The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will fund a study on MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder among veterans.
It is the first VA-funded study for psychedelic-assisted therapy since the 1960s.
“VA is on the cutting edge of clinical research for Veteran health, including in the investigation of psychedelics for mental health,” Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal said. “This study will give us better insight into the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for Veterans.”
U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., called the VA study a step in the right direction.
“I applaud the VA for moving the ball forward in this fight to help those who so desperately need these breakthrough therapies,” he said in a statement. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if psychedelic-assisted therapy can help treat a Servicemember or Veteran’s PTSD or prevent them from taking their own life, then we owe it to them to take an active role in researching these potentially life-saving therapies.”
U.S. Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., called the study “monumental.”
“These therapies, like MDMA, promise to be one of the largest breakthroughs in mental health treatment in nearly half a century, and show potential to cure our veterans of their invisible wounds,” he said. “We won’t rest until these potentially life-saving therapies are accessible to all who would benefit from them.”
In a letter, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough said the VA has been researching psychedelic compounds, including MDMA and psilocybin, using external funds for years. Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic found in certain mushrooms.
“Through this research and future studies, we are gathering rigorous scientific evidence on the potential efficacy and safety of psychedelic compounds when used in conjunction with therapeutic approaches,” McDonough wrote. “All studies have been and will continue to be conducted under stringent safety protocols. VA is committed to exploring all avenues that promote the health of the Nation’s Veterans.”
U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, lauded the move.
“I’ll continue to be a leading voice in Congress on this critical effort,” he said.
VA researchers affiliated with Brown University and Yale University will evaluate the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment option for veterans with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
Participants will get psychotherapy sessions enhanced by MDMA, a psychedelic drug thought to increase emotional openness, reduce fear and promote introspection during therapy. Some participants will be randomly chosen to receive an active placebo, which will be a lower dose of MDMA.
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is an illegal drug in the U.S. Illicit ecstasy use has long been associated with rave culture and electronic dance music. It can produce euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy and sexuality, according to the DEA.
In August, the Food and Drug Administration rejected MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, a major setback for advocates.
The study is set to take place at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut. Enrollment could start in fiscal year 2025.
The grant award is about $1.5 million over five years.
As with all VA studies, treatments will be conducted in a clinical setting with safety protocols and following all appropriate federal guidelines for conducting studies with controlled substances. Pharmaceutical-grade MDMA will be used, and participants will be closely monitored to ensure their well-being throughout the study.
