The FDA's recent decision not to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has ignited a debate within the medical and research communities. The decision is particularly disheartening given the promising results from clinical trials and the lack of new PTSD treatments in recent decades. A Boulder-based therapist, Bruce Poulter, who was a lead therapist in the study by Lykos Therapeutics, expressed his disappointment, stating that the FDA is "not following the data."
Promising Trial Results
Poulter highlighted the Phase III study results, which indicated that 71% of participants receiving MDMA-assisted therapy no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The therapy involves administering MDMA under the close supervision of two therapists over several months, combined with follow-up sessions. Scott Ostrom, a veteran who participated in the trial, shared that the therapy helped him rediscover his pre-deployment self, offering long-lasting benefits.
The Current Treatment Landscape and Unmet Needs
Currently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the primary pharmacological treatment for PTSD. However, these medications can have significant side effects and are not effective for all patients. Poulter emphasized that MDMA-assisted therapy offers a safe and effective alternative, particularly for those who do not respond to traditional treatments. The lack of new treatments since the introduction of SSRIs in the late 1980s underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches.
Lykos Therapeutics' Response
Lykos Therapeutics, the company overseeing the research, stated that it is actively "pursuing all available regulatory pathways" to gain approval for the treatment. The company aims to address the FDA's concerns and resolve any scientific disagreements. The FDA, while declining to comment on specific reasons for the rejection, indicated that such decisions are typically based on concerns regarding safety, efficacy, or the conduct of the research. However, the FDA remains open to reviewing additional data submitted by Lykos in the future.
Potential Reasons for Rejection
Poulter surmised that the FDA's decision might stem from the novelty of evaluating a therapy that combines a drug with psychological intervention. This unique approach may have introduced complexities to the approval process, as the FDA is tasked with assessing not just the drug itself but also the therapeutic protocol.
The Impact on Patients
Experts worry about the impact of the FDA's decision on individuals suffering from PTSD. Poulter emphasized that PTSD often leads to suicidal thoughts and suicide due to the overwhelming and recurrent symptoms. He expressed deep concern for the patients who may miss out on a potentially life-saving therapy. The rejection is seen as a significant setback for those seeking effective relief from this debilitating condition.
