Expert Peer Review No. 1 Agenda Item 4.2: Butyrfentanyl

Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Thirty-eighth Meeting Geneva, 14-18 November 2016

Expert Peer Review No.1 for Butyrfentanyl

1. Comments based on the review report

a. Evidence on dependence and abuse potential Butyrfentanyl is a μ receptor agonist and produces typical opioid effects.

There are no controlled studies of abuse or dependence potential in either animals or humans. However, it would be expected to have similar potential for abuse and dependence as other μ receptor agonists such as , , , etc.

b. Risks to individual and society because of misuse The drug poses the same risks as other , including potentially fatal respiratory depression and coma in overdose and a significant risk of dependence developing with repeated use.

c. Magnitude of the problem in countries (misuse, illicit production, smuggling etc) The extent of use is not clear, but there is clear evidence of use of the drug, including cases of overdose, increasing reports from forensic laboratories and seizures of the drug in several different countries. Among users (see internet forums below), it is one of a number of opioids used and seems particularly to be an alternative to .

Butyrfentanyl has appeared relatively recently, but there is a trend to increasing evidence of use. It is not known if this is through better detection or greater use of the drug.

d. Need of the substance for medical (including veterinary) practice No current need

e. Need of the substance for other purposes (e.g. industrial) No current need other than for analytical purposes

Page 1 of 2 Expert Peer Review No. 1 Agenda Item 4.2: Butyrfentanyl

f. Measures taken by countries to curb misuse Butyrfentanyl is reported to have been banned in the US, China and Switzerland. Its possession and use will be illegal in many countries using generic or analogue legislation.

g. Impact if this substance is scheduled No apparent negative impacts

2. Are there absent data that would be determinative for scheduling?

While it may not necessarily be determinative for scheduling, there is evidence of use of butyrfentanyl from user internet forums. It is described as a very potent opioid that poses significant risk to those without pre-existing opioid tolerance. The effects described (including euphoria, nausea) are typical of opioids.

3. Other comments or opinions

None

4. Expert reviewer’s view on scheduling with rationale

Consistent with its mechanism of action, butyrfentanyl has effects and risks in common with other opioids. There is clear evidence of abuse of the drug and of toxicity arising from this. As it has a high degree of similarity with fentanyl and other opioids that are included in Schedule I of the 1961 Convention, butyrfentanyl should be included in the same schedule.

Page 2 of 2