Scientists have long suggested that MDMA could be one of several psychedelics successful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ecstasy is, of course, known for its potency. But now, following a new series of federal drug trials in the US, it could soon be used for medical treatment.
After extensive research, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to launch Phase 3 clinical trials, and eventually an approved prescription medication.
In an interview with US mag Inverse, Brad Burge, director of communications at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and one of the people trialling Ecstasy pills for market, said:
“Our Phase 2 study has treated 236 people, and Phase 3 will involve 200-400 subjects from all sorts of causes across the U.S., Canada, and a lot of different countries.
Phase 3 starts around 2017, and it will take four to five years to finish. So that will put it at early 2021 for FDA approval.”
Several studies have suggested that victims of severe trauma could benefit the most from the proposed FDA approval, as Ecstasy is known to have a direct effect on the amygdala, the part of the brain most responsible for fear and the ‘flight or fight’ response.
