FDA panel rejects ecstasy to treat PTSD
It cited flawed study data and the potential for abuse


What happened
A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Tuesday voted against approving the use of MDMA, a psychedelic drug commonly known as ecstasy or molly, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. The committee voted 9-2 that data submitted by Lykos Therapeutics did not prove that MDMA combined with talk therapy was effective at treating PTSD.
Who said what
Panel members "praised the promise" of MDMA to treat PTSD, which hasn't seen a new drug in nearly 25 years, but "struggled with gaps in the research data" and the "potential for abuse," The Washington Post said. Lykos' two late-stage trials found vast improvements in a sizable majority of participants who got MDMA, but its data was "uncommonly messy," and the study participants were largely able to tell if they took a placebo or ecstasy, marring the results.
Lykos CEO Amy Emerson said the company is "disappointed in the vote" but will continue working with the FDA to meet the "urgent need for new, effective and accessible therapies" for the 13 million Americans living with PTSD.
What next?
The FDA expects to issue its final decision in mid-August.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Trump uses tariffs to upend Brazil's domestic politics
IN THE SPOTLIGHT By slapping a 50% tariff on Brazil for its criminal investigation into Bolsonaro, the Trump administration is brazenly putting its fingers on the scales of a key foreign election
-
3 questions to ask when deciding whether to repair or replace your broken appliance
the explainer There may be merit to fixing what you already have, but sometimes buying new is even more cost-effective
-
'Trump's authoritarian manipulation of language'
Instant Opinion Vienna has become a 'convenient target for populists' | Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Is that the buzzing sound of climate change worsening sleep apnea?
Under the radar Catching diseases, not those ever-essential Zzs
-
Deadly fungus tied to a pharaoh's tomb may help fight cancer
Under the radar A once fearsome curse could be a blessing
-
Climate change can impact our gut health
Under the radar The gastrointestinal system is being gutted
-
Orthorexia nervosa: when clean eating goes too far
The Explainer Being healthy is fine, but obsessing over it is dangerous
-
Children's breakfast cereals are getting more unhealthy
Under the radar Your kids may be starting their day with more than a spoonful of sugar
-
A happy gut is a healthy gut. These 5 tips aim to help you achieve that goal.
The Week Recommends A healthy gut is all the rage in wellness circles
-
US overdose deaths plunged 27% last year
speed read Drug overdose still 'remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44,' said the CDC
-
Trump seeks to cut drug prices via executive order
speed read The president's order tells pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices, but it will likely be thrown out by the courts