New Potent Synthetic Opioid Poses Elevated Overdose Risks

A recently identified synthetic opioid has been linked to a significant increase in overdose risk, according to researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) and the drug checking service CanTEST. The drug, detected in Canberra in September 2024, belongs to a group of potent substances known as nitazenes. These synthetic opioids are alarmingly powerful, with one of the newly discovered compounds being approximately 1,000 times stronger than morphine and about 90 times more potent than fentanyl, a commonly used synthetic opioid.

The sample, initially thought to be oxycodone, was obtained from the dark web. When analyzed on-site by CanTEST, evidence indicated the presence of a nitazene-like compound rather than oxycodone. This prompted the client to discard the substance immediately. Further laboratory testing confirmed the substance’s identity within 24 hours, and the findings were promptly relayed to health authorities and the community. This rapid detection aims to prevent overdose incidents before they happen.

This incident marks the third time CanTEST has issued a community warning related to nitazenes, and the second concerning counterfeit oxycodone. Professor Malcolm McLeod of ANU emphasized that all nitazenes carry the risk of fatal overdose, especially when their potency exceeds expectations. He advised drug users to test their substances beforehand and never use alone. An antidote called naloxone is available; however, multiple doses may be necessary due to the drug's high potency, and urgent medical assistance should be sought immediately if overdose is suspected.

The detection and rapid response by services like CanTEST are crucial in combating the dangers posed by these highly potent synthetic opioids. Continued vigilance and drug testing are vital measures to reduce overdose deaths associated with illicit drug use.

For more detailed information, refer to the publication in Drug Testing and Analysis: Identification of the Novel Synthetic Opioid N-Pyrrolidino Isotonitazene.