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Yuan Y, Xu T, Huang Y, Shi J. Strategies for developing μ opioid receptor agonists with reduced adverse effects. Bioorg Chem 2024; 149:107507. [PMID: 38850778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Opioids are currently the most effective and widely used painkillers in the world. Unfortunately, the clinical use of opioid analgesics is limited by serious adverse effects. Many researchers have been working on designing and optimizing structures in search of novel μ opioid receptor(MOR) agonists with improved analgesic activity and reduced incidence of adverse effects. There are many strategies to develop MOR drugs, mainly focusing on new low efficacy agonists (potentially G protein biased agonists), MOR agonists acting on different Gα subtype, targeting opioid receptors in the periphery, acting on multiple opioid receptor, and targeting allosteric sites of opioid receptors, and others. This review summarizes the design methods, clinical applications, and structure-activity relationships of small-molecule agonists for MOR based on these different design strategies, providing ideas for the development of safer novel opioid ligands with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yuan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611756, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yu Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611756, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Hosztafi S, Galambos AR, Köteles I, Karádi DÁ, Fürst S, Al-Khrasani M. Opioid-Based Haptens: Development of Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7781. [PMID: 39063024 PMCID: PMC11277321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, extensive preclinical research has been conducted to develop vaccinations to protect against substance use disorder caused by opioids, nicotine, cocaine, and designer drugs. Morphine or fentanyl derivatives are small molecules, and these compounds are not immunogenic, but when conjugated as haptens to a carrier protein will elicit the production of antibodies capable of reacting specifically with the unconjugated hapten or its parent compound. The position of the attachment in opioid haptens to the carrier protein will influence the specificity of the antiserum produced in immunized animals with the hapten-carrier conjugate. Immunoassays for the determination of opioid drugs are based on the ability of drugs to inhibit the reaction between drug-specific antibodies and the corresponding drug-carrier conjugate or the corresponding labelled hapten. Pharmacological studies of the hapten-carrier conjugates resulted in the development of vaccines for treating opioid use disorders (OUDs). Immunotherapy for opioid addiction includes the induction of anti-drug vaccines which are composed of a hapten, a carrier protein, and adjuvants. In this review we survey the design of opioid haptens, the development of the opioid radioimmunoassay, and the results of immunotherapy for OUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hosztafi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hogyes Endre u. 9., H-1092 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Anna Rita Galambos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvá-rad tér 4., H-1445 Budapest, Hungary; (A.R.G.); (D.Á.K.); (S.F.)
| | - István Köteles
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hogyes Endre u. 9., H-1092 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dávid Á Karádi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvá-rad tér 4., H-1445 Budapest, Hungary; (A.R.G.); (D.Á.K.); (S.F.)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 78., H-1082 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Susanna Fürst
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvá-rad tér 4., H-1445 Budapest, Hungary; (A.R.G.); (D.Á.K.); (S.F.)
| | - Mahmoud Al-Khrasani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvá-rad tér 4., H-1445 Budapest, Hungary; (A.R.G.); (D.Á.K.); (S.F.)
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Nazdrajić E, Rickert DA, Pawliszyn J. Rapid Analysis of Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues from Whole Blood Using SPME Coupled to the Microfluidic Open Interface. Anal Chem 2024; 96:821-827. [PMID: 38158586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Fentanyl and its analogues are potent opioids that pose a significant threat to society. Over the last several years, considerable focus has been on the concerning trend of increasing fentanyl usage among drug users. Fentanyl analogues are mainly synthesized to evade analytical detection or increase their potency; thus, very low concentrations are sufficient to achieve a therapeutic effect. In an effort to help combat the synthetic opioid epidemic, developing targeted mass spectrometric methods for quantifying fentanyl and its analogues at ultralow concentrations is incredibly important. Most methods used to analyze fentanyl and its analogues from whole blood require manual sample preparation protocols (solid-phase extraction or liquid-liquid extraction), followed by chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection. The main disadvantages of these methods are the tedious sample preparation workflows, resulting in lengthy analysis times. To mitigate these issues, we present a targeted method capable of analyzing 96 samples containing fentanyl, several fentanyl analogues, and a common fentanyl (analogue) precursor simultaneously in 2.4 min per sample. This is possible by using a high-throughput solid phase microextraction workflow on the Concept96 autosampler followed by manual coupling of solid-phase microextraction fibers to the microfluidic open interface for tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Our quantitative method is capable of extremely sensitive analysis, with limits of quantification ranging from 0.002 to 0.031 ng mL-1 and linearity ranging from 0.010 to 25.0 ng mL-1. The method shows very good reproducibility (1-18%), accuracy (81-100%) of calibration and validation points, and good interday reproducibility (6-15%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emir Nazdrajić
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel A Rickert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Janusz Pawliszyn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
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Weesie YM, van Dijk L, Bouvy ML, Hek K. Immediate release fentanyl in general practices: Mostly off-label prescribing. Eur J Gen Pract 2023; 29:2165644. [PMID: 36695153 PMCID: PMC9879195 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2023.2165644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immediacy of the onset of opioids may be associated with the risk of dependency and accidental overdose. Nasal and oromucosal fentanyl dosage forms are so called immediate release fentanyl (IRF). These IRFs have been approved to treat breakthrough pain in patients with cancer who are on chronic opioid treatment only. There are signals of increased off-label prescribing of IRFs in general practices. OBJECTIVES This study aims to provide insight into the frequency of IRF prescription in Dutch general practices and the extent to which IRF is prescribed off-label. METHODS Routinely collected electronic health records of general practices (GPs) participating in Nivel Primary Care Database were used. Adult patients with IRF prescriptions in 2019 were selected from whom dispensing data on 2018 and 2019 was available. Diagnoses were recorded by GPs using International Classification of Primary Care. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS This study included 342 GPs with a patient population of 1,297,942 patients, 1,368 patients received at least one IRF prescription in 2019, which is equal to 1.1 patients per 1,000 registered patients. Most patients (74.9%) with an IRF prescription received an off-label prescription. A slight majority had a cancer diagnosis but nearly 65.2% did not have a maintenance therapy and 14% were opioid-naive before receiving their first IRF prescription. CONCLUSION IRFs are not prescribed frequently in Dutch general practices. However, when prescribed, a relatively large portion of patients received an off-label prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette M. Weesie
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands,Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics (PTEE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,CONTACT Yvette M. Weesie Otterstraat 118 – 124, Utrecht, 3513 CR, The Netherlands
| | - Liset van Dijk
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands,Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics (PTEE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel L. Bouvy
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University (UU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Hek
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Perri M, Guta A, Kaminski N, Bonn M, Kolla G, Bayoumi A, Challacombe L, Touesnard N, Gagnon M, McDougall P, Strike C. Spotting as a risk mitigation method: A qualitative study comparing organization-based and informal methods. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 111:103905. [PMID: 36379109 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the similarities and differences of organization-based and informal spotting (remote supervision of substance use) from the perspectives of spotters and spottees across Canada. METHODS Spotters and spottees who spot informally and for organizations were recruited across Ontario and Nova Scotia. We interviewed 20 informal and 10 organization-based participants by phone using semi-structured interviews between 08/2020 and 11/2020. Participants were asked about each methods benefits and limitations. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Benefits of informal spotting included its ability to strengthen social connections and foster autonomy in overdose response planning. The lack of support for informal spotters created stress and burnout. Organization-based spotters enjoyed the spotting training and support provided. However, regulations surrounding having to call ambulance in overdose events deterred many people from wanting to work for or call these services. CONCLUSIONS Both organization-based and informal spotting have a role in mitigating harms associated with the overdose crisis. Moving forward, further research is needed on how to optimize these services for all people who use drugs in varying jurisdictions internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Perri
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adrian Guta
- School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Nat Kaminski
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada; Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Canada
| | - Gillian Kolla
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ahmed Bayoumi
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Natasha Touesnard
- Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Marilou Gagnon
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Carol Strike
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Owczarzak J, Chien J, Tobin K, Mazhnaya A, Chernova O, Kiriazova T. A qualitative exploration of daily path and daily routine among people in Ukraine who inject drugs to understand associated harms. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:33. [PMID: 35526038 PMCID: PMC9077869 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Patterns of movement, heterogeneity of context, and individual space-time patterns affect health, and individuals’ movement throughout the landscape is shaped by addiction, meeting basic needs, and maintaining relationships. Place and social context enable or constrain behavior and individuals use social networks and daily routines to accomplish individual goals and access resources.
Methods
This article explores drug use as part of daily routines and daily paths among people who inject drugs in Dnipro City, Ukraine. Between March and August 2018, we interviewed 30 people who inject drugs living in Dnipro City, Ukraine. Study participants completed a single interview that lasted between 1 and 2 hours. During the interview, participants described their daily routine and daily path using a printed map of Dnipro as a prompt. Participants were asked to draw important sites; give time estimates of arrival and departure; and annotate on the map the points, paths, and areas most prominent or important to them. Participants also described to what extent their daily routines were planned or spontaneous, how much their daily path varied over time, and how drug use shaped their daily routine.
Results
We identified 3 major types of daily routine: unpredictable, predictable, and somewhat predictable. Participants with unpredictable daily routines had unreliable sources of income, inconsistent drug suppliers and drug use site, and dynamic groups of people with whom they socialized and used drugs. Participants with predictable daily routines had reliable sources of income, a regular drug dealer or stash source, and a stable group of friends or acquaintances with whom they bought and/or used drugs. Participants with somewhat predictable daily routines had some stable aspects of their daily lives, such as a steady source of income or a small group of friends with whom they used drugs, but also experienced circumstances that undermined their ability to have a routinized daily life, such as changing drug use sites or inconsistent income sources.
Conclusions
Greater attention needs to be paid to the daily routines of people who use drugs to develop and tailor interventions that address the place-based and social contexts that contribute to drug-use related risks.
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Celik M, Fuehrlein B. A Review of Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Substance Use Disorders: Current Status and Future Prospects. Immunotargets Ther 2022; 11:55-66. [PMID: 36199734 PMCID: PMC9528911 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s370435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Celik
- Research Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Fuehrlein
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Mental Health Service Line, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Correspondence: Brian Fuehrlein, Mental Health Service Line, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT, 06516, Tel +1-203-932-5711 x4471, Fax +1-203-937-4904, Email
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Wei Q, Su FH. Determination of Nine Fentanyl Drugs in Hair Samples by GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:19176-19182. [PMID: 35721898 PMCID: PMC9202058 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We established GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis methods for nine fentanyl drugs in hair samples. Human hairs were prepared by soaking in a solution of water-dimethyl sulfoxide with target analytes. The drugs were norfentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, isobutyryl fentanyl, fentanyl, thiofentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyr fentanyl, ocfentanil, and tetrahydrofuran fentanyl. For a single-factor experiment, a Box-Behnken design-response surface was used to optimize the pretreatment conditions of samples. The prepared samples were quantitatively analyzed by GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. The working curve method was used for quantitative analysis with fentanyl-D5 as the internal standard. The concentrations of the nine fentanyl drugs in the samples were 1.488-6.494 ng mg-1, RSDs < 5.0%. For GC-MS/MS, the linear range of the nine fentanyl drugs was 0.5-5.0 ng mg-1, r 2 > 0.999. The detection limits were 0.02-0.05 ng mg-1, and the recovery rates were >86%. For LC-MS/MS, the nine fentanyl drugs had an excellent linear relationship within the concentration range of 3.0-220.0 pg mg-1, r 2 > 0.999. The detection limits were 0.05 pg mg-1 and the recovery rates were >84%. The established methods were used for the detection of fentanyl drugs in human hairs, with high sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity. These two methods can be used for the certification of fentanyl certified reference substances (CRMs). In the experiment, the developed hair CRMs, which will continue to be studied in the future, are expected to be used in forensic drug abuse detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fu Hai Su
- . Tel: +86 1064524787. Fax: +86 1064524787
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Abdelal R, Raja Banerjee A, Carlberg-Racich S, Darwaza N, Ito D, Shoaff J, Epstein J. Real-world study of multiple naloxone administration for opioid overdose reversal among bystanders. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:49. [PMID: 35596213 PMCID: PMC9122081 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00627-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing prevalence of highly potent, illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its analogues (IMF) in the USA is exacerbating the opioid epidemic which has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Narcan® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for opioid-related overdoses. Due to the high potency of IMF, multiple naloxone administrations (MNA) may be needed per overdose event. It is essential to determine the patterns of naloxone use, including MNA, and preferences among bystanders who have used naloxone for opioid overdose reversal. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was administered to 125 adult US residents who administered 4 mg Narcan® Nasal Spray during an opioid overdose in the past year. The survey asked about the most recent overdose event, the use of Narcan® during the event and the associated withdrawal symptoms, and participant preferences regarding dosages of naloxone nasal spray. An open-ended voice survey was completed by 35 participants. Results Participants were mostly female (70%) and white (78%), while reported overdose events most frequently occurred in people who were males (54%) and white (86%). Most events (95%) were successfully reversed, with 78% using ≥ 2 doses and 30% using ≥ 3 doses of Narcan® Nasal Spray. Over 90% were worried that 1 Narcan® box may not be enough for a successful future reversal. Reported withdrawal symptoms were similar in overdose events where 1 versus ≥ 2 sprays were given. Eighty-six percent of participants reported more confidence in an 8 mg versus a 4 mg naloxone nasal spray and 77% reported a stronger preference for 8 mg over 4 mg. Conclusions MNA occurred in most overdose events, often involving more sprays than are provided in one Narcan® nasal spray box, and participants predominantly expressed having a stronger preference for and confidence in an 8 mg compared to a 4 mg nasal spray. This suggests the need and desire for a higher dose naloxone nasal spray formulation option. Given that bystanders may be the first to administer naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose, ensuring access to an adequate naloxone supply is critical in addressing the opioid overdose epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randa Abdelal
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., 200 Connell Drive, 4th Floor, Berkeley Heights, NJ, 07922, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Diane Ito
- Stratevi, LLC, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Krausz M, Westenberg JN, Tsang V, Suen J, Ignaszewski MJ, Mathew N, Azar P, Cabanis M, Elsner J, Vogel M, Spijkerman R, Orsolini L, Vo D, Moore E, Moe J, Strasser J, Köck P, Marian C, Dürsteler KM, Backmund M, Röhrig J, Post M, Haltmayer H, Wladika W, Trabi T, Muller C, Rechberger G, Teesson M, Farrell M, Christie G, Merry S, Mamdouh M, Alinsky R, Levy S, Fishman M, Rosenthal R, Jang K, Choi F. Towards an International Consensus on the Prevention, Treatment, and Management of High-Risk Substance Use and Overdose among Youth. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58040539. [PMID: 35454376 PMCID: PMC9028633 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Now more than ever, there is an obvious need to reduce the overall burden of disease and risk of premature mortality that are associated with mental health and substance use disorders among young people. However, the current state of research and evidence-based clinical care for high-risk substance use among youth is fragmented and scarce. The objective of the study is to establish consensus for the prevention, treatment, and management of high-risk substance use and overdose among youth (10 to 24 years old). Materials and Methods: A modified Delphi technique was used based on the combination of scientific evidence and clinical experience of a group of 31 experts representing 10 countries. A semi-structured questionnaire with five domains (clinical risks, target populations, intervention goals, intervention strategies, and settings/expertise) was shared with the panelists. Based on their responses, statements were developed, which were subsequently revised and finalized through three iterations of feedback. Results: Among the five major domains, 60 statements reached consensus. Importantly, experts agreed that screening in primary care and other clinical settings is recommended for all youth, and that the objectives of treating youth with high-risk substance use are to reduce harm and mortality while promoting resilience and healthy development. For all substance use disorders, evidence-based interventions should be available and should be used according to the needs and preferences of the patient. Involuntary admission was the only topic that did not reach consensus, mainly due to its ethical implications and resulting lack of comparable evidence. Conclusions: High-risk substance use and overdoses among youth have become a major challenge. The system’s response has been insufficient and needs substantial change. Internationally devised consensus statements provide a first step in system improvement and reform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
| | - Jean N. Westenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
- Center for Mental Health, Clinic for Addiction Medicine and Addictive Behavior, Klinikum Stuttgart, 70374 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.C.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-827-4381
| | - Vivian Tsang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
| | - Janet Suen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
| | - Martha J. Ignaszewski
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
- Complex Pain and Addiction Service, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada;
| | - Nickie Mathew
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
- Complex Pain and Addiction Service, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3L7, Canada
| | - Pouya Azar
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
- Complex Pain and Addiction Service, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Maurice Cabanis
- Center for Mental Health, Clinic for Addiction Medicine and Addictive Behavior, Klinikum Stuttgart, 70374 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.C.); (J.R.)
| | - Julie Elsner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (J.E.); (M.V.); (J.S.); (P.K.); (C.M.); (K.M.D.)
| | - Marc Vogel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (J.E.); (M.V.); (J.S.); (P.K.); (C.M.); (K.M.D.)
- Psychiatric Services of Thurgovia, Division of Substance Use Disorders, 8596 Münsterlingen, Switzerland
| | - Renske Spijkerman
- Parnassia Addiction Research Centre (PARC), Brijder Addiction Treatment, Parnassia Group, 2512 The Hague, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine and Surgery, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy;
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
| | - Dzung Vo
- BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada;
- Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada;
| | - Eva Moore
- Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada;
| | - Jessica Moe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada;
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Johannes Strasser
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (J.E.); (M.V.); (J.S.); (P.K.); (C.M.); (K.M.D.)
| | - Patrick Köck
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (J.E.); (M.V.); (J.S.); (P.K.); (C.M.); (K.M.D.)
| | - Calin Marian
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (J.E.); (M.V.); (J.S.); (P.K.); (C.M.); (K.M.D.)
| | - Kenneth M. Dürsteler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (J.E.); (M.V.); (J.S.); (P.K.); (C.M.); (K.M.D.)
| | - Markus Backmund
- Praxiszentrum im Tal, 80331 Munich, Germany;
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Jeanette Röhrig
- Center for Mental Health, Clinic for Addiction Medicine and Addictive Behavior, Klinikum Stuttgart, 70374 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.C.); (J.R.)
| | - Marianne Post
- Parnassia Addiction Research Centre (PARC), Brijder Addiction Treatment, Parnassia Group, 2512 The Hague, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (M.P.)
| | | | - Wolfgang Wladika
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry of Childhood and Adolescence, Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria;
| | - Thomas Trabi
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Pschotherapy, LKH Graz II, 8053 Graz, Austria;
| | - Christian Muller
- Department of Child & Youth Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosocial Service Burgenland GmbH, 7000 Eisenstadt, Austria;
| | - Gerhard Rechberger
- Verein Dialog, Integrative Suchtberatung Gudrunstraße, 1100 Wien, Austria;
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia;
| | - Grant Christie
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (G.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Sally Merry
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (G.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Mostafa Mamdouh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Rachel Alinsky
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Sharon Levy
- Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Marc Fishman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Mountain Manor Treatment Center, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA
| | - Richard Rosenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University, New York, NY 11794, USA;
| | - Kerry Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
| | - Fiona Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; (M.K.); (V.T.); (J.S.); (M.J.I.); (N.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (K.J.); (F.C.)
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11
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Kassick AJ, Treat A, Tomycz N, Feasel MG, Kolber BJ, Averick S. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of C 6-difluoromethylenated epoxymorphinan Mu opioid receptor antagonists. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:175-182. [PMID: 35308026 PMCID: PMC8864491 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00285f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent widespread abuse of high potency synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, presents a serious threat to individuals affected by substance use disorder. Synthetic opioids generally exhibit prolonged in vivo circulatory half-lives that can outlast the reversal effects of conventional naloxone-based overdose antidotes leading to a life-threatening relapse of opioid toxicity known as renarcotization. In this manuscript, we present our efforts to combat the threat of renarcotization by attempting to extend the half-life of traditional MOR antagonists through the design of novel, fluorinated 4,5-epoxymorphinans possessing increased lipophilicity. Analogues were prepared via a concise synthetic strategy highlighted by decarboxylative Wittig olefination of the C6 ketone to install a bioisosteric 1,1-difluoromethylene unit. C6-difluoromethylenated compounds successfully maintained in vitro potency against an EC90 challenge of fentanyl and were predicted to have enhanced circulatory half-life compared to the current standard of care, naloxone. Subsequent in vivo studies demonstrated the effective blockade of fentanyl-induced anti-nociception in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Kassick
- Neuroscience Disruptive Research Lab, Allegheny Health Network Research Institute, Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh PA 15212 USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh PA 15212 USA
| | - Anny Treat
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Nestor Tomycz
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh PA 15212 USA
| | - Michael G Feasel
- Research and Technology Division, DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center Aberdeen Proving Ground MD 21010-5424 USA
| | - Benedict J Kolber
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Saadyah Averick
- Neuroscience Disruptive Research Lab, Allegheny Health Network Research Institute, Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh PA 15212 USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh PA 15212 USA
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12
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Friesgaard KD, Vist GE, Hyldmo PK, Raatiniemi L, Kurola J, Larsen R, Kongstad P, Magnusson V, Sandberg M, Rehn M, Rognås L. Opioids for Treatment of Pre-hospital Acute Pain: A Systematic Review. Pain Ther 2022; 11:17-36. [PMID: 35041151 PMCID: PMC8861251 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00346-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute pain is a frequent symptom among patients in the pre-hospital setting, and opioids are the most widely used class of drugs for the relief of pain in these patients. However, the evidence base for opioid use in this setting appears to be weak. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the efficacy and safety of opioid analgesics in the pre-hospital setting and to assess potential alternative therapies. METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Scopus, and Epistemonikos databases were searched for studies investigating adult patients with acute pain prior to their arrival at hospital. Outcomes on efficacy and safety were assessed. Risk of bias for each included study was assessed according to the Cochrane approach, and confidence in the evidence was assessed using the GRADE method. RESULTS A total of 3453 papers were screened, of which the full text of 125 was assessed. Twelve studies were ultimately included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis was not undertaken due to substantial clinical heterogeneity among the included studies. Several studies had high risk of bias resulting in low or very low quality of evidence for most of the outcomes. No pre-hospital studies compared opioids with placebo, and no studies assessed the risk of opioid administration for subgroups of frail patients. The competency level of the attending healthcare provider did not seem to affect the efficacy or safety of opioids in two observational studies of very low quality. Intranasal opioids had a similar effect and safety profile as intravenous opioids. Moderate quality evidence supported a similar efficacy and safety of synthetic opioid compared to morphine. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence for pre-hospital opioid administration to relieve acute pain is scarce and the overall quality of evidence is low. Intravenous administration of synthetic, fast-acting opioids may be as effective and safe as intravenous administration of morphine. More controlled studies are needed on alternative routes for opioid administration and pre-hospital pain management for potentially more frail patient subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Dahl Friesgaard
- Research Department, Prehospital Emergency Medical Service, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Allé 34, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark. .,Department of Anaesthesiology, Regional Hospital of Horsens, Horsens, Denmark. .,Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Gunn Elisabeth Vist
- Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Kristian Hyldmo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway.,Trauma Unit, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Lasse Raatiniemi
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Anaesthesia Research Group, MRC, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jouni Kurola
- Centre for Prehospital Emergency Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Robert Larsen
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Poul Kongstad
- Department of Prehospital Care and Disaster Medicine, Region of Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Mårten Sandberg
- Division of Prehospital Services, Air Ambulance Department, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marius Rehn
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Prehospital Services, Air Ambulance Department, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leif Rognås
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Air Ambulance, Aarhus, Denmark
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13
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Shafi A, Berry AJ, Sumnall H, Wood DM, Tracy DK. Synthetic opioids: a review and clinical update. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253221139616. [PMID: 36532866 PMCID: PMC9747888 DOI: 10.1177/20451253221139616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The term 'opioids' refers to both the natural compounds ('opiates') which are extracted from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and their semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives. They all possess relatively similar biochemical profiles and interact with the opioid receptors within the human body to produce a wide range of physiological effects. They have historically been used for medicinal purposes, their analgesic and sedative effects, and in the management of chronic and severe pain. They have also been used for non-medicinal and recreational purposes to produce feelings of relaxation, euphoria and well-being. Over the last decade, the emergence of an illegal market in new synthetic opioids has become a major global public health issue, associated with a substantial increase in unintentional overdoses and drug-related deaths. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl, its analogues and emerging non-fentanyl opioids. Their popularity relates to changes in criminal markets, pricing, potency, availability compared to classic opioids, ease of transport and use, rapid effect and lack of detection by conventional testing technologies. This article expands on our previous review on new psychoactive substances. We now provide a more in-depth review on synthetic opioids and explore the current challenges faced by people who use drugs, healthcare professionals, and global public health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Shafi
- South West London and Saint George's Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alex J Berry
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Derek K Tracy
- West London NHS Trust, Trust Headquarters, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall UB2 4SD, UK
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14
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Rahman S, Trussell A, Pearson SA, Buckley NA, Karanges EA, Cairns R, Litchfield M, Todd A, Gisev N. Trends in transdermal fentanyl utilisation and fatal fentanyl overdose across Australia (2003-2015). Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:435-443. [PMID: 34628699 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fentanyl-related overdose is an ongoing concern among countries with high prescription opioid utilisation. This study examines trends in transdermal fentanyl utilisation and fatal fentanyl overdose across Australia between 2003 and 2015, overall, and by age/sex. METHODS This was a retrospective nationwide study of prescription dispensings and coronial records. Transdermal fentanyl utilisation was examined using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing records. Details of fatal fentanyl overdoses were extracted from the National Coronial Information System. RESULTS Transdermal fentanyl utilisation increased 5.1-fold between 2003 and 2015, from 0.28 to 1.39 mg/1000 population/day and was consistently higher among females and adults aged ≥85 years. The utilisation of higher strength patches (75 and 100 mcg/h) was more common among males aged 25-44 years. A total of 291 fatal fentanyl overdoses were recorded, increasing from no recorded deaths in 2003 to 2.23 deaths/1 000 000 population in 2015. Rates were higher among males (increasing from 0 to 3.72 deaths/1 000 000 population) and for adults aged 25-44 years (increasing from 0 to 5.34 deaths/1 000 000 population). The number of deaths/kg fentanyl dispensed was highest among males aged <25 years (45.45, 95% confidence interval 21.80-83.59). Most deaths (70.1%) involved the intravenous administration of fentanyl from transdermal patches. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Rates of transdermal fentanyl utilisation and fatal fentanyl overdose across Australia increased between 2003 and 2015. Although transdermal fentanyl utilisation was consistently greater among females and older adults, rates of fatal fentanyl overdose were highest among younger males. Interventions to reduce extramedical use among this high-risk population group are necessary to minimise fentanyl-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafkat Rahman
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alex Trussell
- The University of Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Nicholas A Buckley
- The University of Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NSW Poisons Information Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily A Karanges
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rose Cairns
- NSW Poisons Information Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melisa Litchfield
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam Todd
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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15
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Kassick A, Wu M, Luengas D, Ebqa’ai M, Tharika Nirmani LP, Tomycz N, Nelson TL, Pravetoni M, Raleigh MD, Averick S. Covalently Loaded Naloxone Nanoparticles as a Long-Acting Medical Countermeasure to Opioid Poisoning. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1654-1664. [PMID: 34661081 PMCID: PMC8506606 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The mu opioid receptor antagonist naloxone has been a vital, long-standing countermeasure in the ongoing battle against opioid use disorders (OUD) and toxicity. However, due to its distinctive short elimination half-life, naloxone has shown diminished efficacy in cases of synthetic opioid poisoning as larger or repeated doses of the antidote have been required to achieve adequate reversal of severe respiratory depression and prevent episodes of renarcotization. This report describes the synthesis, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of a novel, nanoparticle-based naloxone formulation that provides extended protection against the toxic effects of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. The strategy was predicated on a modified two-step protocol involving the synthesis and subsequent nanoprecipitation of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer scaffold bearing a covalently linked naloxone chain end (drug loading ∼7% w/w). Pharmacokinetic evaluation of the resulting covalently loaded naloxone nanoparticles (cNLX-NP) revealed an elimination half-life that was 34 times longer than high dose free naloxone (10 mg/kg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. This enhancement was further demonstrated by cNLX-NP in subsequent in vivo studies affording protection against fentanyl-induced respiratory depression and antinociception for up to 48 h following a single intramuscular injection. These discoveries support further investigation of cNLX-NP as a potential therapeutic to reverse overdose and prevent renarcotization from fentanyl and its potent analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew
J. Kassick
- Neuroscience
Disruptive Research Lab, Allegheny Health
Network Research Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
- Neuroscience
Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny
General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
| | - Mariah Wu
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota
Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Diego Luengas
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota
Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mohammad Ebqa’ai
- Department
of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - L. P. Tharika Nirmani
- Department
of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Nestor Tomycz
- Neuroscience
Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny
General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
| | - Toby L. Nelson
- Department
of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota
Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Michael D. Raleigh
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota
Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Saadyah Averick
- Neuroscience
Disruptive Research Lab, Allegheny Health
Network Research Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
- Neuroscience
Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny
General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
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16
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Vearrier D, Grundmann O. Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Abuse Potential of Opioids. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S70-S88. [PMID: 34396552 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Opioids were the most common drug class resulting in overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. Widespread clinical use of prescription opioids for moderate to severe pain contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic with the subsequent emergence of fentanyl-laced heroin. More potent analogues of fentanyl and structurally diverse opioid receptor agonists such as AH-7921 and MT-45 are fueling an increasingly diverse illicit opioid supply. Overdose from synthetic opioids with high binding affinities may not respond to a typical naloxone dose, thereby rendering autoinjectors less effective, requiring higher antagonist doses or resulting in a confusing clinical picture for health care providers. Nonscheduled opioid drugs such as loperamide and dextromethorphan are associated with dependence and risk of overdose as easier access makes them attractive to opioid users. Despite a common opioid-mediated pathway, several opioids present with unique pharmacodynamic properties leading to acute toxicity and dependence development. Pharmacokinetic considerations involve half-life of the parent opioid and its metabolites as well as resulting toxicity, as is established for tramadol, codeine, and oxycodone. Pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicities, and treatment approaches for notable opioids are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Vearrier
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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17
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Faulkner C, de Leeuw NH. Predicting the Membrane Permeability of Fentanyl and Its Analogues by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:8443-8449. [PMID: 34286980 PMCID: PMC8389899 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c05438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The lipid membrane
is considered a crucial component of opioid
general anesthesia. The main drug used for the induction and maintenance
of opioid anesthesia is fentanyl and its various analogues. However,
these drugs have different clinical effects, and detailed atomic-level
insight into the drug–membrane interactions could lead to a
better understanding how these drugs exert their anesthetic properties.
In this study, we have used extensive umbrella sampling molecular
dynamics simulations to study the permeation process of fentanyl and
three of its analogues into a variety of simple phospholipid membrane
models. Our simulations show that we can accurately predict the permeability
coefficients of these drug molecules, which is an important process
in understanding how pharmaceuticals reach their molecular targets.
We were also able to show that one phospholipid provides more accurate
predictions than other lipids commonly used in these types of permeation
studies, which will aid future studies of these types of processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Faulkner
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - Nora H de Leeuw
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.,School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To assess the current state of the opioid overdose crisis along three major axes: drug markets and patterns of use, the effectiveness of systems of care, and international developments. RECENT FINDINGS Overdose is a major contributor to mortality and disability among people who use drugs. The increasing number of opioid overdoses in North America especially is an indication of changing drug markets and failing regional systems of care. Globally, we see three clusters of overdose prevalence: (1) a group of countries led by the United States with historically high rates of opioid overdose, (2) a group of countries with increasing rates within a concerning range, (3) a group with very low rates. The contamination of street drugs, the quality and accessibility of treatment, and the overall system of care all contribute to the prevalence of overdose. SUMMARY Drug markets and pattern of consumption in parts of the world are shifting towards contamination and opioids like fentanyl as the drug of choice, which dismantles insufficient and largely ineffective systems of care. Furthermore, outside of North America, more countries like Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, and Norway show very concerning numbers. Without a consistent system response, effects will be devastating.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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Pierce M, van Amsterdam J, Kalkman GA, Schellekens A, van den Brink W. Is Europe facing an opioid crisis like the United States? An analysis of opioid use and related adverse effects in 19 European countries between 2010 and 2018. Eur Psychiatry 2021; 64:e47. [PMID: 34165059 PMCID: PMC8316471 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.2219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Given the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States (US), we investigated the opioid situation in Europe. The aims of the study are to provide an overview of trends in prescription opioid (PO) use and opioid-related adversities between 2010 and 2018 for different opioids in 19 European countries and to present a comparison with similar data from the US. Methods A multisource database study with national data from 19 European countries evaluating trends between 2010 and 2018 in (a) PO consumption, (b) high-risk (HR) opioid users, (c) opioid-related hospital admissions, (d) opioid-related overdose deaths, (e) opioid use disorder treatment entries, and (f) patients in opioid substitution therapy (OST). Within and between-country comparisons and comparisons with data from the US were made. Results There was considerable variation between European countries. Most countries showed increased PO consumption with the largest increase and the highest consumption in the United Kingdom (UK) compared to the rest of Europe and the US in 2018 (UK: 58,088 defined daily doses for statistical purposes/1000 population/day). In 2018, Scotland had the highest rates (per 100,000 population) of HR opioid users (16·2), opioid-related hospital admissions (118), opioid-related deaths (22·7), opioid use disorder treatment admissions (190), and OST patients (555) of all included European countries. These rates were similar or even higher than those in the US in 2018. Other countries with high rates of opioid-related adversities were Northern Ireland (synthetic and “other” opioids), Ireland (heroin and methadone), and England (all opioids). All other countries had no or little increase in opioid-related adversities. Conclusions Apart from the British Isles and especially Scotland, there is no indication of an opioid crisis comparable to that in the US in the 19 European countries that were part of this study. More research is needed to identify drivers and develop interventions to stop the emerging opioid crisis in the UK and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Pierce
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van Amsterdam
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard A Kalkman
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Clinical Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnt Schellekens
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Clinical Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Robertson TBR, Gilbert N, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Hyperpolarisation of Mirfentanil by SABRE in the Presence of Heroin. Chemphyschem 2021; 22:1059-1064. [PMID: 33871116 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mirfentanil, a fentanyl derivative that is a μ-opioid partial agonist, is hyperpolarised via Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE), a para-hydrogen-based technique. [Ir(IMes)(COD)Cl] (IMes=1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazole-2-ylidene, COD=cyclooctadiene) was employed as the polarisation transfer catalyst. Following polarisation transfer at 6.5 mT, the pyrazine-protons were enhanced by 78-fold (polarisation, P=0.04 %). The complex [Ir(IMes)(H)2 (mirfentanil)2 (MeOH)]+ is proposed to form based on the observation of two hydrides at δ -22.9 (trans to mirfentanil) and -24.7 (trans to methanol). In a mixture of mirfentanil and heroin, the former could be detected using SABRE at concentrations less than 1 % w/w. At the lowest concentration analyzed, the amount of mirfentanil present was 0.18 mg (812 μM) and produced a signal enhancement of -867-fold (P=0.42 %). following polarisation transfer at 6.5 mT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B R Robertson
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,Current address: School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
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21
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Fast & fluorinated – Development and validation of a rapid benchtop NMR approach and other routine screening methods for the detection and quantification of synthesized fluorofentanyl derivatives. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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22
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Wang H, Zhao X, Shang Y, Wang H, Wang P, Yu X. Quantitative analysis of 20 fentanyl analogues by modified QuEChERS-LC-MS/MS in health products and transdermal patches. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 201:114100. [PMID: 33957366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The spreading of narcotics especially illicit novel psychoactive substances is a continuing problem in recent years. In response to reduce the morbidity and crime related to fentanyl analogues, the accurate measurement of fentanyl analogues concentrations is significantly important in the analytical laboratories for customs checks and clinical application. In this work, ethyl acetate was selected as extraction solvent, 50 mg of PSA, 100 mg of C18, and 10 mg of GCB were optimized for purification. A modified QuEChERS extraction method followed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with the mode of multiple reaction monitoring has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 20 fentanyl analogues in collagen peptides, slimming capsules and fentanyl transdermal patches. The limits of detection (LODs) varied from 0.004 to 0.02 μg L-1 with relative standard deviations of 4.89-11.4 % and showed good linearity in the range of 0.02-10 μg L-1 and 0.01-1.00 mg L-1, respectively. The recoveries for 20 fentanyl analogues in the low (at μg L-1 level) and high (at mg L-1 level) concentration spiked samples were in the range of 77.7-114 % and 83.9-116 %, which demonstrated the application potential of the proposed method for the determination of fentanyl analogues with low and high concentration in real case samples. In addition, the matrix effect and the cross-reactivity were also proved to not interfere with quantitation of targeted fentanyl analogues. Thus, the developed method showed high sensitivity and good accuracy, which makes it suitable for the rapid detection of fentanyl analogues for customs and border service as well as pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Wuhan Customs District of China, Wuhan, 430020, PR China.
| | - Xiaoya Zhao
- Wuhan Customs District of China, Wuhan, 430020, PR China
| | - Yinzhu Shang
- Wuhan Customs District of China, Wuhan, 430020, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Wuhan Customs District of China, Wuhan, 430020, PR China
| | - Peng Wang
- Wuhan Customs District of China, Wuhan, 430020, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis & Reuse Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, PR China.
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23
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Ventura M, Moadebi S, Damian D. Impact of motivational interviewing training on emergency department nurses' skills: A one-group pretest-posttest pilot study. Int Emerg Nurs 2021; 56:100980. [PMID: 33735747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2021.100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose from opioid abuse is an increasing cause of mortality worldwide. Emergency department nurses experience barriers when caring for patients with illicit opioid use. Motivational interviewing (MI) may help address these barriers. METHODS A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to investigate the impact of an eight-hour MI training workshop for 39 emergency department nurses at a community hospital. Audio-recorded interviews of nurses with standardized patients were assessed before, immediately after, and three to five months after training. Proficiency was assessed using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity 4.2.1. RESULTS Paired t-test analysis found statistically significant technical score increases from 2.20 (SD = 0.64) to 2.51 (SD = 0.52, p = 0.02) but not in relational scores, 2.04 (SD = 0.59) to 2.46 (SD = 0.53, p = 0.06), during the immediate pretest-posttest period. At follow-up, proficiency in MI was unattained and both technical (2.35, SD = 0.61, p = 0.49) and relational scores regressed (2.08, SD 0.74, p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Although short-term improvements in technical scores were observed, proficiency in MI was not attained and skills regressed over time. This suggests that a one-day training session may be inadequate. On-going coaching and supervision may be beneficial to maintain MI skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ventura
- Emergency Department, Lions Gate Hospital, 231 15th Street East, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7L 2L7, Canada.
| | - Susanne Moadebi
- Emergency Department, Lions Gate Hospital, 231 15th Street East, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7L 2L7, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - David Damian
- Emergency Department, Lions Gate Hospital, 231 15th Street East, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7L 2L7, Canada.
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24
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Ricarte A, Dalton JAR, Giraldo J. Structural Assessment of Agonist Efficacy in the μ-Opioid Receptor: Morphine and Fentanyl Elicit Different Activation Patterns. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1251-1274. [PMID: 33448226 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the opioid epidemic in the United States and Canada has evidenced the need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of medications used to fight pain. Morphine and fentanyl are widely used in opiate-mediated analgesia for the treatment of chronic pain. These compounds target the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In light of described higher efficacy of fentanyl with respect to morphine, we have performed independent μs-length unbiased molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of MOR complexes with each of these ligands, including the MOR antagonist naltrexone as a negative control. Consequently, MD simulations totaling 58 μs have been conducted to elucidate at the atomic level ligand-specific receptor activity and signal transmission in the MOR. In particular, we have identified stable binding poses of morphine and fentanyl, which interact differently with the MOR. Different ligand-receptor interaction landscapes directly induce sidechain conformational changes of orthosteric pocket residues: Asp1493.32, Tyr1503.33, Gln1262.60, and Lys2355.39. The induced conformations determine Asp1493.32-Tyr3287.43 sidechain-sidechain interactions and Trp2956.48-Ala2425.46 sidechain-backbone H-bond formations, as well as Met1533.36 conformational changes. In addition to differences in ligand binding, different intracellular receptor conformational changes are observed as morphine preferentially activates transmembrane (TM) helices: TM3 and TM5, while fentanyl preferentially activates TM6 and TM7. As conformational changes in TM6 and TM7 are widely described as being the most crucial aspect in GPCR activation, this may contribute to the greater efficacy of fentanyl over morphine. These computationally observed functional differences between fentanyl and morphine may provide new avenues for the design of safer but not weaker opioid drugs because it is desirable to increase the safety of medicines without sacrificing their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Ricarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - James A R Dalton
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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25
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Bergh MSS, Bogen IL, Nerem E, Wohlfarth A, Wilson SR, Øiestad ÅML. Discovering the major metabolites of the three novel fentanyl analogues 3-methylcrotonylfentanyl, furanylbenzylfentanyl, and 4-fluorocyclopropylbenzylfentanyl for forensic case work. Forensic Toxicol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cyclopropylfentanyl in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3629-3641. [PMID: 34613431 PMCID: PMC8629808 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05981-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its analogs are a major driving force behind the ongoing opioid crisis. Cyclopropylfentanyl is a fentanyl analog associated with many overdose deaths, but limited knowledge is available about its pharmacology. In the present study, we developed a bioanalytical method for the determination of cyclopropylfentanyl and its main metabolite cyclopropylnorfentanyl and evaluated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships in rats. METHOD An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for determination of cyclopropylfentanyl and cyclopropylnorfentanyl in rat plasma. Male Sprague-Dawley rats fitted with jugular catheters and temperature transponders received cyclopropylfentanyl (30, 100, and 300 μg/kg) or saline subcutaneously. Blood specimens were withdrawn over an 8-h time period, along with measurements of pharmacodynamic endpoints. RESULTS The analytical method was validated, and both analytes exhibited a low limit of quantification (15 pg/mL). Cyclopropylfentanyl caused dose-related increases in hot plate latency (ED50 = 48 µg/kg) and catalepsy (ED50 = 87 µg/kg) and produced long-lasting hypothermia at the highest dose. Plasma cyclopropylfentanyl rose rapidly in a dose-related fashion, reaching maximal concentration (Cmax) after 15-28 min, whereas metabolite Cmax occurred later at 45-90 min. Cyclopropylfentanyl Cmax values were similar to concentrations measured in non-fatal intoxications in humans; however, differences in parent drug: metabolite ratio indicated possible interspecies variance in metabolism. CONCLUSION Our study shows that cyclopropylfentanyl produces typical opioid-like effects in male rats. Cyclopropylfentanyl displays much greater analgesic potency when compared to morphine, suggesting that cyclopropylfentanyl poses increased overdose risk for unsuspecting users.
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27
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Lyu L, Chen R, Li L, Duan H, Chen Y, Wang R, Xu Z, Zhang Y. Alpha-Methylfentanyl and Beta-Hydroxyfentanyl LC-MS-MS Quantification in Rat Plasma after Long-Term Ethanol Exposure. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:896-904. [PMID: 33313887 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl and its analogues are highly abused drugs that dominate the illicit drug trade. alpha-Methylfentanyl (A-F) and beta-hydroxyfentanyl (B-F) are two fentanyl analogues that require the development of rapid detection technologies. The current study established and validated a rapid and high-sensitivity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method to measure A-F and B-F concentrations in rat plasma following intravenous drug administration (20 μg/kg). Because fentanyl is primarily metabolized by the liver, we evaluated the concentrations of A-F and B-F in vivo in rats, in a control group and a group with liver damage induced by 55 days of oral ethanol gavage (6.5 g/kg, 22.5% v/v). Liquid-liquid extraction and LC-MS-MS operating in the positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode were used. A C18 column was used, and the mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid aqueous and acetonitrile. The limit of detection was 3 pg/mL (S/N > 5) for A-F and B-F. The calibration curves were linear within the concentration range of 0.01-5 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9991) and 0.005-20 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9999) for A-F and B-F, respectively. Extraction recoveries were 91.3%-97.6% with RSD ≤ 11.2% and 90.5%-94.3% with RSD ≤ 10.5% for A-F and B-F, respectively. Plasma matrix effects were 80.61%-84.58% for A-F and 80.67%-81.33% for B-F with RSD ≤ 13.9%. The validated assay indicated no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-t, Cmax and T1/2) derived from the assessment of A-F and B-F plasma concentrations between control and ethanol-exposed rats. This assay, for which the LOD was 3 pg/mL for A-F and B-F may help the forensic science field to determine fentanyl analogue-related causes of death and identify illicit drug tampering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China.,Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Rui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China.,Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China.,Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Hongbin Duan
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China.,Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China.,Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Zhiru Xu
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China.,Shanghai Professional and Technical Service Center for Biological Material Drug-ability Evaluation, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yurong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai 200437, China
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28
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Kumar N, Mancino MJ, Thostenson JD, McGaugh J, Oliveto AH. Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Isradipine During Outpatient Buprenorphine Stabilization and Detoxification: A Pilot Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2020; 14:1178221820970926. [PMID: 33281447 PMCID: PMC7686602 DOI: 10.1177/1178221820970926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Given the immense burden of the widespread use of opioids around the world,
exploring treatments that improve drug use outcomes, and craving and
withdrawal measures in individuals with opioid use disorder is crucial. This
pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the L-type
calcium-channel blocker isradipine (ISR) to improve drug use outcomes, and
craving and withdrawal measures during buprenorphine (BUP)/ISR stabilization
and subsequent taper in opioid-dependent individuals. Methods: Participants were stabilized on BUP sublingual tablets within the first 2
days of week 1, were then randomized and inducted on either ISR or placebo,
gradually increasing the dose over the next 2 weeks, followed by a 10-day
BUP taper during weeks 5-6, and ISR/placebo taper during weeks 7 to 8.
Assessments included thrice-weekly measures of craving and withdrawal, as
well as vital signs and urine drug screens. Medication compliance was
assessed by monitoring number of missed clinic visit days. Results: Baseline characteristics of participants (n = 25; 60% male, 96% Caucasian,
48% employed, mean age 32.8 years) did not differ significantly between
treatment groups (isradipine, n = 11; placebo, n = 14). During the
stabilization phase (n = 19), ISR participants had significantly lower rates
of illicit opioid-positive urines (treatment × visit:
t = -2.16, P = 0.03), as well as reduction
in craving intensity (t = –2.50,
P = 0.01), frequency (t = –3.43,
P < 0.01) and duration (t = –2.51,
P = 0.01). ISR was well tolerated with mild adverse
effects. Conclusions: This study was likely underpowered due to being a pilot trial. Although
preliminary results suggest ISR may improve BUP-assisted treatment outcomes,
concerns about high number of exclusions (n = 11 during taper phase) based
on cardiovascular measures as well as ISR-induced changes in vital signs
with the immediate release formulation may limit the feasibility of this
approach. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01895270. Registered 10 July 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01895270?id=NCT01895270&draw=2&rank=1
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihit Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Michael J Mancino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jeff D Thostenson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Janette McGaugh
- Ouachita Behavioral Health and Wellness, Hot Springs, AR, USA
| | - Alison H Oliveto
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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29
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Min JE, Pearce LA, Homayra F, Dale LM, Barocas JA, Irvine MA, Slaunwhite AK, McGowan G, Torban M, Nosyk B. Estimates of opioid use disorder prevalence from a regression-based multi-sample stratified capture-recapture analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 217:108337. [PMID: 33049520 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An epidemic of opioid overdose has spread across North America, with illicit drug-related overdose emerging as a leading cause of death in recent years. Estimates of opioid use disorder (OUD) prevalence at the level of the public health service delivery area are needed to project resource needs and identify priority areas for targeted intervention. Our objective is to estimate the annual prevalence of OUD in British Columbia (BC), Canada, from 2000 to 2017. METHODS We performed a multi-sample stratified capture-recapture analysis to estimate OUD prevalence in BC. The analysis included individuals identified from 3 administrative databases for 2000-2011 and 4 databases for 2012-2017, linked at the individual level. Negative binomial regression models on the counts of individuals within these strata were used to estimate prevalence, adjusting for dependency between databases. RESULTS OUD prevalence in BC among people aged 12 years or older was 1.00 % (N = 34,663 individuals) in 2000 and increased to 1.54 % (N = 61,080) in 2011. Between 2013 and 2017 prevalence increased from 1.57 % (95 % confidence interval: 1.56-1.58) to 1.92 % (1.89-1.95; N = 83,760; 82,492-84,855). The greatest increases in prevalence were observed among males 12-30 years old and 31-44 years old, with 43.2 % and 40.2 % increases from 2013 to 2017. CONCLUSIONS In BC, the OUD prevalence was 1.92 % among people 12 years or older in 2017. We estimated that prevalence has nearly doubled since 2000, with the highest increases in prevalence observed among males under 45.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong E Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 613-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Pearce
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 613-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fahmida Homayra
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 613-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Laura M Dale
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 613-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Joshua A Barocas
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 72 E Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Michael A Irvine
- BC Children's Hospital, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Amanda K Slaunwhite
- BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4R4, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Gina McGowan
- BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, PO Box 9644 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 9P1, Canada
| | - Mikhail Torban
- BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, PO Box 9644 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 9P1, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 613-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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30
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Jung J, Kolodziej A, Pape E, Bisch M, Javot L, Gibaja V, Jouzeau JY, Scala-Bertola J, Gambier N. Multiplex detection of 14 fentanyl analogues and U-47700 in biological samples: Application to a panel of French hospitalized patients. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 317:110437. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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31
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Gilbert N, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB. Classification of fentanyl analogues through principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering of GC–MS data. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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32
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Moeller K, Svensson B, Munksgaard R. Fentanyl analogs on the Swedish webforum flashback: Interest and impact of scheduling. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 87:103013. [PMID: 33181448 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sweden regulates new psychoactive substances, including fentanyl analogs, individually. This reactive scheduling procedure enabled the existence of a recreational market for unscheduled fentanyl analogs sold from surface webshops. We measure the interest in 24 named fentanyl analogs and the impact of scheduling. METHODS We scraped posts in threads on named fentanyl analogs from the Swedish internet forum Flashback.org, 2012-2019. The sample consists of 24 threads with a total of 8761 posts. We construct five measures of interest based on duration of threads, number of posts, and number of distinct posters, and fit a non-seasonal ARMA model to test if there was a change in mean activity after scheduling. RESULTS Across the five measures, there was most interest in acryl fentanyl, butyr fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. The number of daily posts was significantly reduced in nine out of 13 threads after scheduling. CONCLUSION The scheduling of fentanyl analogs impacted interest on Flashback.org. The biggest effect sizes were from the narcotics scheduling of 2-Me-MAF, acryl, and acetyl fentanyl, while furanyl fentanyl saw the biggest reduction after health scheduling. The reductions were bigger for narcotics scheduling compared to health scheduling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Moeller
- Department of Criminology, Malmö University, Sweden.
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33
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Danaceau JP, Wood M, Ehlers M, Rosano TG. Analysis of 17 fentanyls in plasma and blood by UPLC-MS/MS with interpretation of findings in surgical and postmortem casework. CLINICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY (DEL MAR, CALIF.) 2020; 18:38-47. [PMID: 34820524 PMCID: PMC8601016 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinms.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The opioid crisis is linked to an increased misuse of fentanyl as well as fentanyl analogs that originate from the illicit drug market. Much of our current understanding of fentanyl and fentanyl analog use in our communities comes from postmortem toxicology findings. In the clinical settings of addiction medicine and pain management, where the opioid abuse potential is high, the use of fentanyl, as well as specific fentanyl analogs, may be underestimated due to limited plasma testing and limited availability of assays with suitable analytical sensitivity and selectivity to detect misuse of fentanyls. We report plasma and blood assays for 17 fentanyls (these include fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, fentanyl metabolites and synthetic precursors) in clinical, and medical examiner, casework. A mixed-mode solid phase extraction of diluted plasma or precipitated blood was optimized for maximum recovery of the fentanyls with minimized matrix effects. Analysis was performed using a Waters ACQUITY UPLC I-Class interfaced with a Waters Xevo TQ-S micro tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer. Method parameters were optimized and validated for precision, accuracy, carryover, linearity and matrix effects. Application studies were performed in postmortem blood obtained in 44 fentanyl-related fatalities and in serial plasma samples from 18 surgical patients receiving intravenous fentanyl therapy while undergoing parathyroidectomy. Fentanyls found in postmortem cases included fentanyl, norfentanyl, despropionyl-fentanyl (4-ANPP), beta-hydroxy fentanyl (β-OH fentanyl), acetyl fentanyl, acetyl norfentanyl, methoxyacetyl fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, cyclopropyl fentanyl, and para-fluorobutyryl fentanyl, with fentanyl, norfentanyl, 4-ANPP and β-OH fentanyl predominating in frequency. Fentanyl concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 56 ng/mL and fentanyl was nearly always found with 4-ANPP, norfentanyl and β-OH fentanyl. Concentrations of other fentalogs ranged from <1 to 84 ng/mL (extrapolated). In the surgical cases, fentanyl was detected and quantified along with norfentanyl and β-OH fentanyl, but without detection of 4-ANPP in any of the samples. The association and relative concentrations of β-OH fentanyl, fentanyl and norfentanyl in the postmortem and clinical studies indicated a metabolic, rather than an illicit, source of β-OH fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomas G Rosano
- Albany Medical Center (AMC), Albany, NY, USA
- National Toxicology Center, Albany NY, USA
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Ringuette AE, Spock M, Lindsley CW, Bender AM. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Carfentanil. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3955-3967. [PMID: 32786301 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of its remarkable potency and relative ease of synthesis, carfentanil (1) has recently emerged as a problematic contaminant in other drugs of abuse. Carfentanil and its close analogs, currently approved only for large animal veterinary medicine, have found use both as illicit additives to the clandestine manufacture of scheduled drugs and as chemical weapons. In this Review, the background, synthesis, manufacture, metabolism, pharmacology, approved indications, dosage, and adverse effects of carfentanil will be discussed along with its emergence as a key player in the ongoing opioid crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Ringuette
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, , Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Matthew Spock
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, , Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, , Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Aaron M. Bender
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, , Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Debruyne D, Monzon E, Perino J, Haramburu F, Daveluy A, Lazès-Charmetant A, Giraudon I. [Use of synthetic substances in France and in Europe]. Therapie 2020; 76:221-228. [PMID: 32859404 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to present the main information presented at the 9th Meeting about addictovigilance in 2016 by four healthcare professionals and addiction experts on the issue of new psychoactive substance use. A new psychoactive substance (NPS) is defined as a narcotic or psychotropic drug, in pure form or in preparation, that is not controlled by the United Nations drug conventions, but which may pose a public health threat comparable to that posed by substances listed in these conventions. The emergence of NPS consumption is a worldwide concern. Although NPS are less consumed than established drugs, there has been a sharp increase in their use over the last few years, notably of synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids and, more recently, synthetic opioids. The latter in particular are involved in deaths in Europe. However, "established" drugs (MDMA [methylenedioxymethamphetamine], amphetamines, LSD, methamphetamine) are far from being dethroned by the more recent substances: they are considered "a safe bet" already "tried and tested" by many consumers over the years. MDMA, in particular, also known as ecstasy, which has been used as a recreational drug since the 1990s, saw its consumption decrease until 2010, and then increase again, especially in higher amounts; inexpensive and easily accessible, it is increasingly associated with emergency admissions or deaths in France. The perpetual appearance of new substances on the drug market is obligating to improve knowledge on these products, particularly by focusing on their analytical identification, and also by monitoring their use and harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danièle Debruyne
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie, CHU de Caen, 14033 Caen, France
| | - Emilie Monzon
- Pôle stupéfiants, psychotropes et médicaments des addictions aux stupéfiants, Agence Nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Justine Perino
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie médicale, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Françoise Haramburu
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie médicale, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Université Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France; ADERA, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Amélie Daveluy
- Centre d'addictovigilance, service de pharmacologie médicale, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Université Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France; ADERA, 33600 Pessac, France.
| | | | - Isabelle Giraudon
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs amd Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), 1750-147, Lisbonne, Portugal
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Meier A, Moore SK, Saunders EC, McLeman B, Metcalf SA, Auty S, Walsh O, Marsch LA. Understanding the increase in opioid overdoses in New Hampshire: A rapid epidemiologic assessment. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107893. [PMID: 32065941 PMCID: PMC7127940 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New Hampshire (NH) has had among the highest rates of fentanyl-related overdose deaths per capita in the United States for several years in a row-more than three times the national average in 2016. This mixed-methods study investigated drug-using practices and perspectives of NH residents who use opioids to inform policy in tackling the overdose crisis. METHODS Seventy-six participants from six NH counties completed demographic surveys and semi-structured interviews focused on drug-using practices and perspectives, including use precursors, fentanyl-seeking behaviors, and experiences with overdose. Rigorous qualitative methods were used to analyze interview data including transcription, coding and content analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated on quantitative survey data. RESULTS Eighty-four percent of interviewees had knowingly used fentanyl in their lifetime, 70 % reported overdosing at least once, and 42 % had sought a batch of drugs known to have caused an overdose. The majority stated most heroin available in NH was laced with fentanyl and acknowledged that variability across batches increased overdose risk. Participants reported high availability of fentanyl and limited access to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction programs. There was widespread support for expanding education campaigns for youth, increasing treatment availability, and implementing needle exchange programs. CONCLUSIONS A confluence of factors contribute to the NH opioid overdose crisis. Despite consensus that fentanyl is the primary cause of overdoses, individuals continue to use it and affirm limited availability of resources to address the problem. Policies targeting innovative prevention, harm reduction, and treatment efforts are needed to more effectively address the crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Meier
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
| | - Sarah K. Moore
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School
of Medicine at Dartmouth, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, New Hampshire,
03766, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Saunders
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School
of Medicine at Dartmouth, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, New Hampshire,
03766, USA.,The Dartmouth Institute, Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03766,
USA
| | - Bethany McLeman
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
| | - Stephen A. Metcalf
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School
of Medicine at Dartmouth, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, New Hampshire,
03766, USA
| | - Samantha Auty
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Olivia Walsh
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
| | - Lisa A. Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School
of Medicine at Dartmouth, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 315, Lebanon, New Hampshire,
03766, USA
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Distinguishing Between Cyclopropylfentanyl and Crotonylfentanyl by Methods Commonly Available in the Forensic Laboratory. Ther Drug Monit 2020; 41:519-527. [PMID: 30807539 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid analgesic fentanyl and its analogues pose a major health concern due to its high potency and the increasing number of overdose deaths worldwide. The analogues of fentanyl may differ in potency, toxicity, and legal status, and it is therefore important to develop analytical methods for their correct identification. This can be challenging since many fentanyl analogues are structural isomers. Two fentanyl isomers that have been in the spotlight lately due to difficulties regarding separation and identification are cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl, which have been reported to display nearly identical fragmentation patterns and chromatographic behavior. METHODS Chromatographic separation of cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography was investigated using 3 different stationary phases (high strength silica T3, ethylsiloxane/silica hybrid C18, and Kinetex biphenyl) using gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of 10 mM ammonium formate pH 3.1 and MeOH. Detection was performed by tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, the major metabolites of the 2 compounds formed on incubation with human liver microsomes were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS Baseline separation of cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl was achieved on the ethylsiloxane/silica hybrid C18 column with retention times of 6.79 and 7.35 minutes, respectively. The major metabolites of the 2 analogues formed by human liver microsomes differed, with the main biotransformation being N-dealkylation and carboxylation for cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl, respectively. We demonstrated the usefulness of the 2 approaches by unambiguously identifying cyclopropylfentanyl, as well as its metabolites, in 2 authentic postmortem blood samples. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we successfully demonstrated that cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl can be distinguished by methods commonly available in forensic laboratories.
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Fischer B, Pang M, Jones W. The opioid mortality epidemic in North America: do we understand the supply side dynamics of this unprecedented crisis? Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2020; 15:14. [PMID: 32066470 PMCID: PMC7027114 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-0256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While there has been extensive attention to the 'demand side' - or use and adverse consequences, including mortality - of the 'opioid crisis' presently unfolding across North America, few considerations have focused on the supply side. This paper examines the supply side dynamics of this unprecedented public health phenomenon. We provide evidence for several interrelated supply-side elements that have contributed to the present public health crisis. We observe that initially, persistently high levels of prescription opioid availability and use exposed large proportions of the North American population to opioids, resulting in correspondingly high levels of medical and non-medical use (e.g., involving diversion). While various intervention measures to control prescription opioid availability and use have been implemented in recent years, leading to eventual reductions in opioid dispensing levels, these occurred late in the crisis's evolution. Moreover, these supply reductions have not been met by corresponding reductions in opioid use or demand levels. These growing discrepancies between opioid demand and prescription-based sources have left major gaps in opioid supplies. In response to such supply gaps, highly potent and toxic illicit opioid products have rapidly proliferated across North America, and become a core driver of the dramatic spikes in opioid overdose fatality levels in recent years. These supply-related interrelations are corroborated by a corresponding increase in illicit opioid-related fatalities, which arose just as medical opioid supplies began to decrease in many jurisdictions. Improved analyses and understanding of the supply-side dynamics of the opioid crisis are urgently needed in order to inform future intervention and policy development. Meanwhile, the high mortality toll related to illicit, highly toxic opioid exposure requires sustained solutions, including supply-oriented measures (e.g., safer opioid distribution for at-risk users) towards improved public health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fischer
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Michelle Pang
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Jones
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Gilbert N, Antonides LH, Schofield CJ, Costello A, Kilkelly B, Cain AR, Dalziel PR, Horner K, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB. Hitting the Jackpot – development of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and other rapid screening methods for the analysis of 18 fentanyl‐derived synthetic opioids. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:798-811. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gilbert
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Present address: Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of Dundee Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Christopher J. Schofield
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Manchester UK
| | - Andrew Costello
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Manchester UK
| | - Brenda Kilkelly
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Alan R. Cain
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Security & Business ContinuityManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Present address: NHS Manchester CCG Parkway 3, Parkway Business Centre, Princess Road Manchester M14 7LU UK
| | - Paula R.V. Dalziel
- Residential ServicesManchester Metropolitan University Business School Manchester UK
| | - Karen Horner
- Residential ServicesManchester Metropolitan University Business School Manchester UK
| | - Ryan E. Mewis
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
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Claridge H, Williams BD, Copeland CS. A deadly trend in fentanyl fatalities (England, 1998-2017). Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:437-444. [PMID: 31663152 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify trends in drug-related deaths associated with fentanyl and its derivatives, including novel variants, in England, 1998-2017. METHODS Case reports from the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD) where a pharmaceutical fentanyl or non-pharmaceutical fentanyl derivative (NPFD) was found at post-mortem and/or implicated in the death were extracted for analysis. RESULTS NPSAD has received case reports detailing 298 deaths in England from 1998-2017 where a fentanyl was found at post-mortem and/or implicated in the death. Hospital administered fentanyl is "very safe", whereas pharmaceutical fentanyls in the community, procured either legitimately via prescription or illegitimately, carry high risk of unintentional death. Deaths involving NPFDs, which possess extreme potencies in comparison to morphine, have drastically risen over the past three years, and correlate with an increasing number of available compounds. Males, and those with existing opioid abuse disorders, are particularly susceptible to death related to NPFD intake. CONCLUSIONS The increasing availability of both pharmaceutical fentanyls and NPFDs represents a serious risk to public health. Unintentional misuse of these compounds in England is contributing to the exponential increase in fentanyl-associated deaths that is being observed at the global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Claridge
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Bryn D Williams
- Anaesthetics Department, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK
| | - Caroline S Copeland
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
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Gjerde H, Bretteville-Jensen AL, Furuhaugen H, Bache-Andreassen L, Bergh MSS, Vindenes V. Determination of drug residues in used syringe needles. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:410-416. [PMID: 31899604 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hallvard Gjerde
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Håvard Furuhaugen
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lihn Bache-Andreassen
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Skov-Skov Bergh
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vigdis Vindenes
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,University of Oslo, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo, Norway
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Malyuta R, Krausz RM. No excuses left to delay opioid agonist treatment roll-out. Lancet HIV 2019; 7:e80-e81. [PMID: 31879249 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Malyuta
- UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, HIV/AIDS and Adolescent Health, Almaty 050008, Kazakhstan.
| | - Reinhard M Krausz
- Institute of Mental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Krajewski LC, Swanson KD, Bragg WA, Shaner RL, Seymour C, Carter MD, Hamelin EI, Johnson RC. Application of the fentanyl analog screening kit toward the identification of emerging synthetic opioids in human plasma and urine by LC-QTOF. Toxicol Lett 2019; 320:87-94. [PMID: 31812604 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human exposures to fentanyl analogs, which significantly contribute to the ongoing U.S. opioid overdose epidemic, can be confirmed through the analysis of clinical samples. Our laboratory has developed and evaluated a qualitative approach coupling liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) to address novel fentanyl analogs and related compounds using untargeted, data-dependent acquisition. Compound identification was accomplished by searching against a locally-established mass spectral library of 174 fentanyl analogs and metabolites. Currently, our library can identify 150 fentanyl-related compounds from the Fentanyl Analog Screening (FAS) Kit), plus an additional 25 fentanyl-related compounds from individual purchases. Plasma and urine samples fortified with fentanyl-related compounds were assessed to confirm the capabilities and intended use of this LC-QTOF method. For fentanyl, 8 fentanyl-related compounds and naloxone, lower reportable limits (LRL100), defined as the lowest concentration with 100 % true positive rate (n = 12) within clinical samples, were evaluated and range from 0.5 ng/mL to 5.0 ng/mL for urine and 0.25 ng/mL to 2.5 ng/mL in plasma. The application of this high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) method enables the real-time detection of known and emerging synthetic opioids present in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C Krajewski
- Battelle Memorial Institute at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Kenneth D Swanson
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - William A Bragg
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Rebecca L Shaner
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - Craig Seymour
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Melissa D Carter
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Hamelin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Rudolph C Johnson
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
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Robertson TBR, Antonides LH, Gilbert N, Benjamin SL, Langley SK, Munro LJ, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Hyperpolarization of Pyridyl Fentalogues by Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE). ChemistryOpen 2019; 8:1375-1382. [PMID: 31844604 PMCID: PMC6892445 DOI: 10.1002/open.201900273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl, also known as 'jackpot', is a synthetic opiate that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Clandestine laboratories produce analogues of fentanyl, known as fentalogues to circumvent legislation regarding its production. Three pyridyl fentalogues were synthesized and then hyperpolarized by signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) to appraise the forensic potential of the technique. A maximum enhancement of -168-fold at 1.4 T was recorded for the ortho pyridyl 1H nuclei. Studies of the activation parameters for the three fentalogues revealed that the ratio of ligand loss trans to hydride and hydride loss in the complex [Ir(IMes)(L)3(H)2]+ (IMes=1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazole-2-ylidene) ranged from 0.52 to 1.83. The fentalogue possessing the ratio closest to unity produced the largest enhancement subsequent to performing SABRE at earth's magnetic field. It was possible to hyperpolarize a pyridyl fentalogue selectively from a matrix that consisted largely of heroin (97 : 3 heroin:fentalogue) to validate the use of SABRE as a forensic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B. R. Robertson
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of DundeeDundeeDD1 5EHUK
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.ManchesterM1 5GDUK
| | - Sophie L. Benjamin
- School of Science and TechnologyNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamNG11 8NSUK
| | - Stuart K. Langley
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
| | - Lindsey J. Munro
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.ManchesterM1 5GDUK
| | - Ryan E. Mewis
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
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Post-mortem analysis of prescription opioids—A follow-up examination by LC–MS/MS with focus on fentanyl. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 305:109970. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Greenblatt DJ. Public Health Risk of Designer Psychotropic Drugs: Should PHASE Be Phased In? Clin Pharmacol Ther 2019; 106:1175-1176. [DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Structure-Based Approach for the Prediction of Mu-opioid Binding Affinity of Unclassified Designer Fentanyl-Like Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092311. [PMID: 31083294 PMCID: PMC6539757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Three quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for predicting the affinity of mu-opioid receptor (μOR) ligands have been developed. The resulted models, exploiting the accessibility of the QSAR modeling, generate a useful tool for the investigation and identification of unclassified fentanyl-like structures. The models have been built using a set of 115 molecules using Forge as a software, and the quality was confirmed by statistical analysis, resulting in being effective for their predictive and descriptive capabilities. The three different approaches were then combined to produce a consensus model and were exploited to explore the chemical landscape of 3000 fentanyl-like structures, generated by a theoretical scaffold-hopping approach. The findings of this study should facilitate the identification and classification of new μOR ligands with fentanyl-like structures.
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Mars SG, Rosenblum D, Ciccarone D. Illicit fentanyls in the opioid street market: desired or imposed? Addiction 2019; 114:774-780. [PMID: 30512204 PMCID: PMC6548693 DOI: 10.1111/add.14474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its analogues are appearing in countries throughout the world, often disguised as heroin or counterfeit prescription pills, with resulting high overdose mortality. Possible explanations for this phenomenon include reduced costs and risks to heroin suppliers, heroin shortages, user preferences for a strong, fast-acting opioid and the emergence of Dark Web cryptomarkets. This paper addresses these potential causes and asks three questions: (1) can users identify fentanyl; (2) do users desire fentanyl; and (3) if users want fentanyl, can they express this demand in a way that influences the supply? ARGUMENT/ANALYSIS Existing evidence, while limited, suggests that some users can identify fentanyl, although not reliably, and some desire it, but because fentanyl is frequently marketed deceptively as other drugs, users lack information and choice to express demand effectively. Even when aware of fentanyl's presence, drug users may lack fentanyl-free alternatives. Cryptomarkets, while difficult to quantify, appear to offer buyers greater information and competition than offline markets. However, access barriers and patterns of fentanyl-related health consequences make cryptomarkets unlikely sources of user influence on the fentanyl supply. Market condition data indicate heroin supply shocks and shortages prior to the introduction of fentanyl in the United States and parts of Europe, but the much lower production cost of fentanyl compared with heroin may be a more significant factor CONCLUSION: Current evidence points to a supply-led addition of fentanyl to the drug market in response to heroin supply shocks and shortages, changing prescription opioid availability and/or reduced costs and risks to suppliers. Current drug users in affected regions of the United States, Canada and Europe appear largely to lack both concrete knowledge of fentanyl's presence in the drugs they buy and access to fentanyl-free alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G. Mars
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Rosenblum
- Department of Economics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
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Mounteney J, Griffiths P, Sedefov R, Evans-Brown M. Fentanils: a serious threat to public health. Addiction 2019; 114:783-785. [PMID: 30659693 DOI: 10.1111/add.14542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Mounteney
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paul Griffiths
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roumen Sedefov
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
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Seymour C, Shaner RL, Feyereisen MC, Wharton RE, Kaplan P, Hamelin EI, Johnson RC. Determination of Fentanyl Analog Exposure Using Dried Blood Spots with LC-MS-MS. J Anal Toxicol 2019; 43:266-276. [PMID: 30462229 PMCID: PMC11304352 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl, and the numerous drugs derived from it, are contributing to the opioid overdose epidemic currently underway in the USA. To identify human exposure to these growing public health threats, an LC-MS-MS method for 5 μL dried blood spots (DBS) was developed. This method was developed to detect exposure to 3-methylfentanyl, alfentanil, α-methylfentanyl, carfentanil, fentanyl, lofentanil, sufentanil, norcarfentanil, norfentanyl, norlofentanil, norsufentanil, and using a separate LC-MS-MS injection, cyclopropylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, 2-furanylfentanyl, isobutyrylfentanyl, ocfentanil and methoxyacetylfentanyl. Preparation of materials into groups of compounds was used to accommodate an ever increasing need to incorporate newly identified fentanyls. This protocol was validated within a linear range of 1.00-100 ng/mL, with precision ≤12% CV and accuracy ≥93%, as reported for the pooled blood QC samples, and limits of detection as low as 0.10 ng/mL. The use of DBS to assess fentanyl analog exposures can facilitate rapid sample collection, transport, and preparation for analysis that could enhance surveillance and response efforts in the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Seymour
- Battelle Memorial Institute at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Shaner
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melanie C. Feyereisen
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebekah E. Wharton
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pearl Kaplan
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth I. Hamelin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rudolph C. Johnson
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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