In a recent Reddit AMA, or Ask Me Anything, members from Multi-disciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) answered questions on a variety of drug related subjects, including on the ongoing clinical trials of MDMA, the key ingredient in ecstasy.
According to MAPS Director of Clinical Research, Amy Emerson, the team is currently in Phase 2 of clinical trials, gathering preliminary information on the safety and efficacy of the drug in small groups of 12-200, which is estimated to be complete by 2015. Once finished, two Phase 3 studies need to be completed, with larger groups of 250-2000, and if proven safe by these two studies by around 2021, MDMA could become a prescription medication as approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Read the full response here.
Right now, MDMA is also being used in trials to help treat Post Tramatic Stress Dissorder, or PTSD, which is common in veterans of war. Often, those who suffer from PTSD find it difficult to express themselves, and MDMA makes it easier for patients to be comfortable, and may increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy.