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Dr. Berra Yazar-Klosinski
Chief Scientific Officer at Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS PBC)
Dr. Berra Yazar-Klosinski is a prominent figure in the field of psychedelic research and therapy. She currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at Lykos Therapeutics, formerly known as MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC).13 With a diverse background and extensive experience, Dr. Yazar-Klosinski has made significant contributions to the advancement of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Background and Education
Born in South Carolina to Turkish parents, Dr. Yazar-Klosinski spent part of her childhood in Istanbul before moving to California for her higher education.2 She holds a Ph.D. in molecular, cell, and developmental biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University.3
Career and Contributions
Dr. Yazar-Klosinski has been associated with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and its subsidiary MAPS PBC for over a decade.2 Her career progression includes roles such as:
- Clinical Research Scientist (2010-2017)
- Associate Director of Clinical Research (2017-2018)
- Director of Research Development & Regulatory Affairs (2018-2020)
- Deputy Director at MAPS (2020-2022)
- Chief Scientific Officer at MAPS PBC (2021-present)3
In her current role, she oversees the scientific aspects of developing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, particularly for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).1 Her work involves designing clinical trials, interacting with regulatory agencies like the FDA, and addressing challenges related to patient access and diversity in research.2
Research Focus
Dr. Yazar-Klosinski's research extends beyond MDMA to other psychedelic substances:
- LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety due to life-threatening illnesses
- Ibogaine for opioid use disorder
- Smoked cannabis for PTSD in veterans2
She is also involved in efforts to ensure diversity and inclusion in psychedelic research and therapy, working on analyses comparing safety and efficacy results between participants of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.2
Dr. Yazar-Klosinski is actively engaged in addressing challenges in the psychedelic field, including government interactions, health policy decisions, and preparing for a post-approval world where psychedelic medicines become legally available for medical use.2
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