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New High Potency Synthetic Opioid N-Pyrrolidino Etonitazene (Etonitazepyne) Linked to Overdoses Across United States

NCJ Number
307414
Author(s)
Alex J. Krotulski; Donna M. Papsun; Sara E. Walton; Barry K. Logan
Date Published
2021
Annotation

This announcement seeks to notify public health and public safety, law enforcement, clinicians, medical examiners and coroners, laboratory personnel, drug treatment providers, and other related communities about new information regarding the emergent synthetic opioid, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene.

Abstract

This brief document provides information about the emergent synthetic opioid, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene (etonitazepyne), which is a new high potency synthetic opioid with structural resemblance to etonitazene, a synthetic opioid that is nationally and internationally controlled. N-Pyrrolidino etonitazene is dissimilar in structure to other synthetic opioids typically encountered in forensic casework, such as fentanyl. This document provides a summary of etonitazepyne, including facts about its emergence as well as structural analogues, toxicity, and adverse effects associated with the molecule. The announcement also notes geographical distribution in the U.S.; depicts the structure of the etonitazepyne molecule; and provides recommendations for public health, clinicians, medical examiners and coroners, and laboratories.