Detection in seized samples, analytical characterization, and in vitro metabolism of the newly emerged 5 ‐bromo‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists

This study reports the detection of the new synthetic cannabinoids ADB-5 ′Br-INACA and MDMB-5′Br-INACA in Scotland, Belgium, and the US, and ADB-5′Br-BUTINACA in Scotland and the US. These compounds, along with the predicted compound MDMB-5′Br-BUTINACA, were incubated with primary human hepatocytes to examine metabolic pathways and aid in toxicological identifica tion. AbstractSynthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a diverse class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and new structural scaffolds have emerged on the recreational drug market since the enactment of Chinese SCRA analog controls in 2021. This study reports the first SCRAs to be detected with a bromide at the 5 position (5 ′Br) on the phenyl ring of the indazole core and without a tail moiety. ADB-5′Br-INACA (ADMB-5′Br-INACA) and MDMB-5′Br-INACA were detected in seized samples from Scottish prisons, Belgian customs, and US forensic casework. The brominated analog with a tail moiety, ADB-5′Br-BUTINACA (ADMB-5 ′Br-BUTINACA), was also detected in Scottish prisons and US forensic casework. The metabolites of these compounds and the predicted compound MDMB-5′Br-BUTINACA were identified through incubation with primary human hepatocytes to aid in their toxicological identification. The bromide on the indaz ole remains intact on metabolites, allowing these compounds to be easily distinguished in toxicological samples from their non-brominated analogs. Glucuronidation was more common for t...
Source: Drug Testing and Analysis - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research