MDMA therapy could rewire stress genes in PTSD patients

NCT ID NCT06189027

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed Phase 3 substudy looked at whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can change how stress-related genes work in people with PTSD. Researchers collected saliva samples from 45 participants before and after treatment to measure changes in gene activity. The goal was to see if these genetic changes are linked to improvements in PTSD symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

MDMA (also known as ecstasy) combined with psychotherapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help explain how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy works at a genetic level, potentially leading to better treatments for PTSD.

What could go wrong

This is a small substudy with only 45 participants, looking at biological markers rather than direct treatment outcomes. The results may not apply to everyone with PTSD.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PTSD are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Univeristy of Southern California

    Los Angeles, California, 90089, United States