Separating MDMA: First Study Investigates Differences Between MDMA's Two Molecular Counterparts in Humans

A new study published in Nature offers the first exploration of how MDMA's two molecular forms—S-MDMA and R-MDMA—differ in their effects on humans. The findings reveal that while S-MDMA may enhance therapeutic empathy, it also could also carry a heightened risk of post-treatment depression and possibly cardiac issues.

Enantiomers are mirror-image versions of molecules that can produce distinct biological effects because of their different-sided shapes. In mental health treatments, one enantiomer might more strongly activate specific proteins in the brain, leading to different biological effects. This could influence both the therapeutic outcomes and risks of a certain drug.