2016: We’ll Take the Next Steps Together
Expanding community raises $66,457 for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD research, completing Colorado trial funding
January 9, 2016
Dear friends and supporters,
Happy 2016 from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)!
This year, we celebrate our 30th anniversary and look forward with excitement to what has the potential to be our most important year yet. Our international series of Phase 2 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is nearing completion. This year, we’ll gather and analyze our Phase 2 data, and meet with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to plan the crucial Phase 3 studies required to make MDMA-assisted psychotherapy a legal treatment for PTSD.
Last month, we completed our successful year-end campaign to raise the final $44,000 needed to complete our Phase 2 study in Colorado. Our dedicated and caring community far exceeded our goal, raising $66,457 for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD research. Over half of these gifts came from new donors, demonstrating how quickly support is growing for our mission.
In the January 2016 edition of the MAPS Email Newsletter, you’ll also learn:
- The tenth and final participant is enrolled in our Phase 2 Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD
- The 12th long-term follow-up evaluation is completed in our Phase 2 Colorado study
- The seventh subject is enrolled and treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness
- Study participants share their stories with 5280 Magazine, Al Jazeera America, and more
Stay in touch with the psychedelic and medical marijuana research community—follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Stay tuned for exciting announcements about our 30th Anniversary Banquet and Celebration—taking place April 17, 2016, at the magnificent Scottish Rite Center in Oakland, Calif.—and for information about how you can be part of the Global Psychedelic Dinners this April, where you’ll have a chance to gather your community, raise funds for MDMA research, and help make psychedelic therapy a legal treatment.
Excited to take the next steps with you,
Brad Burge
MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing
Contents
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
1Israel: Ninth Participant Treated; Enrollment Completed
2Boulder: Twelve Long-Term Follow-Up Evaluations Completed
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness
3Marin: Seventh Subject Enrolled and Treated
Support MAPS
4December Giving Report: You Are Helping Legalize Psychedelic Psychotherapy
Media
5Tech Times, Popular Science, U.S. News and World Report, and more…
MAPS Store
Events
7Global Ibogaine Conference: March 14-16, 2016, Tepoztlán, Mexico
8Sumiruna Awakenings Conference: June 23-26, 2016, Bucharest, Romania
9Psychedelic Science 2017: April 19-24, 2017, Oakland, CA
More News
10Sublime Visions Launches Crowdfunding Campaign
11Entheogenic Research, Integration, and Education (ERIE) Launches Crowdfunding Campaign
The Winter 2015 MAPS Bulletin includes our Annual Financial Report and much more.
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Israel: Ninth Participant Treated; Enrollment Completed
On December 10, 2015, the ninth participant was treated in our Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The tenth and final participant was enrolled on December 16. Led by Principal Investigator Moshe Kotler, M.D., this Phase 2 study will treat 10 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD from any cause. “We are in the final stages of the Phase 2 research in Israel, having worked over the last few years with a variety of participants, their stories, feelings, body experiences, and the traumas that these reflect,” reports co-therapist Keren Tzarfaty, Ph.D. “As these intense processes unfold and old layers melt, we have been witnessing new seeds of healing and growth, love and hope, seeds of wholeness.” Once the final treatments and evaluations are complete, we will gather the data for inclusion in an international meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. Learn more…
| $509,000estimated study cost | $92,000raised to date | $417,000still needed |
Donate Now |
Boulder: Twelve Long-Term Follow-Up Evaluations Completed
Preliminary results from our Boulder study showing percent of subjects with clinically significant (30% or more) decrease in PTSD symptom severity (CAPS score). |
As of December 16, 2015, 12 long-term follow-up interviews have been completed for participants in our Phase 2 study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for 23 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD in Boulder, Colorado. This study has enrolled a total of 29 subjects, with six dropouts, and all experimental treatments have been completed. Primary outcome data is collected after each participant’s second experimental MDMA-assisted psychotherapy session, with long-term follow-up interviews taking place 12 months following their third and final experimental session. Long-term follow-up data will provide additional information to guide the design of our upcoming Phase 3 trials. “The combination of the psychedelic and the therapist was such a healing thing for me because I could go places I couldn’t go before,” writes Elizabeth, a study participant. “I can’t tell you how valuable that was—how valuable that is.” The final results will begin to be prepared for publication in early 2016, with publication expected in late 2016. Learn more…
| $771,000estimated study cost | $771,000raised to date | Funding complete |
Donate Now |
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness
Marin: Seventh Subject Enrolled and Treated
On December 17, 2015, the seventh subject received their first experimental treatment in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness. This subject was enrolled on December 4. Led by Principal Investigator Phil Wolfson, M.D., with co-therapist Julane Andries, LMFT, in Marin, Calif., this study will treat 18 subjects suffering from anxiety related to a life-threatening disease that is either ongoing or in remission with a possibility of recurrence. “I love being an MDMA psychotherapist,” reports Dr. Wolfson in his Winter 2015 MAPS Bulletin article. “I am profoundly moved by the experiences and changes in heart, mind, and connections that I experience with my subjects as an MDMA-assisted psychotherapy practitioner.” We currently expect all experimental sessions in this study will be completed in late 2016. Learn more…
| $627,000estimated study cost | $194,000raised to date | $433,000still needed |
Donate Now |
Support MAPS
December Giving Report: You Are Helping Legalize Psychedelic Psychotherapy
In December 2015, over 612 supporters gave over $657,000 to MAPS’ psychedelic research and education programs. We completed our successful year-end campaign to raise the final $44,000 needed to complete our Phase 2 study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boulder, Colorado, the second largest study of its kind. We’ve now raised the entire study budget of $771,000 for our Colorado study. Our supportive community exceeded our year-end goal, raising $66,457 for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD research! Completing our Phase 2 research is essential to moving onto Phase 3, and submitting our Phase 3 data and New Drug Application to the FDA in 2021, when we estimate MDMA-assisted psychotherapy will become a legal treatment for PTSD.
Thank you to everyone who generously contributed in 2015, and a special thanks to those leading the way for developing these medicines into legal treatments, including:
General Support
- Tides Foundation ($500,000)
- Philip Jensen through the Yavanna Foundation ($10,000)
- René and Susan Ruiz ($10,000) for purchase of GMP MD
MA - Roger and Margot Milliken ($10,000)
- Anonymous (Bitcoins valued at $8,000)
- Carolyn Mary Kleefeld ($5,000)
- Nathan Cummings Foundation ($5,000)
- The Prentice Foundation ($3,000)
- Constance & H. Roemer McPhee through the PECO Foundation ($2,000)
- Julie Holland ($1,661.30)
- Anonymous ($1,500)
- Anonymous ($1,000)
- Anonymous ($1,000)
- Ninni Ladjevardi ($1,000)
- Leander Fortmann ($1,000)
- James Ginther ($1,000)
- Scott Meyer ($1,000)
- David Kaiser & Rosemary Corbett ($1,000)
- Michelle & Ian Glass through the Butterfly Rain Fund ($1,000)
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD (Veterans/South Carolina)
- Mental Insight Foundation ($42,000 pledge payment)
- Smart Family Foundation ($20,000)
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD (Colorado)
- Roger and Margot Milliken ($10,000)
- Mental Insight Foundation ($8,000 pledge payment)
- Bailey Gimbel ($5,000 match pledge)
- Rebecca R. Lambert ($5,000)
- Jared Luxenberg ($3,000) for study in Boulder, CO
- Jessica Reisman ($2,500)
- John McCormick ($2,000 match pledge)
- Maria O. Dines ($2,000)
- Magaly Mauer ($1,000)
- Jeya Aerenson ($1,000)
- Josh Lee ($1,000)
- Anonymous ($1,000)
- Anonymous ($1,000)
- Matthew Zimmerman ($1,000)
- Anonymous ($1,000)
- Peggy Hitchcock of the Margaret Mellon Hitchcock Foundation ($1,000)
- Donald Mack ($1,000)
- Michael Montagne ($1,000)
- John Buchanan ($1,000)
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness
- Mental Insight Foundation ($30,000 pledge payment)
MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MPBC) has contracted with UK pharmaceutical manufacturer Shasun for one kilogram of MDMA certified under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to supply our Phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.
MDMA Supply (Medical Grade, Good Manufacturing Practices/GMP)
- René and Susan Ruiz ($10,000)
Ibogaine Therapy for Drug Addiction (Mexico)
- Breaking Convention ($1,511)
Harm Reduction
- T. Cody Swift ($10,000)
MAPS relies on the generosity of individual donors to achieve our mission. Research into the beneficial potential of psychedelics is again being conducted under federal guidelines, but no funding for psychedelic psychotherapy research is yet available from governments. You can also include MAPS in your will or estate plans.
We rely on you to achieve our mission—make a gift today.
Media
Tech Times, Popular Science, U.S. News and World Report, and more…
Al Jazeera America
Could a Party Drug Help Cure Veterans’ PTSD?
Aaron Ernst | December 11, 2015
5280 Magazine
Kelley McMillan | January 4, 2016
Tech Times
MDMA Used In Clinical Trial To Help People With Autism
J.E. Reich | November 30, 2015
U.S. News and World Report
DEA Takes ‘Baby Step’ on CBD, Eliciting Optimism and Outrage
Steven Nelson | December 23, 2015
The Independent
MDMA Researchers Testing How Drug Can Be Used to Treat Mental Illness Raise $22,000
Kashmira Gander | December 23, 2015
Popular Science
Mind-Altering Drugs Could Cure PTSD
Matt Giles | December 22, 2015
MAPS Store
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MAPS Hooded Fleece
Show your support for psychedelic science and stay warm through the winter with this ultra-plush hooded fleece. Made with 50/50% organic cotton and recycled polyester, these zippered fleeces are extremely soft, screen printed by hand, and made in the USA.
$60 | Now available
Events
Global Ibogaine Conference: March 14-16, 2016, Tepoztlán, Mexico
The 2016 Global Ibogaine Conference will convene experts from around the world to discuss ibogaine therapy, the climate of global drug policy, and the sustainability and traditional uses of Tabernanthe iboga. Speakers will include MAPS-sponsored ibogaine researcher Thomas Kingsley Brown, Ph.D. Learn more and register…
Sumiruna Awakenings Conference: June 23-26, 2016, Bucharest, Romania
As the first Eastern European conference about expanded states of consciousness and visionary art, the Sumiruna Conference brings together some of the world’s leading authors, visionaries, artists, researchers, and teachers to Romania, to discuss what can be gained and to share the latest research and techniques for exploring consciousness. Learn more and register…
Psychedelic Science 2017: April 19-24, 2017, Oakland, CA
Save the date! Psychedelic Science is returning to California in the San Francisco Bay Area. The conference will take place at the Oakland Marriott City Center and Oakland Convention Center from April 19-24, 2017. The five-day event will feature the latest findings from psychedelic research, including discussions of scientific, regulatory, and policy implications, and is expected to sell out early. We are incredibly excited to co-sponsor this international event with The Beckley Foundation. We will announce ticket sales and participation opportunities closer to the date. For past conference information, speaker videos, and more from Psychedelic Science 2013, visit psychedelicscience.org.
More News
Sublime Visions Launches Crowdfunding Campaign
Sublime Visions engages the leading chemists, doctors, therapists, and visionaries actively working with psychedelics as contemporary therapeutic medicines. The mission of this multiplatform project is to unveil the personal side of psychedelic medicines, and to be an approachable and identifiable source of information that builds greater awareness of advances in the reputable use of psychedelics in medicine, art and education. The photographs, stories, and interviews will allow each viewer to personally discover the people working with the medicines. MAPS is serving as non-profit fiscal sponsor for Sublime Visions. Learn more…
Entheogenic Research, Integration, and Education (ERIE) Launches Crowdfunding Campaign
Entheogenic Research, Integration, and Education (ERIE) is an educational non-profit organization that provides services to individuals navigating their entheogenic (psychedelic) integration process. ERIE is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has historically been a hub for psychedelic visionaries. Over the last four years, ERIE has hosted over 125 education and integration events. ERIE’s immediate fundraising goal is to raise $60,000 for a visioning and event space in the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more…
Have you seen this historical document?
MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is putting out a call to the MAPS community to ask if you have the following historical document:
- Doblin, R. Murmurs in the Heart of the Beast: MDMA and the DEA, HHS, NIDA, NIMH, ADAMHA, FBI and the WHO. Privately printed. August 8, 1984.
This is a collection of many of the letters exchanged between the DEA and the FDA which led to the decision to add MDMA to the list of scheduled drugs. Also included are the DAWN (medical emergency) reports, and letters written in response to the proposed scheduling. If you’ve seen it, please write to media@maps.org.