Press Releases

At the steps of the Capitol, veterans, bipartisan lawmakers, and PTSD experts gathered today to highlight the urgent need for FDA approval of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) to address the devastating impact of PTSD and veteran suicide in America.

Millions of veterans silently battle the invisible wounds of war, with ten out of every 100 male and 19 out of every 100 female veterans suffering from PTSD. This mental health condition directly contributes to the alarming rate of veteran suicides, which is estimated to be between 17 and 44 per day. Since 9/11, over 150,000 veterans have died by suicide—a number 21 times higher than U.S. servicemembers who died in post-9/11 warzones.

"This is not just a statistic; it's a national tragedy," said Congressman Morgan Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL who suffered from PTSD, and experienced healing and restoration from a psychedelic-assisted therapy.  "For far too long, we've relied on PTSD treatments that fail 40-60% of patients. The lack of innovation in PTSD treatment has fueled rising suicide rates among veterans."

Fortunately, there is hope that MDMA-Assisted Therapy, an FDA-designated "Breakthrough Therapy.” Clinical trials demonstrated its remarkable efficacy, with over 71% of participants no longer meeting PTSD criteria after three MDMA-AT sessions, and 86% showing significant symptom improvement—nearly double the efficacy of current treatments.

The VA has also acknowledged the potential of MDMA-AT, with UnderSecretary of Health Shereef Elnahal stating that existing therapies "pale in comparison" to MDMA's preliminary results. The VA is preparing to integrate MDMA-AT into its healthcare system pending FDA approval, anticipating substantial demand from the veteran community.

The FDA is set to make a decision on MDMA-AT on August 11, prompting bipartisan members of Congress, veterans, clinicians and advocates to unite in urging swift approval. "Our veterans deserve action, not just words," said Congressman Jack Bergman, a retired three-star USMC General who is the highest-ranking veteran in Congress, as well as the co-founder of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus. "Approving MDMA-AT is crucial to restoring veteran lives and ending the veteran suicide epidemic."

“This is the first PTSD innovation in 23 years, offering curative rather than palliative potential for those who suffer,” said Congressman Lou Correa, co-founder of the Congressional PATH Caucus. “Nothing could be more important than addressing the invisible wounds of war, so that our veterans can begin the healing process. MDMA-AT works, and the FDA must approve it this August so that we can make it accessible to veterans immediately.”