On June 4th, the U.S. FDA’s panel of independent advisers will convene to discuss the potential approval of the first MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), announced Lykos Therapeutics on Monday. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time in 25 years that an FDA panel will review a new treatment option for PTSD.
PTSD, a disorder triggered by extremely stressful or traumatic events, can have a profound impact on an individual’s daily life. Over the decades, the quest for effective treatments has led researchers to explore the therapeutic potentials of psychoactive substances. These include compounds derived from cannabis, LSD, and psilocybin mushrooms.
Lykos Therapeutics, previously known as MAPS Public Benefit Corp, has focused its research on MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly. The company has conducted two advanced-stage studies examining MDMA’s effectiveness when paired with psychological interventions. These interventions typically involve psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, along with other support services from trained healthcare professionals.
While the U.S. has yet to approve any psychedelic-based therapies, firms like Compass Pathways are actively exploring these substances to treat a variety of mental health conditions.