How we helped Awakn take psychedelic therapy mainstream

Awakn Life Sciences is a biotech company pioneering the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy (ketamine and MDMA) to treat addiction. Despite strong clinical data, public perception was stuck on recreational stigma, and policy discussions overlooked the evidence. Awakn needed credibility, visibility, and influence to move into the mainstream of healthcare. 

The challenge
Addiction is one of the world’s most pressing health crises, yet conventional treatments have poor success rates. Awakn’s clinical research showed dramatically better outcomes, but to gain adoption, they had to overcome societal scepticism, political caution, and limited public understanding of psychedelics. They needed to reframe the debate from taboo to treatment. 

Making headlines 

We developed a communications strategy rooted in evidence, not hype. By highlighting clinical results and patient benefits, we reframed psychedelic therapy as a serious healthcare innovation. 

• Secured national media coverage in The Guardian, The Telegraph, and across international outlets. 

• Positioned Awakn’s scientific leaders, Prof. David Nutt, Dr. Ben Sessa, Prof. Celia Morgan, as authoritative voices through policy roundtables, podcasts, and high-level commentary. 

• Shared breakthrough trial data, IPO milestones, and government funding wins to showcase momentum. 

The impact
Awakn moved from a pioneering idea to a trusted authority: 

• NHS-backed trials launched, and branded clinics established 

• Shifted the conversation and policy on psychedelics from recreational stigma to recognised clinical therapy 

• Secured an IPO within 12 months from launch