co-led by Andreessen Horowitz, Nat Friedman, and Daniel Gross, with support from Sequoia Capital, Smash Capital, SV Angel, BroadLight Capital, and Credo Ventures.

"Genuine excitement accompanies this financial boost. Our team's unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on the field of voice AI." - Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs

What's Next:

The Series B funding will be directed towards advancing research, expanding infrastructure, developing vertical-specific products, and fortifying safety measures. The company's impact on publishing, gaming, media, and conversational AI is highlighted, with collaborations showcasing dedication to innovation and partnership.

Dive Deeper:

ElevenLabs' AI Speech Classifier ensures content authenticity, addressing concerns about the misuse of voice cloning technology. The company's commitment to responsible AI development includes detection tools to identify AI-generated content easily.