Latest news with #syntheticOpioid
Associated Press
a day ago
- Health
- Associated Press
FDA Report: Synthetic 7-OH Products Pose Severe Opioid Risks
Agency finds 7-OH products lack safety data, carry high abuse potential, and risk respiratory failure The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's release of a new report, " 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An Assessment of the Scientific Data and Toxicological Concerns Around an Emerging Opioid Threat.' Its findings confirm what public health experts have long warned: Concentrated 7-OH opioid products are not natural kratom, but highly addictive synthetic opioids that put American consumers at serious risk. The FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) found that: '7-OH isn't a wellness product; it's a synthetic opioid,' said Dr. Nicole Avena, research neuroscientist and expert in addiction. 'The FDA's findings reinforce what we've seen clinically — these products carry real risks of dependency, overdose, and long-term harm. Selling them as dietary supplements is misleading and dangerous.' The FDA report also notes that results across multiple independent studies align: Preclinical addiction models show the high-risk profile of concentrated 7-OH, making it clear that these substances should not be marketed directly to consumers. Despite being packaged as 'natural' remedies, concentrated 7-OH products are chemically manufactured drugs that are illegally sold without FDA approval. Some are branded as pain relievers or treatments for opioid withdrawal despite lacking any clinical proof of safety or effectiveness. 'Objective science has spoken,' added Avena. 'Concentrated 7-OH opioid products are illegal, unapproved new drugs. Until companies produce peer-reviewed clinical research and secure FDA new drug approval, these products must be kept off the market to protect American families.' About Stop Gas Station Heroin Stop Gas Station Heroin is a national coalition that aims to educate consumers about harmful synthetic drugs and advocate for smart regulation that distinguishes between legitimate, natural botanicals and dangerous, synthetic drugs, combined with enforcement of current federal laws around unapproved drugs. To learn more, navigate to Media Contact Media Contact [email protected] ### SOURCE: Stop Gas Station Heroin Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
CBC
a day ago
- Politics
- CBC
What Russia wants + Nitazene smuggling
Ahead of a Trump-Putin meeting, The National breaks down what Russia wants in order to end its war with Ukraine. Plus, how smugglers are getting a deadly new synthetic opioid called nitazene into Canada.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Urgent warning after synthetic opioids linked to 38 deaths in Scotland over just three months
Public Health Scotland has issued a warning over nitazenes, a synthetic opioid, after the drug was linked to 38 deaths in Scotland in just three months. These laboratory-made substances are most commonly found as contaminants in drugs sold as heroin, benzodiazepines, and oxycodone. They have been increasingly identified in post-mortem examinations. An alert, issued through the Rapid Actions Drug Alerts and Response (Radar) led by PHS, highlights the "substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death." PHS stated the alert was issued "to respond to increasing harms and availability in the drugs supply," citing recent Radar data indicating increased detection of nitazene-type opioids in hospital and post-mortem toxicology. Between January and March 2025, nitazenes were detected in 38 deaths. Drugs minister Maree Todd said the synthetic drugs could be 'hundreds' of times stronger than typical drugs. Ms Todd said: 'Every drug death is a tragedy, and my condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one. 'We are working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes. 'These synthetic drugs can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin and can increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death. 'Because of their strength, I would urge anyone who carries naloxone to have extra life-saving kits with them and follow guidance on the Public Health Scotland and Scottish Drugs Forum websites. 'I am determined to do more to tackle the harm caused by drugs and that is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, including widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. 'We have also opened the UK's first safer drug consumption facility, which is saving lives, and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities.'
