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Photo of Amy Emerson.

Amy Emerson

Senior Advisor to the Board

Amy Emerson (she/her) is a respected leader in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. She was Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS PBC) CEO for an important period in advancing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a drug with the FDA.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology from Washington State University and spent the early career involved in roles at pharmaceutical companies, where she contributed to the development of therapies in immunology, oncology, and vaccines.

In 2003, she began volunteering with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Her expertise was instrumental in establishing MAPS’ clinical research program for MDMA. MAPS founded its Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) in 2014 with Emerson as its leader to develop MDMA-assisted therapy. The organization, later rebranded as Lykos Therapeutics, with Emerson as CEO. Amy stepped down from her CEO role in September 2024. Currently she is an advisor in the psychedelic research field.

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