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

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.

Challenges in detecting substances for equine anti‐doping

“…AH-7921, was first synthesized in the 1970s as a potential analgesic medicine, but its use has not been reported due to its addictive properties. [85][86][87][88] Both activities are similar to those of morphine including hypothermia, addictive behaviour, and analgesia. AH-7921 appeared on the European drug market in 2012, while in 2013, it was identified as a co-ingredient in synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone derivative products, sold in Japan.…”

The Quest for Well-Being and Pleasure: Experiences of the Novel Synthetic Opioids AH-7921 and MT-45, as Reported by Anonymous Users Online

“…actions of AH-7921 on humans have not been published [5]. The substance has some structural similarities to both fentanyl and phencyclidine [5].…”

“…Recently, additional synthetic opioids have been identified. Two of these are AH-7921 and MT-45 [5][6][7].…”

“…The opioid AH-7921 ("AH" refers to "Allen and Hanburys", the company that patented the substance [5]) was officially acknowledged through seizures made by the customs and the police in a number of countries in 2013 [11]. Sometimes the name "doxylam" is used [5].…”

“…Sometimes the name "doxylam" is used [5]. Animal model studies of AH-7921 have confirmed its morphine-like actions as mu-agonist, and its opioid-like withdrawal and respiratory depression effects [12].…”