Human School
Working at the edge of life and death, in 2 medical specialties - emergency medicine and medical toxicology, Dr. Patil Armenian has seen a lot. Join Dr. Armenian as she shares stories & lessons (sometimes learned the hard way), interviews inspiring mentors, physicians, researchers & authors, and explores tools that can help navigate our busy lives. Though her philosophies were born in a busy Emergency Department, they apply to anyone trying to live a joyful life here on Earth. Welcome to Human School! Follow on IG @humanschoolpodcast & @patilarmenianmd
Human School
23. Thoughts about the FDA Advisory Committee Decision on MDMA for PTSD
On June 4, 2024, the FDA Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee met to discuss the new drug application submitted by Lykos Therapeutics [for-profit public benefit corporation (PBC) initially part of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)] for MDMA in addition to psychotherapy to treat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MDMA, otherwise known as midomafetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Ecstasy, or Molly is a Schedule I drug that shows great promise for treating otherwise very difficult to treat psychiatric conditions such as severe PTSD. The committee voted overwhelmingly against the effectiveness of MDMA for PTSD and voted that the benefits of this treatment do not outweigh the risks. In this episode, I unpack this decision, through the lens of all my potential biases as an emergency physician and toxicologist who also believes in the potential of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. I'll be talking more about this topic in upcoming episodes, especially since the committee's decision is non-binding and the final FDA decision comes in August.
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Instagram: @humanschoolpodcast & @patilarmenianmd
Music courtesy of Zach Effron, MD