From
The West Australian:
Perth scientists are hoping tweaked versions of the party drug ecstasy will help treat Parkinson's disease, a rare form of cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
But they say like all areas of university-based research, future funding is under a cloud.
University of WA researchers believe modified versions of the drug, also known as
MDMA, could have powerful therapeutic benefits without being psychoactive.
They say ecstasy produces feelings of euphoria and other psychological effects which make it a target for abuse, but it might have an upside for some patients.
One modified compound in particular, dubbed UWA-101, has been found in animal trials to significantly reduce the involuntary movements associated with the prolonged use of the drug
levodopa, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease, and also make it more effective.
Other versions of ecstasy are being studied as a treatment for the rare cancer Burkitt's lymphoma.
They are also being tested as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder by encouraging people to open up about their problems.