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In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, we wanted to share an update on some of the latest advances in PTSD treatments.
As of mid-2025, PTSD research is advancing with novel treatments entering clinical trials and new technologies enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. These developments reflect a more nuanced and inclusive approach to both treatment and trial design.
Here is some of the latest PTSD research:
Pharmacological Advances
Transcend Therapeutics’ Phase 2 IMPACT-1 trial evaluated TSND-201, a non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen, in patients with severe PTSD. The study demonstrated a statistically significant placebo-adjusted improvement of -9.64 points on the CAPS-5 scale by Day 64 (p = 0.011), with rapid symptom relief observed as early as Day 10. TSND-201 was well-tolerated, and the company plans to align with the FDA on a Phase 3 program (Transcend Therapeutics, Clinical Trials Arena).
Neuphoria is set to launch a Phase 2b trial of BNC210, a selective α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, for PTSD by Q4 2025. This follows earlier Phase 2 studies showing improvements in core PTSD symptoms, along with reductions in comorbid anxiety and sleep disturbance (Neuphoria Press Release, April 2025, BNC210, an α7 Nicotinic Receptor Modulator, in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | NEJM Evidence).
Yale is conducting a trial combining two infusions of ketamine or midazolam with seven days of trauma-focused psychotherapy. This approach aims to accelerate therapeutic effects that typically require months, potentially offering rapid relief for PTSD symptoms (Yale School of Medicine, UCLA Clinical Trials).
In Texas, the state has committed $50 million to fund the first state-sponsored clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic compound, for PTSD and traumatic brain injury—particularly among veterans. These studies are expected to begin in late 2025 and could position Texas as a leader in psychedelic research (San Antonio Express-News, May 2025).
Bright Minds Biosciences is progressing with BMB-202, a next-gen 5-HT₂A agonist designed to offer the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics without prolonged psychoactivity. Though still early in development, BMB-202 is being positioned for PTSD trials in 2025 (Bright Minds Biosciences, 2025).
Supported by a $4.9 million Department of Defense grant, Emory University is expanding research into MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. This funding represents the agency’s first financial commitment to clinical trials focused on modern psychedelics (Emory News).
As of January 15, 2025, Lykos Therapeutics is said to be continuing to pursue approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, despite the FDA turning down Lykos’ application for approval. They plan to conduct an independent third-party review of prior Phase 3 clinical data and run an additional Phase 3 trial (lykospbc.com, Lykos still plotting path to approval for rejected MDMA therapy).
Neuromodulation and Device-Based Therapies
A 2025 study from the University of Texas at Dallas demonstrated that implanted vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices paired with exposure therapy reduced PTSD symptoms for six months post-intervention in all nine participants—the largest implanted device trial in PTSD to date (UT Dallas News, April 2025).
Accelerated theta burst TMS protocols also remain promising. A 2025 Australian pilot trial reported over 90% remission rates using brief daily sessions over two weeks, supporting TMS as a frontline option for treatment-resistant PTSD (Accelerated TMS for PTSD: Achieving Higher Levels of Treatment Response — Acacia Clinics, The Australian, March 2025).
GrayMatters Health offers the Prism protocol, which utilizes EEG headsets and animated scenarios to help patients self-regulate brain activity associated with PTSD. In clinical studies, 67% of participants experienced major improvements, and 33% achieved full remission. This drug-free, non-invasive approach is already being adopted in clinics (New York Post, GrayMattersPrismforPTSD).
Innovations in Trial Design and Diagnosis
UCSF is leading an NIH-funded clinical trial comparing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to STAIR Narrative Therapy in LGBTQIA+ adults with PTSD, reflecting a broader shift toward more representative and trauma-informed trial design (UCSF ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06367764).
Meanwhile, a 2025 preprint on arXiv detailed the use of large language models (LLMs) to assist in diagnostic assessments for PTSD. The model demonstrated strong agreement with clinician-administered CAPS-5 evaluations and could help address clinician shortages in trial settings (arXiv:2504.21851).
