Lawmakers pressure FDA to recommend psychedelics to treat PTSD

In the U.S., 5% of people suffer from PTSD in a given year
Rep. Correa on psychedelics for PTSD: 'We want to take care of our veterans'
FDA expected to decide on approval for MDMA in an Aug. 11 meeting

Updated: Aug 6, 2024 / 11:58 AM CDT

(NewsNation) — A Food and Drug Administration panel’s recommendation rejected the use of psychedelics to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In June, the FDA took advice from a panel of 11 experts, 10 of which said not to allow the use of MDMA therapy, a setback for those hoping to increase access to the treatment. The FDA isn’t bound by the committee’s decision but often follows its recommendations.

Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to pressure the FDA to reverse the recommendation. He told “Morning in America” on Tuesday that all they’re trying to do in Congress is to try to move the ball forward, to continue the discussion.

“By the FDA saying, no, I don’t believe that’s the right answer, given some of the research that’s already been done,” he said.

Bergman believes the advisory panel could have done better if they’d looked into places like the Bronx Veterans Hospital he visited where veterans told him they wouldn’t be alive today if they hadn’t gone through that therapy.

Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., echoed Bergman’s sentiments, stating it’s important the FDA reverse its recommendation as veterans often travel to countries like Mexico or Costa Rica to get treatment that is “90% successful.”

“There’s about 10 private research projects in the U.S. right now, verifying this data, and now, what we’re asking the FDA is, look at the data,” he said. “These psychedelic therapies work for our veterans. Take it from our veterans that are serving in Congress right now that receive this treatment. It works, so FDA, knock it off. Look at the scientific data.”

Novel therapies like MDMA and other psychedelics have offered hope for people who don’t respond to other current therapies. In any given year, 5% of the U.S. population will suffer from PTSD. Women are more likely to have PTSD than men, and veterans are more likely to experience PTSD than civilians.

The FDA is expected to decide on the current submission for MDMA by Lykos Therapeutics in an Aug. 11 meeting.

NewsNation’s digital producer Steph Whiteside contributed to this report.