52 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

MDMA Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

CE
CP
KW
Overseen ByKalisha Watkins
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 2
Sponsor: Sunstone Medical
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Prior Safety DataThis treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether MDMA, a drug known for its effects on mood and emotions, can help veterans with PTSD improve their symptoms. Researchers aim to determine if MDMA combined with therapy is more effective in a one-on-one setting or a group setting. The study seeks veterans diagnosed with PTSD who can take pills and complete study tasks independently. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, providing an opportunity to contribute to important findings.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that MDMA therapy is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that MDMA-assisted therapy is generally safe for people with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Studies have found no reports of deaths or severe side effects when MDMA is used with therapy. In a controlled study, MDMA did not cause addiction, suicidal thoughts, or serious heart problems.

Another study found that MDMA can be safely given to PTSD patients and may help those who haven't improved with other treatments. Overall, evidence suggests that MDMA is well-tolerated, meaning most people do not experience serious side effects.12345

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for PTSD?

Unlike traditional treatments for PTSD, which often include antidepressants and therapy, MDMA therapy offers a unique approach by using MDMA, a psychoactive compound, to potentially enhance therapeutic outcomes. Researchers are excited because MDMA has the potential to facilitate emotional processing and increase feelings of trust and empathy, which can be particularly beneficial in a therapeutic setting. This approach may allow patients to work through traumatic memories more effectively and with less distress compared to conventional methods.

What evidence suggests that MDMA might be an effective treatment for PTSD?

Research has shown that therapy using MDMA can help treat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Studies found that 67% to 71% of participants who received MDMA with therapy experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. These benefits persisted for at least a year after treatment. In this trial, participants will receive MDMA in either individual or group therapy sessions. Positive outcomes have been observed in both one-on-one and group therapy settings with MDMA. This therapy not only eases symptoms but also improves overall functioning for people with PTSD.23678

Who Is on the Research Team?

MA

Manish Agarwal

Principal Investigator

Sunstone Medical, PC

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for veterans aged 18 or older who have PTSD, can speak and read English, swallow pills, and attend all study visits. People with certain mental health disorders, heart problems, high suicide risk, pregnancy (or not using birth control), or trouble taking oral meds cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I can complete all study assessments and attend all visits on my own.
Proficient in speaking and reading English
I am able to swallow pills.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have a condition that makes it hard to eat or absorb food.
Significant suicide risk as defined by suicidal ideation with intend and plan as endorsed on items 5 on C-SSRS within the past 3 months
A history of, or a current primary schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or any form of psychotic disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, bipolar affective disorder type 1, or personality disorders
See 4 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 120 mg dose of oral MDMA followed by a supplemental dose of 60 mg MDMA in conjunction with therapy

15 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • MDMA

Trial Overview

The study tests the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted therapy in veterans with PTSD. Participants receive a fixed dose of MDMA during therapy sessions either individually or in groups. The trial is open-label and conducted at one center.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: IndividualExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Sunstone Medical

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3
Recruited
110+

Citations

The Efficacy of MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine ...

PTSD symptoms were reduced 1 to 2 months after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, and symptom improvement continued at least 12 months post-treatment. Mithoefer et al ...

Efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)- ...

Evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that MDMA-AT, when combined with psychotherapy, reduces PTSD symptoms, with 67 %–71 % of participants ...

MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD

These data suggest that MDMA-AT reduced PTSD symptoms and functional impairment in a diverse population with moderate to severe PTSD and was generally well ...

MDMA and MDMA-Assisted Therapy | American Journal of ...

After a course of MDMA-AT involving three MDMA administrations supported by psychotherapy, 67%–71% of individuals with PTSD no longer meet ...

Midomafetamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Post- ...

Additionally, we evaluated available evidence on the comparative effectiveness of MDMA-AP versus other short-term trauma-focused psychotherapies ...

the first randomized controlled pilot study - PMC

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can be administered to posttraumatic stress disorder patients without evidence of harm, and it may be useful in patients refractory ...

ICER PTSD Draft Report 2024

The Efficacy of MDMA (3,4-. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta ...

A Review of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress ...

MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD shows significant promise for rapid and sustained reduction in PTSD symptoms, improvement in functioning and disability status.