The letter was sent on behalf of HHS to Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., who first proposed creating task force.
Dated May 13, the letter said, “[The substance abuse and mental health services administration], in collaboration with the assistant secretary for health, is exploring the prospect of establishing a Federal Task Force to monitor and address the numerous complex issues associated with emerging substances.”
The letter was shared with the Intercept July 26. It expressed support for an amended Right to Try legislation, co-sponsored by U.S. Sens.Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Rand Paul, R-Ky. The bipartisan bill that pushes for patients with life-threatening conditions who have tried all approved treatment options to access certain treatments not yet approved by the FDA.
The letter anticipated that the FDA will approve methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression within the next two years.
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