AH-7921: the list of new psychoactive opioids is expanded.

Sotiris Athanaselis,Ioannis Papoutsis,Panagiota Nikolaou,Chara Spiliopoulou,Maria Katselou

doi:10.1007/s11419-015-0271-z

Sotiris Athanaselis, Ioannis Papoutsis + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-015-0271-z

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Abstract

AH-7921 is a structurally unique synthetic opioid analgesic that has recently entered the drug arena in Europe, the USA, and Japan. Although it was synthesized and patented in the mid-1970s, it was first identified in a seized sample purchased via the Internet in July 2012 and formally brought to the attention of the European Union early warning system in August 2012 by the United Kingdom. Several in vitro experiments and animal model studies established the morphine-like analgesic action of AH-7921 as a μ-opioid receptor agonist that has been found to be several times more potent than codeine and at least as potent as morphine. This novel psychoactive substance has already led to eight non-fatal intoxications and 16 deaths in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the USA. Thus, AH-7921 is a current public health risk, and better international collaboration, effective legislation and continuous community alertness are needed to tackle this current growing problem. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about this drug concerning its chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, as well as its international legal status. The limited existing analytical methodologies for the determination of AH-7921 in biological samples are also presented. Published or reported AH-7921-related cases, fatalities, or intoxications, and self reports from drug users are reviewed.

Highlights

New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are continuously emerging on the recreational and illicit drug market
Some NPSs are controlled, while others are legally sourced and can either be sold directly on the drug market or be used as precursors for the synthesis of other designer drugs that mimic the psychoactive effects of controlled substances [4, 5]; due to the chemical alterations of the parent compounds, NPS derivatives can avoid drug legislation
The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about AH-7921 concerning its chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, as well as its legal status

Summary

Introduction

New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are continuously emerging on the recreational and illicit drug market. In some fatal or intoxication cases reported by the member states and Norway, medicines, controlled drugs, and/or other NPSs were detected in biological samples along with AH-7921 [14]. Hayes and Tyers [8] studied the antinociceptive effects, as well as the adverse effects produced by AH7921 and other selected opioid receptor agonists, after subcutaneous administration in mice These adverse effects included miosis, Straub tail response, hypothermia, sedation, respiratory depression (ED50 = 2.5 mg/kg), and inhibition of gastrointestinal propulsion. In the first case of the three, AH-7921 was not analytically confirmed in biological samples, but its use was suspected due to the detection of AH-7921 in the small amounts of a white powder found in a bag and in a syringe with dried blood at the location close to the deceased during the investigation at the scene of death. It is expected that AH-7921 will be a controlled substance in most countries worldwide by the end of 2015

Conclusions

Nov 2014