Singapore (Commonwealth Union) – Synthetic cannabinoids are artificially produced mind altering chemicals that can be extremely dangerous as they can have a variety of detrimental effects on human health, that can include heart problems, seizures and others. A research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has had success in developing a possible urine test for the biomarkers of a frequently appearing subclass of synthetic cannabinoids, known as OXIZID, to keep track of possible abuse. OXIZIDs are a new synthetic cannabinoid that were identified in Singapore last year.
During the last 10 years, the abuse of new psychoactive substances, specifically synthetic cannabinoids, has posed a significant risk to public health. The emergence of these synthetic cannabinoids has emerged as a significant obstacle for the drug policy. In spite governments imposing legislative bans on these substances, the illegal trade with producers of these components have produced novel synthetic cannabinoids in an attempt to escape forensic identification. OXIZID, is one such component having a unique molecular scaffold and does not face any regulation under existing laws which lead to possible abuse.
Synthetic cannabinoid consumption is regularly detected with urine tests for the biomarkers. These biomarkers are generally metabolites of the original synthetic cannabinoid in use, as these cannabinoids are recognized for their fast and extensive metabolism within the human body. Insufficient knowledge is available on the metabolite profiles of OXIZID, and the biomarkers linked to them have not been currently established. This brings about an obstacle with forensic toxicologists who are taking action to identify OXIZID abusers.
A study team, led by Professor Eric Chan from the NUS Department of Pharmacy, joined hands with the Analytical Toxicology Laboratory of Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to evaluate the key metabolic properties and to detect urinary biomarkers of 4 OXIZID analogues, which are BZO-HEXOXIZID, BZO-POXIZID, 5F-BZO-POXIZID and BZO-CHMOXIZID. These analogues were chosen as they have been identified in Singapore and internationally.
The researchers continued their prior research methodology that they had developed, which couples’ in vitro biosynthesis of OXIZID metabolites with a contrast and an evaluation of anonymized urine samples obtained from suspected drug users. The study was published in the journal Clinical Chemistry in September this year.
The marking of specific metabolites suitable for identifying consumption of the OXIZID analogues, had the researchers begin by noting 12-16 major metabolites of each of the 4 OXIZID analogues. The researchers then reduced the selection to 3 metabolites which may be applied as a reference for urinary biomarkers to identify those who use OXIZID. The metabolites were marked as a result of them being unique markers discovered in high abundance in urine test samples after OXIZID has been consumed.
The marking of the 3 new metabolites will pave the way for action by drug enforcement agencies across the world to monitor OXIZID abuse. On top of that, the NUS team has further determined critical enzymes needed in major metabolic pathways playing a role in the speedy metabolism of OXIZIDs. The results can bring about greater knowledge of the toxicological implications of OXIZID use. This can assist in forecasting metabolite profiles of emerging synthetic cannabinoids with similar features and also drug interactions between OXIZIDs and other illicit drugs or medications.
“In collaboration with HSA, our laboratory has been conducting timely research to establish urinary biomarkers for diagnosing the illicit use of emerging synthetic cannabinoids globally. Our work is a testimony of the importance of multi-disciplinary research, specifically in forensic and pharmaceutical sciences, in developing innovative solutions to solve real-world problems,” explained Professor Chan.
HSA has applied the research findings in routine evaluations to observe OXIZID use across Singapore. The team hopes to move forward with their analysis to handle emerging synthetic cannabinoids in the years ahead.
