Also known as: ecstasy
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic psychoactive drug commonly known in illicit contexts as ecstasy or molly. It has stimulant and empathogenic effects and can deplete serotonin levels. DEA classifies MDMA as a Schedule I substance with no approved medical use in the United States.
Police in Portland, Maine, issued a public safety alert after 7 suspected overdoses in under 20 hours, while Huntington, WV, police seized over 900 fentanyl-laced tablets disguised as cartoon characters. Both departments warned of dangerous fentanyl contamination in the drug supply.
Two major drug trafficking investigations in North Carolina and Tennessee have led to over 30 arrests combined. The North Carolina case resulted in more than 170 charges after seizing cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, guns and cash. In Tennessee, 15 individuals were indicted for conspiring to distribute cocaine, with seizures including fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms and cash.
The Trump administration moved to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The change is expected to ease research restrictions but will not immediately legalize marijuana.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical said its U.S. subsidiary plans to acquire Transcend Therapeutics for $700 million, with up to $525 million more tied to sales milestones. The deal would add TSND-201, a methylone-based PTSD drug now moving into Phase 3 testing in the U.S.
Trump signed an executive order to speed FDA review of ibogaine and other psychedelic drugs and said the U.S. would dedicate $50 million to ibogaine research. The FDA is also preparing priority vouchers and steps toward the first U.S. human trials, while ibogaine remains linked to serious heart risks.
New Zealand police arrested 11 people and seized drugs, cash, and firearms after uncovering a dark web drug import network, while Canadian police made a separate bust seizing cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The New Zealand operation involved international cooperation and intercepted over 200kg of drugs at borders. The busts come as New Zealand data shows record-breaking cocaine consumption nationwide.
Clinical trials show psychedelic substances like psilocybin, LSD and MDMA combined with therapy can effectively treat depression, anxiety and addiction. Several substances are in Phase III trials, with esketamine already approved for treatment-resistant depression. Research suggests these treatments may work with fewer doses than traditional medications.
U.S. overdose deaths declined 19% year-over-year to 72,108 for the 12 months ending September 2025, but the drug market is evolving with dangerous polydrug cocktails like "pink cocaine" and "rhino tranq" that are harder to detect and reverse. These synthetic blends combine fentanyl with stimulants, sedatives, and veterinary tranquilizers, creating new public health challenges as naloxone becomes less effective against complex overdoses.
Compass Pathways announced positive Phase 3 data for COMP360 psilocybin therapy in treatment-resistant depression, showing statistically significant improvements in depression scores and durability through 26 weeks, with plans to file for FDA approval in Q4 2026.
New clinical trials show single doses of psilocybin and LSD produce significant, lasting reductions in OCD and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms for up to 12 weeks, marking a potential shift from daily medication regimens.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07569159 |
MDMA Therapy in Veterans With PTSD |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT06989957 |
Psilocybin and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) |
RECRUITING | PHASE1 |
| NCT06789705 |
Plasma Oxytocin Changes in Response to Low-dose MDMA vs. Placebo in Patients With Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency and Healthy Controls |
RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT06683014 |
MDMA in Borderline Personality Disorder |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT06353282 |
MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment Resistant PTSD in Adolescents |
WITHDRAWN | PHASE2 |
| NCT06189027 |
Epigenetics and MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD |
COMPLETED | PHASE3 |
| NCT06066853 |
MDMA-assisted Therapy for Fibromyalgia |
RECRUITING | EARLY_PHASE1 |
| NCT05961527 |
Group MDMA-therapy for Veterans With PTSD |
COMPLETED | PHASE1/PHASE2 |
| NCT05948683 |
Prosocial Effects of MDMA |
COMPLETED | EARLY_PHASE1 |
| NCT05943665 |
MDMA for AUD/PTSD Comorbidity |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
