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.
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.
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.
Compass Pathways reports positive Phase 3 results for synthetic psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression, while a Phase 2 trial demonstrates rapid antidepressant effects from single-dose DMT. Both studies show modest efficacy signals amid growing pharmaceutical interest in psychedelic compounds.
Compass Pathways' COMP360 synthetic psilocybin met primary endpoints in Phase 3 trials for treatment-resistant depression, with the company planning to submit a new drug application in Q4 2026.
| 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 |
