The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of MDMA in large-scale trials as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Small scale studies have previously used the drug, also known as the party-drug ecstasy, to alleviate some of the symptoms of PTSD. As reported by the New York Times, the FDA green lit a Phase 3 clinical trial, which is significant as it marks the final stage of testing before it can be submitted for approval as a prescription drug.

Dr. Charles R. Marmar, the head of psychiatry at New York University’s Langone School of Medicine and a leading PTSD researcher, told the Times that he was “cautious but hopeful.”

Study participants have previously reported significant improvements in their condition following a course of MDMA therapy, and researchers have been optimistic about the future of the drug as a form of treatment. “If they can keep getting good results, it will be of great use,” Marmar said. However, he also voiced some caution, which was echoed by other reactions to the FDA’s approval. “It’s a feel-good drug, and we know people are prone to abuse it,” he said.

Through a spokeswoman, the FDA declined to comment to the Times, citing regulations that prohibit disclosing information about drugs that are being developed.

[NYT]

Get our Health Newsletter. Sign up to receive the latest health and science news, plus answers to wellness questions and expert tips. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Now Check the box if you do not wish to receive promotional offers via email from TIME. You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thank you! For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.

Contact us at letters@time.com.