About

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Dr. Berra Yazar-Klosinski is an internationally respected scientist and executive, celebrated for her pioneering research and leadership in the field of psychedelic medicine. As the Founder & CEO of Yazar Lab, LLC, and former Chief Scientific Officer at Lykos Therapeutics, Dr. Yazar-Klosinski has played a pivotal role in the toxicology, clinical development, and regulatory advancement of innovative psychedelic therapies for mental health disorders.

A core focus of her career has been the design, execution, and publication of late-stage, Phase 3 clinical trials, most notably for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her work has resulted in several pivotal multi-site studies that demonstrate statistically robust, long-term reductions in PTSD symptoms and favorable safety outcomes for the majority of study participants with moderate to severe PTSD. Under her scientific leadership, these trials set new standards for methodological rigor and are informing ongoing improvements in effectiveness trials, Real World Evidence, and patient-centered research in the field.

In her executive capacity, Dr. Yazar-Klosinski expertly guided interdisciplinary teams in developing regulatory strategies, overseeing the trailblazing submission of the first psychedelic New Drug Application (NDA), and navigating comprehensive inspections by regulatory agencies including the FDA and Health Canada. Her attention to both the scientific and regulatory landscapes has been instrumental in bringing psychedelic therapies from the research setting closer to clinical implementation and mainstream adoption.

Her research portfolio extends beyond MDMA (midomafetamine) to include exploration of other psychedelics—such as LSD, cannabis, and ibogaine—investigating their therapeutic potential for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and opioid use disorder. She has championed biomarker and mechanistic research to elucidate the underlying biological and psychological effects of these compounds, thereby expanding the scientific community’s understanding of psychedelic therapies’ efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.

As a Turkish American, Dr. Yazar-Klosinski brings a unique multicultural perspective to her scientific and advocacy work. She is a committed leader in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of psychedelic medicine, ensuring that emerging treatments are accessible, culturally informed, and developed with sensitivity to global populations.

Through her innovative research, strategic leadership, and dedication to advancing both science and patient care, Dr. Yazar-Klosinski continues to help define the future of mental health treatment—anchored in rigorous evidence, compassion, and a commitment to positive social change.