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Three research papers exploring MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD have been retracted by the journal Psychopharmacology. This follows the recent rejection of MDMA for this use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The retracted studies, authored by researchers partly affiliated with Lykos Therapeutics, the company behind the rejected therapy application, were deemed to have involved unethical conduct at one of the research sites. Lykos, however, maintains that the retracted research was not part of their FDA submission.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate regarding MDMA-assisted therapy. While some research suggests its potential in treating PTSD, ethical concerns and regulatory hurdles persist. The recent retraction raises questions about the research methodology used and casts a shadow on the overall data supporting MDMA for this purpose.
The FDA’s rejection of MDMA therapy last week cited insufficient evidence on its long-term safety and efficacy. This, combined with the retracted studies, creates a significant setback for the field. Further research conducted with rigorous ethical standards will be necessary before MDMA can be considered a viable treatment option for PTSD.
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