On July 10, we received word that the Institutional Review Board (IRB) had approved MAPS’ MDMA/PTSD study! We can now definitely say that the US study will take place. Dr. Michael Mithoefer still needs to obtain his DEA Schedule 1 license, which should take about 4-6 weeks, but this is just a matter of time
There is now an excellent chance that the Israeli Ministry of Health will approve an Israeli MDMA/PTSD study. Michael and I are tentatively planning to go there in late Sept. or early Oct. for a one-day seminar organized by the Ministry to discuss the latest findings in MDMA research, and protocol design options for the Israeli study.
Here are the financial implications:
We still need to raise an additional $60,000 for the US MDMA/PTSD study and another $60,000 for the Israeli study. MAPS is also seeking $10,000 for our National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant application for support for the development of a treatment manual that describes in detail hw MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD should be conducted and provides specific ways to evaluate whether the therapy technique itself is being delivered appropriately. We are also seeking $20,000 for our ongoing MDMA literature review. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.