The journal Psychopharmacology retracted three papers on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy due to ethical violations, including a case of sexual assault by an unlicensed therapist. Authors affiliated with MAPS and Lykos Therapeutics did not disclose these violations. The FDA rejected the treatment for PTSD, citing concerns about data integrity. Lykos disputes the retraction and has filed a complaint with the Committee on Publication Ethics. The company failed to collect certain data for the FDA, leading to doubts about the treatment’s efficacy. Former employees described a cult-like atmosphere and excessive hype within Lykos. Critics emphasize the importance of upholding ethical standards in psychedelic research.
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