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PTSDPhase 2NCT07704762

Clinical Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Military Service Members With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

A Phase 2 study testing TREATMENT ARM: Full dose in people with PTSD and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD, run by U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study is a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, two-arm, single-site clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) for Service Members (Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe Post-Traumatic Stress… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
TREATMENT ARM: Full dose
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
86 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
1 Oct 2026to 1 Oct 2028
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Positive endorsement of at least 1 index trauma on the LEC-5.
  • Have a PCL-5 total score of 38 or greater at screening.
  • Meet DSM-5-TR criteria for current PTSD per Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) at screening with a symptom duration of 6 months or longer.
  • Meet criteria for PTSD diagnosis per CAPS-5-R with a score of 26 or greater.
  • Are at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
  • Weigh greater than 48 kilograms.
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  • Are able to swallow pills.
  • Are fluent in speaking, reading, and comprehending English.
  • Must agree to inform the investigators within 48 hours of any new medications, medical conditions, and procedures.
  • Females of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at study entry and prior to each Dosing Session and must agree to use adequate birth control for the duration of the study until at least 30 days after the final dosing session. Adequate birth control methods include intrauterine device (IUD), injected, implanted, intravaginal, or transdermal hormonal methods, abstinence, oral hormones plus a barrier contraception, vasectomized sole partner, or double barrier contraception. Two forms of contraception are required with any barrier method or oral hormones (i.e. condom plus diaphragm, condom or diaphragm plus spermicide, oral hormonal contraceptives plus spermicide or condom). Non-childbearing potential is defined as permanent sterilization, postmenopausal, or assigned male at birth.
  • Males must agree to use adequate birth control for the duration of the study until at least 30 days after the final dosing session. Adequate birth control methods for males include double barrier contraception (condom with spermicidal gel or foam), surgical sterility (defined as a vasectomy at least 3 months prior to the screening visit), or abstinence.
  • Must agree to refrain from sperm, egg, blood, and bone marrow donations for at least 30 days after the final dosing session.
  • Must have a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) with QTc < 450 ms and no clinically significant abnormalities, as determined by a cardiologist.
  • Are able to demonstrate comprehension of consent form and study instructions, and provide informed consent.
  • Agree to have study visits recorded, including Dosing Sessions, Independent Rater assessments, and non-drug therapy sessions.
  • Must provide an emergency contact (relative, spouse, close friend, or other support person) who is willing and able to be reached by the investigators in the event a participant is imminently unsafe or unreachable.
  • Agree to the following lifestyle modifications (described in more detail in the Informed Consent Form): comply with requirements for fasting and refraining from certain medications prior to Dosing Sessions; not participate in any other interventional clinical trials during the duration of this study without prior approval of the Independent Safety Monitor; remain overnight at the study site or have an identified support person that can remain with the participant and escort them to the therapy session the day after each dosing; and commit to medication dosing, therapy, and study procedures.
  • Must be Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserve in the United States military.
  • Must receive approval from their command to participate in the study.
  • Must be DEERS eligible.

Who cannot join

  • History of or current primary psychotic disorder to include Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder 1 assessed via MINI or clinical evaluation.
  • Current Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features assessed via MINI or clinical evaluation.
  • Current eating disorder with active purging assessed via MINI or clinical evaluation.
  • Current Borderline Personality Disorder assessed via SCID-5-PD or clinical evaluation.
  • Any of the following findings on Screening C-SSRS:
  • Suicidal ideation score of 5 within the last month
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  • Suicidal ideation score of 4 or greater in the last month at a frequency of once per week or more
  • Any suicidal behaviors within the last 3 months. The exception is that non suicidal self-injurious behavior is not exclusionary if approved by the PI.
  • Current high suicide risk or is likely to require psychiatric hospitalization, as determined through C-SSRS, clinical interview, or clinical judgment of the investigator. Distant history of suicide attempts without current high suicide risk factors is not exclusionary.
  • Current severe substance use disorder (6 or more criteria per MINI) not in sustained remission (criteria not met for past 12 months) at time of enrollment. I.e., severe substance use disorders may only be included if in sustained remission. Tobacco/nicotine use disorders may be included regardless of severity.
  • Current moderate substance use disorder (4-5 criteria per MINI) not in early remission (criteria not met for past 3-12 months) or sustained remission (criteria not met for past 12 months) at time of enrollment. I.e., moderate substance use disorders may only be included if in early or sustained remission (criteria not met for 3 or more months). Tobacco/nicotine use disorders may be included.
  • For any illicit or prescribed substance: current substance use disorder of any severity, not in sustained remission (criteria not met for past 12 months). I.e., substance use disorders of any severity with illicit or prescribed substances may only be included if in sustained remission.
  • Any urine drug testing during screening or enrollment that is confirmed positive for a non-prescribed substance, and the result cannot be better explained as a false positive due to another concomitant prescribed medication or proven dietary practice.
  • Have current or history of psychiatric diagnoses or symptoms that may negatively affect study participation.
  • Clinically significant abnormalities on screening 12-lead EKG or 1 minute 12-lead rhythm strip that precludes administration of MDMA, stimulants, or sympathomimetics, as determined by a cardiologist.
  • Two or more premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on 1-minute rhythm strip. 1 minute 12-lead rhythm strip will be obtained when there are one or more PVCs on screening EKG or when indicated by a cardiologist.
  • Resting QTc ≥ 450 ms.
  • History of drug-induced QTc prolongation.
  • Inability to hold or discontinue concomitant medications that significantly prolong the QTc interval.
  • Clinically significant cardiac or cardiovascular abnormalities, including history of myocardial infarction, unexplained exertional syncope, Torsade de Pointes, congenital long QT syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, family history of Long QT Syndrome, persistent atrial fibrillation, symptomatic valvular heart disease, asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis, asymptomatic severe mitral stenosis, history of diagnosis of aortic dissection or asymptomatic aortic aneurysm > 4.5 cm at the sinus of Valsalva, or history of untreated angina pectoris or unrevascularized coronary stenosis > 70%.
  • Current clinically significant electrolyte abnormalities, to include hyponatremia and hypokalemia.
  • Has clinically significant abnormal laboratory results during screening that indicate impaired liver function, to include ALT or AST >2x ULN or Total bilirubin >1.5 mg/dL unless history of Gilbert's Syndrome
  • Renal disease defined as eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m² or creatinine >2.0 mg/dL, end-stage kidney disease, dialysis, history of renal transplant, clinically significant or progressive renal disease deemed to increase risk, or recent/unstable renal function consistent with acute kidney injury at screening. Participants with eGFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73m² may be eligible only if renal function is stable and cleared by the study physician.
  • Uncontrolled essential hypertension defined as blood pressures of greater than 140/90 mmHg assessed on three separate occasions. May have well-controlled hypertension that has been successfully treated with anti-hypertensive medicines, if additional screening is passed to rule out underlying cardiovascular disease.
  • Uncontrolled hypothyroidism. May have hypothyroidism if taking adequate and stable thyroid replacement medication.
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with comorbid cardiovascular disease. May have a history of or current Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus if additional screening measures rule out underlying cardiovascular disease, if the condition is judged to be stable on effective management, and with approval by the Independent Safety Monitor.
  • Glaucoma without approval from an ophthalmologist. May have a history of, or current, glaucoma if approval for study participation is received from an ophthalmologist.
  • History of any medical condition that could make receiving a sympathomimetic drug harmful because of increases in blood pressure and heart rate. This includes, but is not limited to, a history of cerebrovascular disorders (cerebrovascular accident, aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations, or carotid stenosis). Participants with other mild, stable chronic medical conditions may be enrolled if the study physician and Independent Safety Monitor agree the condition is unlikely to confer a significant additional health risk with administration of MDMA. This includes conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic low back pain.
  • Current medical diagnoses or physical health symptoms that may negatively affect study participation.
  • Report any prescribed or non-prescribed lifetime personal use history of MDMA, 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, midomafetamine, "Ecstasy," "Molly," "Mandy," or "Adam."
  • Lack adequate social support, in the judgement of the PI.
  • Unable to safely taper off prohibited concomitant medications.
  • Are pregnant or nursing, or are able to become pregnant and are not practicing an effective means of birth control.
  • Have any current or anticipated problem which, in the opinion of the PI or Independent Safety Monitor, may interfere with study participation.

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Alexandra R Tribo contact

704-997-9460

alexandra.tribo.ctr@usuhs.edu

Amber Hampton, MSN contact

301-295-2397

Amber.Hampton.ctr@usuhs.edu

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled, Clinical Trial of the Safety, Efficacy, and Durability of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Military Service Members With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This study is a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, two-arm, single-site clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) for Service Members (Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within a Military Health System (MHS) setting.

The trial incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a core therapeutic modality. Participants will receive MDMA-AT utilizing either full-dose or active-control low-dose MDMA. The trial will also assess a regional referral center model by recruiting participants locally from the National Capital Region and non-locally across the MHS.

Read the detailed description

This Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, single-site clinical trial evaluates the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) for Service Members with moderate-to-severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within a Military Health System (MHS) setting. The study integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as the core therapeutic modality, comparing full-dose MDMA against an active-control low-dose MDMA among 86 randomized participants. To test the feasibility of a regional referral center model, participants are recruited both locally from the National Capital Region and non-locally throughout the MHS. Additionally, the trial begins with an open-label lead-in training cohort of five participants receiving full-dose MDMA-AT to establish protocol fidelity and train therapists prior to the randomized phase.

The primary goal of this trial is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, safety, and tolerability of MDMA-AT for Service Members with PTSD, with the primary endpoint assessed one month after the final dosing session. The secondary goal is to evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and acceptability of the regional referral center model for non-local recruitment and treatment, which will be measured at the secondary endpoint three months after the final dosing session. Additionally, the trial's preparatory goal is to ensure therapist adherence to the treatment protocol through the initial open-label training cohort.

For each participant, the trial progresses sequentially through five clinical phases, beginning with a Screening Phase to confirm eligibility and obtain informed consent. This is followed by a Preparation Phase, which includes medication tapering and three 90-minute preparatory sessions to confirm enrollment. The 12-week Intervention Phase consists of three month-long cycles, with each cycle containing a single 6-to-8-hour dosing session followed by three 90-minute non-drug integration sessions. Finally, participants enter the Follow-up Phase, which involves primary endpoint assessments at one month, monthly safety follow-up calls, and secondary endpoint assessments leading to Study Completion three months after the final dosing session.

Being tested
TREATMENT ARM: Full dose, CONTROL ARM: Active-controlled
Keywords
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Service Members, Trauma, Psychotherapy Modality, Psychiatric Disorders, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA, Active Duty, MDMA-Assisted Therapy, Phase II, Active Controlled, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Medical subject headings
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Combat Disorders, Wounds and Injuries, Mental Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • TREATMENT ARM: Full doseDrug

    Also called 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

    Participants in this arm will receive full dose of MDMA integrated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • CONTROL ARM: Active-controlledDrug

    Also called 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

    Participants in this arm will receive lower dose of MDMA integrated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Study groups in NCT07704762
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
CONTROL ARM: Active-controlledActive comparatorLow dose MDMA, 40mg
Receives: Drug: CONTROL ARM: Active-controlled
TREATMENT ARM: Full doseExperimentalFull dose MDMA, 60mg to 120mg (maximum)
Receives: Drug: TREATMENT ARM: Full dose

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Revised Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5-R) Total Severity Score From Baseline to Primary Outcome

    The primary objective of this study is to determine treatment efficacy of MDMA-AT for PTSD by comparing PTSD symptom severity as measured by independent raters with the CAPS-5-R [Revised Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5)] as measured from baseline to the primary endpoint which is 1 month after the third dosing session. The CAPS-5-R is a structured clinician-administered measure that assesses the presence and severity of PTSD per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. All the DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD are assessed and rated on a scale from 0 (Absent) to 10 (Extremely Severe), with clear anchors provided to clinicians to assist with accurate ratings. The range of the scale is 0-200.The higher the score at baseline, the worse the PTSD severity. The larger the decrease in score from baseline, the better the outcome.

    Measured: The primary endpoint will be 14±3 weeks after the baseline independent rater CAPS-5-R visit and 1-9 days after the final Integration Session.

Secondary outcomes (1)

  1. Change in Revised Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5-R) Total Severity Score From Primary Endpoint to Secondary Endpoint

    Determine durability of treatment efficacy by comparing changes in PTSD symptom severity (Revised Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 [CAPS-5-R]), from primary endpoint to final outcome (secondary endpoint). The CAPS-5-R is a structured clinician-administered measure that assesses the presence and severity of PTSD per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. All the DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD are assessed and rated on a scale from 0 (Absent) to 10 (Extremely Severe), with clear anchors provided to clinicians to assist with accurate ratings. The range of the scale is 0-200. The higher the score at baseline, the worse the PTSD severity. The larger the decrease in score from primary to secondary endpoint the better the outcome.

    Measured: 13±2 weeks after the third Dosing Session (~2 months from the Primary Endpoint)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted15 Jul 2026
  2. Study start1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Jan 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Oct 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, single-site clinical trial
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
86 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07704762
Sponsor's protocol ID
S-25-01
Other IDs
Award # HT9425-25-1-0846, IUSPT5, WRNMMC-2026-0517
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
2 Jul 2026
Last updated
15 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Wolfgang AS, Fonzo GA, Gray JC, Krystal JH, Grzenda A, Widge AS, Kraguljac NV, McDonald WM, Rodriguez CI, Nemeroff CB. MDMA and MDMA-Assisted Therapy. Am J Psychiatry. 2025 Jan 1;182(1):79-103. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230681.

    PubMed 39741438

  • Steenkamp MM, Litz BT, Hoge CW, Marmar CR. Psychotherapy for Military-Related PTSD: A Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA. 2015 Aug 4;314(5):489-500. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.8370.

    PubMed 26241600

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing TREATMENT ARM: Full dose in people with PTSD and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD, run by U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 20 inclusion and 34 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Alexandra R Tribo (704-997-9460, alexandra.tribo.ctr@usuhs.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Revised Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5-R) Total Severity Score From Baseline to Primary Outcome (time frame: The primary endpoint will be 14±3 weeks after the baseline independent rater CAPS-5-R visit and 1-9 days after the final Integration Session.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07704762, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Jul 2026.

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