International Drug Scheduling; Convention on Psychotropic Substances; Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs; World Health Organization; Scheduling Recommendations; Cyclopropyl Fentanyl; Methoxyacetyl Fentanyl; Ortho-Fluorofentanyl; Para-Fluorobutyrfentanyl; N-Ethylnorpentylone; and Four Additional Substances; Request for Comments, 7070-7082 [2019-03663]
Download as PDF
7070
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the current level of control associated
with Schedule I of the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs for
cannabis-based preparations such as
Sativex and the level of control
associated with Schedule II of the 1971
Convention on Psychotropic
Substances, for preparations using
synthetic delta-9 THC, e.g., Marinol and
Syndros.
To impede access to these medicines
and in reference to Article 3.4 of the
1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs:
• Recommendation 5.6: The
Committee recommended that
preparations containing delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol),
produced either by chemical synthesis
or as a preparation of cannabis, that are
compounded as pharmaceutical
preparations with one or more other
ingredients and in such a way that
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(dronabinol) cannot be recovered by
readily available means or in a yield
which would constitute a risk to public
health, be added to Schedule III of the
1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
III. Discussion
At this time, it is uncertain whether
the above notification from WHO of
recommendations for proposed
scheduling action on cannabis and
cannabis related substances will be
acted upon by 62nd session of the
Commission on Narcotic Drugs (from 14
to 22 March 2019). The Bureau of the
62nd Commission is currently
considering whether to postpone voting
on the cannabis-related
recommendations until the reconvened
meeting in December, or the 63rd
session of the Commission on Narcotic
Drugs, March 2020. If voting is deferred
to a later date the comment period will
be reopened.
Although WHO has made specific
scheduling recommendations for each of
the drug substances, the CND is not
obliged to follow the WHO
recommendations. Options available to
the CND for substances considered for
control under the 1971 Psychotropic
Convention include the following: (1)
Accept the WHO recommendations; (2)
accept the recommendations to control
but control the drug substance in a
schedule other than that recommended;
or (3) reject the recommendations
entirely.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is
a plant known by biological names
Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica. It is
a complex plant containing multiple
cannabinoids and other compounds,
including the psychoactive substance
THC and other structurally similar
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compounds. Cannabinoids are defined
as having activity at cannabinoid 1 and
2 (CB1 and CB2, respectively) receptors.
Agonists of CB1 receptors are widely
abused and are known to modulate
motor coordination, memory processing,
pain, and inflammation, and have
anxiolytic effects. Marijuana is the most
commonly used illicit drug in the
United States.
The principal cannabinoids in the
cannabis plant include THC, CBD, and
cannabinol. These substances are
controlled in Schedule I under the CSA.
The synthetically derived single pure
stereoisomer, delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as
dronabinol) is the active ingredient in
two approved drug products in the
United States, MARINOL (dronabinol)
capsules, also available as a generic, and
SYNDROS (dronabinol) oral solution.
MARINOL is controlled in Schedule III,
while SYNDROS is controlled in
Schedule II under the CSA. Both
MARINOL and SYNDROS are approved
to treat anorexia associated with weight
loss in patients with AIDS, and nausea
and vomiting associated with cancer
chemotherapy in patients who have
failed to respond adequately to
conventional treatment.
CBD is another cannabinoid
constituent of the cannabis plant. In the
United States, one CBD-containing
product, Epidiolex oral solution, has
received marketing approval by the FDA
for the treatment of seizures associated
with two rare and severe forms of
epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and
Dravet syndrome, in patients 2 years of
age and older. On September 28, 2018,
the Drug Enforcement Administration
placed FDA-approved product
Epidiolex to be marketed into Schedule
V of the CSA. Currently, CBD that is not
contained in an FDA-approved product
with less than 0.1 percent THC is
controlled as a Schedule I substance
under the CSA. CBD is not specifically
listed in the schedules of the 1961,
1971, or 1988 International Drug Control
conventions.
FDA, on behalf of the Secretary of
HHS, invites interested persons to
submit comments on the notifications
from the United Nations concerning
these drug substances. FDA, in
cooperation with the National Institute
on Drug Abuse, will consider the
comments on behalf of HHS in
evaluating the WHO scheduling
recommendations. Then, under section
201(d)(2)(B) of the CSA, HHS will
recommend to the Secretary of State
what position the United States should
take when voting on the
recommendations for control of
substances under the 1971 Psychotropic
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Convention at the CND meeting in
March 2019.
Comments regarding the WHO
recommendations for control of
Cannabis and Cannabis Resin;
Dronabinol (delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol);
Tetrahydrocannabinol (Isomers of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol); Extracts and
Tinctures of cannabis; Cannabidiol
Preparations; Preparations Produced
Either by Chemical Synthesis or as
Preparation of Cannabis; under the 1961
Single Convention will also be
forwarded to the relevant Agencies for
consideration in developing the U.S.
position regarding narcotic substances
at the CND meeting.
Dated: February 25, 2019.
Lowell J. Schiller,
Acting Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019-03662 Filed 2–28–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA–2019–N–0671]
International Drug Scheduling;
Convention on Psychotropic
Substances; Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs; World Health
Organization; Scheduling
Recommendations; Cyclopropyl
Fentanyl; Methoxyacetyl Fentanyl;
Ortho-Fluorofentanyl; ParaFluorobutyrfentanyl; NEthylnorpentylone; and Four
Additional Substances; Request for
Comments
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notice of comment.
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is providing
interested persons with the opportunity
to submit written comments concerning
recommendations by the World Health
Organization (WHO) to impose
international manufacturing and
distributing restrictions, under
international treaties, on certain drug
substances. The comments received in
response to this notice will be
considered in preparing the United
States’ position on these proposals for a
meeting of the United Nations
Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in
Vienna, Austria, in March 18–22, 2019.
This notice is issued under the
Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
DATES: Submit either electronic or
written comments by March 14, 2019.
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The short time period for the
submission of comments is needed to
ensure that the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) may, in a
timely fashion, carry out the required
action and be responsive to the United
Nations.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
as follows. Please note that late,
untimely filed comments will not be
considered. Electronic comments must
be submitted on or before March 14,
2019. The https://www.regulations.gov
electronic filing system will accept
comments until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
at the end of March 14, 2019. Comments
received by mail/hand delivery/courier
(for written/paper submissions) will be
considered timely if they are
postmarked or the delivery service
acceptance receipt is on or before that
date.
Electronic Submissions
Submit electronic comments in the
following way:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Comments submitted electronically,
including attachments, to https://
www.regulations.gov will be posted to
the docket unchanged. Because your
comment will be made public, you are
solely responsible for ensuring that your
comment does not include any
confidential information that you or a
third party may not wish to be posted,
such as medical information, your or
anyone else’s Social Security number, or
confidential business information, such
as a manufacturing process. Please note
that if you include your name, contact
information, or other information that
identifies you in the body of your
comments, that information will be
posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
• If you want to submit a comment
with confidential information that you
do not wish to be made available to the
public, submit the comment as a
written/paper submission and in the
manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper
Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).
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Written/Paper Submissions
Submit written/paper submissions as
follows:
• Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for
written/paper submissions): Dockets
Management Staff (HFA–305), Food and
Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers
Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
• For written/paper comments
submitted to the Dockets Management
Staff, FDA will post your comment, as
well as any attachments, except for
information submitted, marked and
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identified, as confidential, if submitted
as detailed in ‘‘Instructions.’’
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the Docket No. FDA–
2019–N–0671 for ‘‘International Drug
Scheduling; Convention on
Psychotropic Substances; Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs; World
Health Organization; Scheduling
Recommendations; Cyclopropyl
Fentanyl; Methoxyacetyl Fentanyl;
Ortho-Fluorofentanyl; ParaFluorobutyrfentanyl; NEthylnorpentylone; ADB–FUBINACA;
FUB–AMB(MMB–FUBINACA_AMB–
FUBINACA); ADB–CHMINACA;
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA; Request for
Comments.’’ Received comments, those
filed in a timely manner (see
ADDRESSES), will be placed in the docket
and, except for those submitted as
‘‘Confidential Submissions,’’ publicly
viewable at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Dockets Management Staff
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
• Confidential Submissions—To
submit a comment with confidential
information that you do not wish to be
made publicly available, submit your
comments only as a written/paper
submission. You should submit two
copies total. One copy will include the
information you claim to be confidential
with a heading or cover note that states
‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The
Agency will review this copy, including
the claimed confidential information, in
its consideration of comments. The
second copy, which will have the
claimed confidential information
redacted/blacked out, will be available
for public viewing and posted on
https://www.regulations.gov. Submit
both copies to the Dockets Management
Staff. If you do not wish your name and
contact information to be made publicly
available, you can provide this
information on the cover sheet and not
in the body of your comments and you
must identify this information as
‘‘confidential.’’ Any information marked
as ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed
except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20
and other applicable disclosure law. For
more information about FDA’s posting
of comments to public dockets, see 80
FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or access
the information at: https://www.gpo.gov/
fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/201523389.pdf.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or the
electronic and written/paper comments
received, go to https://
www.regulations.gov and insert the
docket number, found in brackets in the
heading of this document, into the
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7071
‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts
and/or go to the Dockets Management
Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061,
Rockville, MD 20852.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James R. Hunter, Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research, Controlled
Substance Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, 10903 New Hampshire
Ave. Bldg. 51, Rm. 5150, Silver Spring,
MD 20993–0002, 301–796–3156,
james.hunter@fda.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The United States is a party to the
1971 Convention on Psychotropic
Substances (Psychotropic Convention).
Section 201(d)(2)(B) of the CSA (21
U.S.C. 811(d)(2)(B)) provides that when
the United States is notified under
Article 2 of the Psychotropic
Convention that the CND proposes to
decide whether to add a drug or other
substance to one of the schedules of the
Psychotropic Convention, transfer a
drug or substance from one schedule to
another, or delete it from the schedules,
the Secretary of State must transmit
notice of such information to the
Secretary of HHS. The Secretary of HHS
must then publish a summary of such
information in the Federal Register and
provide opportunity for interested
persons to submit comments. The
Secretary of HHS must then evaluate the
proposal and furnish a recommendation
to the Secretary of State that shall be
binding on the representative of the
United States in discussions and
negotiations relating to the proposal.
As detailed in the following
paragraphs, the Secretary of State has
received notification from the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations (the
Secretary-General) regarding five
substances to be considered for control
under the Psychotropic Convention.
This notification reflects the
recommendation from the 41st WHO
Expert Committee for Drug Dependence
(ECDD), which met in November 2018.
In the Federal Register of October 10,
2018 (83 FR 50938), FDA announced the
WHO ECDD review and invited
interested persons to submit
information for WHO’s consideration.
The full text of the notification from
the Secretary-General is provided in
section II of this document. Section
201(d)(2)(B) of the CSA requires the
Secretary of HHS, after receiving a
notification proposing scheduling, to
publish a notice in the Federal Register
to provide the opportunity for interested
persons to submit information and
comments on the proposed scheduling
action.
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—Cyclopropylfentanyl
chemical name: N-Phenyl-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]cyclopropanecarboxamide
Substances recommended to be added
to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention:
—ADB–FUBINACA
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3carboxamide
—FUB–AMB (MMB–FUBINACA,
AMB–FUBINACA)
chemical name: methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3carbonyl}amino)-3-methylbutanoate
—CUMYL–4CN–BINACA
chemical name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamide
—ADB–CHMINACA (MAB–
CHMINACA)
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamide
—N-Ethylnorpentylone (ephylone)
chemical name: 1-(2H-1,3II. United Nations Notification
benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(ethylamino)pentan-1-one
The formal notification from the
In the letter from the Director-General
United Nations that identifies the drug
substances and explains the basis for the of the World Health Organization to the
Secretary-General, reference is also
recommendations is reproduced as
made to the recommendation by the
follows (non-relevant text removed):
forty-first meeting of the WHO Expert
Reference: NAR/CL.2/2019
Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD)
WHO/ECDD41; 1961C-Art.3, 1971Cto keep the following New Psychoactive
Art.2 CU
Substance under surveillance:
2019/35/DTA/SGB (A)
—Paramethoxybutyrylfentanyl
The Secretary-General of the United
chemical name: N-(4Nations presents his compliments to the
methoxyphenyl)-N-[1-(2Secretary of State of the United States of
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide
America and has the honour to inform
In addition, in the letter from the
the Government that on 28 January
2019, he received a notification from the Director-General of the World Health
Organization to the Secretary-General,
Director-General of the World Health
Organization (WHO), pursuant to article reference is made to the
recommendations by the forty-first
3, paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Single
meeting of the WHO ECDD to keep the
Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961
following two pain-relieving medicines
as amended by the 1972 Protocol (1961
Convention), and article 2, paragraphs 1 under surveillance:
—Pregabalin
and 4 of the Convention on
chemical name: (3S)-3Psychotropic Substances of 1971 (1971
(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid
Convention) with the following
—Tramadol
recommendations regarding ten New
chemical name: (1R*,2R*)-2Psychoactive Substances (NPS):
[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1Substances recommended to be added
(3methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol
to Schedule I of the 1961 Convention:
In accordance with the provisions of
—Parafluorobutyrylfentanyl
chemical name: N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N- article 3, paragraph 2 of the 1961
Convention and article 2, paragraph 2 of
[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4the 1971 Convention, the Secretaryyl]butanamide
General hereby transmits the
—Ortho-fluorofentanyl
chemical name: N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N- notification as annex I to the present
note. In connection with the
[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4notification, WHO has also submitted
yl]propanamide
the relevant extract from the report of
—Methoxyacetyl fentanyl
chemical name: 2-methoxy-N-phenyl- the forty-first meeting of the WHO
N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4ECDD which is hereby transmitted as
yl]acetamide
annex II. For time reasons, this
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The United States is also a party to
the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs (1961 Single Convention). The
Secretary of State has received a
notification from the Secretary-General
regarding four substances to be
considered for control under this
convention. The CSA does not require
HHS to publish a summary of such
information in the Federal Register.
Nevertheless, to provide interested and
affected persons an opportunity to
submit comments regarding the WHO
recommendations for narcotic drugs, the
notification regarding these substances
is also included in this Federal Register
notice. The comments will be shared
with other relevant agencies to assist the
Secretary of State in formulating the
position of the United States on the
control of these substances. The HHS
recommendations are not binding on the
representative of the United States in
discussions and negotiations relating to
the proposal regarding control of
substances under the 1961 Single
Convention.
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notification and its annexes I and II are
transmitted in English only. The
notification will be transmitted in
French and Spanish as soon as it
becomes available.
Also in accordance with the same
provisions, the notification from WHO
will be brought to the attention of the
sixty-second session of the Commission
on Narcotic Drugs (from 14 to 22 March
2019) in document E/CN.7/2019/8
which will be made available on the
website of the 62nd session of the CND:
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/
commissions/CND/session/62_Session_
2019/session-62-of-the-commission-onnarcotic-drugs.html.
In order to assist the Commission in
reaching a decision, it would be
appreciated if the Government could
communicate any comments it
considers relevant to the possible
scheduling of New Psychoactive
Substances recommended by WHO to be
placed under international control
under the 1961 Convention, namely:
—Parafluorobutyrylfentanyl; Orthofluorofentanyl; Methoxyacetyl fentanyl;
Cyclopropylfentanyl
as well as any economic, social, legal,
administrative or other factors that it
considers relevant to the possible
scheduling of New Psychoactive
Substances recommended by WHO to be
placed under international control
under the 1971 Convention, namely:
—ADB-FUBINACA, FUB-AMB
(MMB-FUBINACA, AMB-FUBINACA),
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, ADBCHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA), NEthylnorpentylone (ephylone).
Communications should be sent to the
Executive Director of the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime, c/o
Secretary, Commission on Narcotic
Drugs, P.O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna,
Austria, email: unodc-sgb@un.org (fax:
+43–1–26060–5885), at the latest by 28
February 2019.
1 February 2019
His Excellency
Mr. Michael Pompeo
Secretary of State of the United States of
America
Annex I
Letter addressed to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations from the
Director-General of the World Health
Organization, dated 24 January 2019
‘‘The forty-first meeting of the WHO
Expert Committee on Drug Dependence
(ECDD) convened from 12 to 16
November 2018 at WHO headquarters in
Geneva. The objective of this meeting
was to carry out an in-depth evaluation
of psychoactive substances in order to
determine whether the World Health
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Organization (WHO) should recommend
if these substances should be placed
under international control or if their
level of control should be changed.
The forty-first WHO ECDD reviewed
ten New Psychoactive Substances
(NPS), five of which are synthetic
opioids and two pain-relieving
medicines; pregabalin and tramadol.
The ECDD scheduling recommendations
for these substances are detailed below.
In addition, the forty-first WHO ECDD
critically reviewed cannabis and
cannabis-related substances. The
recommendations regarding cannabis
and cannabis-related substances are
communicated to you through a
separate letter under the same date as
this letter.
With reference to Article 3,
paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), as
amended by the 1972 Protocol, and
Article 2, paragraphs 1 and 4 of the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
(1971), I am pleased to submit
recommendations of the forty-first
meeting of the ECDD regarding NPS and
two pain-relieving medicines, tramadol
and pregabalin, as follows:
New Psychoactive Substances
To be added to Schedule I of the
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs
(1961):
—Parafluorobutyrylfentanyl
chemical name: N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]butanamide
—Ortho-fluorofentanyl
chemical name: N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]propanamide
—Methoxyacetyl fentanyl
chemical name: 2-methoxy-N-phenyl-N[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]acetamide
—Cyclopropylfentanyl
chemical name: N-Phenyl-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]cyclopropanecarboxamide
—ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA)
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamide
—N-Ethylnorpentylone (ephylone)
chemical name: 1-(2H–1,3-benzodioxol5-yl)-2-(ethylamino)pentan-1-one
To be kept under surveillance:
—Paramethoxybutyrylfentanyl
chemical name: N-(4-methoxyphenyl)N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]butanamide
Medicines
To be kept under surveillance:
—Pregabalin
chemical name: (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5methylhexanoic acid
—Tramadol
chemical name: (1R*,2R*)-2[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1(3methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol
The assessments and findings on
which they are based are set out in
detail in the forty-first report of the
WHO Expert Committee on Drug
Dependence. An extract of the report is
attached in Annex II of this letter.
I am very pleased with the ongoing
collaboration between WHO, the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) and the International
Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and in
particular, how this collaboration has
benefited the work of the WHO Expert
Committee on Drug Dependence
(including through the participation of
UNODC and INCB in the forty-first
meeting of the ECDD), and more
generally, the implementation of the
operational recommendations of the
United Nations General Assembly
Special Session (UNGASS) 2016.
[signed]
To be added to Schedule II of the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
(1971):
—ADB-FUBINACA
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3carboxamide
—FUB-AMB (MMB-FUBINACA, AMBFUBINACA)
chemical name: methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H- indazole-3carbonyl}amino)-3-methylbutanoate
—CUMYL-4CN-BINACA
chemical name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H- indazole-3carboxamide
1. Fentanyl Analogues
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Annex II
Extract from the Report of the 41st
Expert Committee on Drug Dependence:
Fentanyl analogues, synthetic
cannabinoids, cathinones, and
medicines: pregabalin and tramadol
1.1
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl
Substance identification
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl (N-(4fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide)
is a synthetic analogue of the opioid
analgesic fentanyl. Samples obtained
from seizures and from other collections
suggest that para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl
appears in powder, tablet, nasal spray
and vaping form.
WHO review history
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl has not
been previously pre-reviewed or
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critically reviewed by the WHO Expert
Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD)
[the Committee]. A direct critical review
was proposed based on information
brought to WHO’s attention that parafluoro-butyrylfentanyl poses serious risk
to public health and has no recognised
therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and
effects on the central nervous system
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl binds to
m-opioid receptors with high selectivity
over k- and d-opioid receptors and has
been shown to act as a partial agonist at
the m-opioid receptor. In animals, it
produces typical opioid effects
including analgesia, with a potency
between that of morphine and fentanyl.
In cases of non-fatal intoxication in
humans, para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl has
produced signs and symptoms such as
disorientation, slurred speech, unsteady
gait, hypotension and pupil constriction
that are consistent with an opioid
mechanism of action.
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl can be
readily converted to its isomer p-fluoroisobutyrylfentanyl (N-(4-fluorophenyl)2-methyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin4-yl]propanamide), which is an opioid
listed in Schedule I of the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
Dependence potential
There are no studies of the
dependence potential of this substance
in humans or laboratory animals.
However, based on its mechanism of
action, para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl
would be expected to produce
dependence similar to other opioid
drugs.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
There are no controlled studies of the
abuse potential of para-fluorobutyrylfentanyl and there is very little
information on the extent of abuse. The
substance has been detected in
biological samples obtained from cases
of fatal and non-fatal intoxication.
Fatalities have been reported in some
countries where the compound has been
identified in biological fluids in
combination with other drugs, including
cases where death has been attributed to
the effects of para-fluorobutyrylfentanyl.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl is not
known to have any therapeutic uses.
Recommendation
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl is an
opioid receptor agonist that has
significant potential for dependence and
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likelihood of abuse. The limited
available evidence indicates that it has
typical opioid adverse effects that
include the potential for death due to
respiratory depression. Para-fluorobutyrylfentanyl has caused substantial
harm and has no therapeutic usefulness.
As it is liable to similar abuse and
produces similar ill-effects as many
other opioids placed in Schedule I of
the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs:
• Recommendation 1.1: The
Committee recommended that Parafluoro-butyryl fentanyl (N-(4fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide)
be added to Schedule I of the 1961
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
1.2
Para-methoxy-butyryl fentanyl
Substance identification
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl (N-(4methoxyphenyl)-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide)
is a synthetic analogue of the opioid
analgesic fentanyl. Samples obtained
from seizures and from other collections
suggest that para-methoxybutyrylfentanyl occurs in powder,
tablet, and nasal spray forms.
WHO review history
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl has not
been previously pre-reviewed or
critically reviewed by the WHO ECDD.
A critical review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO’s attention
that para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl poses
serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
jbell on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Similarity to known substances and
effects on the central nervous system
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl binds
to m-opioid receptors with high
selectivity over k- and d-opioid
receptors and has been shown to act as
a partial agonist at the m-opioid receptor.
In animals, it produces typical opioid
effects, including analgesia, and in some
tests it has a potency higher than
morphine and close to that of fentanyl.
Reported clinical features of
intoxication in which para-methoxybutyrylfentanyl is involved included the
typical opioid effects of reduced level of
consciousness, respiratory depression
and pupil constriction. In some cases,
treatment with the opioid antagonist
naloxone was shown to reverse the
drug-induced respiratory depression.
While this is consistent with an opioid
mechanism of action, it should be noted
that in all such cases at least one other
opioid was present.
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Dependence potential
There are no studies of the
dependence potential of this substance
in humans or laboratory animals.
However, based on its mechanism of
action, Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl
would be expected to produce
dependence similar to other opioid
drugs.
Abuse potential and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
There are no controlled studies of the
abuse potential of Para-methoxybutyrylfentanyl and very little
information on the extent of abuse. Paramethoxy-butyrylfentanyl has been
detected in biological samples obtained
from a limited number of acute
intoxication cases. Reported clinical
features are consistent with opioid
effects and including respiratory
depression. However, in all of the
documented cases of severe adverse
events associated with use of paramethoxy-butyrylfentanyl, other fentanyl
derivatives were detected and hence the
role of para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl is
not clear.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl is not
known to have any therapeutic uses.
Recommendation
The limited available information
indicates that para-methoxybutyrylfentanyl is an opioid drug, and
an analogue of the opioid analgesic
fentanyl. There is evidence of its use in
a limited number of countries with few
reports of intoxication and no reports of
deaths. In the intoxication cases, the
role of para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl
was not clear due to the presence of
other opioids. It has no therapeutic
usefulness. At this time, there is little
evidence of the impact of para-methoxybutyrylfentanyl in causing substantial
harm that would warrant its placement
under international control.
• Recommendation 1.2: The
Committee recommended that paramethoxy-butyrylfentanyl (N-(4methoxyphenyl)-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide)
be kept under surveillance by the WHO
Secretariat.
1.3
Ortho-fluorofentanyl
Substance identification
Ortho-fluorofentanyl (N-(2fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]propanamide) is a synthetic analogue
of the opioid analgesic fentanyl. It has
two positional isomers (parafluorofentanyl and meta-fluorofentanyl).
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WHO review history
Ortho-fluorofentanyl has not been
previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A direct
critical review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO’s attention
that ortho-fluorofentanyl poses a serious
risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and
effects on the central nervous system
Receptor binding data show that
ortho-fluorofentanyl binds to m-opioid
receptors with high selectivity over kand d-opioid receptors. There were no
preclinical or clinical studies available
in the scientific literature. However, the
clinical features present in non-fatal
intoxication cases include characteristic
opioid effects such as loss of
consciousness, pupil constriction and
respiratory depression. The effects of
ortho-fluorofentanyl are responsive to
the administration of the opioid
antagonist naloxone, further confirming
its opioid agonist mechanism of action.
Dependence potential
There are no studies of the
dependence potential of orthofluorofentanyl in humans or laboratory
animals. However, based on its
mechanism of action, it would be
expected to produce dependence similar
to other opioid drugs.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
There are no available preclinical or
clinical studies to assess the abuse
liability of ortho-fluorofentanyl. There is
evidence of use from several countries,
including seizures in Europe and the
United States. A number of confirmed
fatalities associated with the compound
have been reported. Orthofluorofentanyl is being sold as heroin or
an adulterant in heroin. A number of
fatalities have been associated with this
substance (1 in Europe and 16 in the
United States since 2016). As a
consequence of ortho-fluorofentanyl
cross-reacting with standard fentanyl
immunoassays, it is possible that deaths
due to ortho-fluorofentanyl have been
attributed to fentanyl and hence the
number of recorded ortho-fluorofentanyl
deaths may be an underestimate.
Several countries in different parts of
the world have controlled orthofluorofentanyl.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Ortho-fluorofentanyl is not known to
have any therapeutic uses.
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Recommendation
Ortho-fluorofentanyl is an opioid
receptor agonist that has potential for
dependence and likelihood of abuse.
The limited available evidence indicates
that it has typical opioid adverse effects
that include the potential for death due
to respiratory depression. Orthofluorofentanyl has caused substantial
harm and has no therapeutic usefulness.
As it is liable to similar abuse and
produces similar ill-effects as many
other opioids placed in Schedule I of
the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs:
• Recommendation 1.3: The
Committee recommended that orthofluorofentanyl (N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-[1(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]propanamide) be added to Schedule
I of the 1961 Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs.
1.4
Methoxyacetylfentanyl
Substance identification
Methoxyacetylfentanyl (2-methoxy-Nphenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl] acetamide) is a synthetic analogue of
the opioid fentanyl. Samples obtained
from seizures and from other collections
suggest that methoxyacetylfentanyl has
appeared in powders, liquids, and
tablets.
WHO review history
Methoxyacetylfentanyl has not been
previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical
review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO’s attention
that methoxyacetylfentanyl poses
serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
jbell on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Similarity to known substances and
effects on the central nervous system
Methoxyacetylfentanyl binds to mopioid receptors with high selectivity
over k- and d-opioid receptors and has
been shown to act as an agonist at the
m-opioid receptor. In animals, it
produces analgesia with a potency
higher than morphine and close to that
of fentanyl. The analgesia was blocked
by the opioid antagonist naltrexone,
confirming its opioid mechanism of
action.
In people using
methoxyacetylfentanyl the most serious
acute health risk is respiratory
depression, which in overdose can lead
to respiratory arrest and death. This is
consistent with its opioid mechanism of
action.
Dependence potential
There are no studies of the
dependence potential of this substance
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in humans or laboratory animals.
However, based on its mechanism of
action, methoxyacetylfentanyl would be
expected to produce dependence similar
to other opioid drugs.
fentanyl. Samples obtained from
seizures and from other collections
suggest that cyclopropylfentanyl has
appeared in powders, liquids, and
tablets.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
WHO review history
In the animal drug discrimination
model of subjective drug effects,
methoxyacetylfentanyl produced effects
similar to those of morphine. It also
decreased activity levels and both the
discriminative and rate-decreasing
effects were blocked by the opioid
antagonist naltrexone. Based on its
receptor action and these effects in
animal models, it would be expected
that methoxyacetylfentanyl would be
subject to abuse in a manner comparable
to other opioids.
There is evidence that methoxyacetylfentanyl has been used by injection and
by nasal insufflation of powder. A large
number of seizures of this substance
have been reported in Europe and the
United States. A number of deaths have
been reported in Europe and the United
States in which methoxyacetylfentanyl
was detected in post-mortem samples.
While other drugs were present in most
of these cases, methoxyacetylfentanyl
was deemed the cause of death or a
major contributor to death in a
significant proportion of these. Several
countries have controlled
methoxyacetylfentanyl in their national
legislation.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Methoxyacetylfentanyl is not known
to have any therapeutic uses.
The committee considered that
methoxyacetylfentanyl is a substance
with high abuse liability and
dependence potential. It is an opioid
agonist that is more potent than
morphine and its use has contributed to
a large number of deaths in different
regions. It has no therapeutic usefulness
and it poses a significant risk to public
health. The Committee considered that
the evidence of its abuse warrants
placement under international control.
Recommendation 1.4: The
Committee recommended that
methoxyacetylfentanyl (2-methoxy-Nphenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl] acetamide) be added to Schedule I of
the Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs of 1961.
1.5
Cyclopropylfentanyl
Substance identification
Cyclopropylfentanyl ((N-phenyl-N–1(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidyl)
cyclopropanecarboxamide) is a
synthetic analogue of the opioid
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Cyclopropylfentanyl has not been
previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical
review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO’s attention
that cyclopropylfentanyl poses a serious
risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and
effects on the central nervous system
Cyclopropylfentanyl binds selectively
to the m opioid receptors compared to d
and k opioid receptors. There is no
further information on the actions and
effects of cyclopropylfentanyl from
controlled studies. Based on its role in
numerous deaths, as described below, it
is reasonable to consider that
cyclopropylfentanyl acts as a m opioid
receptor agonist similar to morphine
and fentanyl.
Dependence potential
There are no preclinical or clinical
studies published in the scientific
literature concerning dependence on
cyclopropylfentanyl. However, based on
its mechanism of action,
cyclopropylfentanyl would be expected
to produce dependence similar to other
opioid drugs.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
A large number of seizures of
cyclopropylfentanyl have been reported
from countries in different regions. In
some countries, this substance has been
among the most common fentanyl
analogues detected in post-mortem
samples. In almost all of these deaths,
cyclopropylfentanyl was determined to
either have caused or contributed to
death, even in presence of other
substances.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Cyclopropylfentanyl is not known to
have any therapeutic uses.
Recommendation
The available evidence indicates that
cyclopropylfentanyl has opioid actions
and effects. It has been extensively
trafficked and has been used by several
different routes of administration. Its
use has been associated with a large
number of documented deaths, and for
most of these it has been the principal
cause of death. Cyclopropylfentanyl has
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no known therapeutic use and has been
associated with substantial harm.
• Recommendation 1.5: The
Committee recommended that
cyclopropylfentanyl (N-Phenyl-N-[1-(2phenylethyl)piperidin-4yl]cyclopropanecarboxamide) be added
to Schedule I of the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
2. Synthetic cannabinoids
2.1
ADB–FUBINACA
Substance identification
ADB–FUBINACA (N-[(2S)-1-amino3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3carboxamide) is encountered as a
powder, in solution or sprayed on
herbal material that mimics the
appearance of cannabis. It is sold as
herbal incense or branded products with
a variety of different names.
WHO review history
ADB–FUBINACA has not been
previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO Expert
Committee on Drug Dependence
(ECDD). A critical review was proposed
based on information brought to WHO’s
attention that ADB–FUBINACA poses
serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects
on the central nervous system
ADB–FUBINACA is similar to other
synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists
that are currently scheduled under the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
of 1971. It binds to both the CB1 and CB2
cannabinoid receptors with full agonist
activity as demonstrated by in vitro
studies. The efficacy and potency of
ADB–FUBINACA is substantially
greater when compared to D9-THC.
Reported clinical features of
intoxication include confusion,
agitation, somnolence, hypertension and
tachycardia, similar to other synthetic
cannabinoid receptor agonists.
jbell on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies
examining the dependence potential of
ADB–FUBINACA in humans or animals
were available. However, based on its
central nervous system action as a full
CB1 agonist, ADB–FUBINACA would be
expected to produce dependence in a
manner similar to or more pronounced
than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
ADB–FUBINACA is sold and used as
a substitute for cannabis. It is invariably
smoked or vaped (i.e. using an e-
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cigarette) but due to the nature of
synthetic cannabinoid products
(whereby drug components are
introduced onto herbal material), users
are unaware of which synthetic
cannabinoid may be contained within
such products. Evidence from case
reports in which ADB–FUBINACA has
been detected in biological samples has
demonstrated that use of this substance
has contributed to severe adverse
reactions in humans including death.
However, it was also noted that other
substances, including other synthetic
cannabinoids, were also present in the
urine or blood following non-fatal and
fatal intoxications and/or in the product
used. Evidence of use has been reported
in Europe, the United States and Asia.
In recognition of its abuse and
associated harm, ADB–FUBINACA has
been placed under national control in a
number of countries in several different
regions.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved
medical or veterinary uses of ADB–
FUBINACA.
Recommendation
ADB–FUBINACA is a synthetic
cannabinoid receptor agonist that is
used by smoking plant material sprayed
with the substance or inhaling vapour
after heating. Its mode of action suggests
the potential for dependence and
likelihood of abuse. Its use has been
associated with a range of severe
adverse effects including death. These
effects are similar to those produced by
other synthetic cannabinoids which
have a mechanism of action the same as
that of ADB–FUBINACA and which are
placed in Schedule II of the Convention
on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
ADB–FUBINACA has no therapeutic
usefulness.
• Recommendation 2.1: The
Committee recommended that ADB–
FUBINACA (N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3carboxamide) be added to Schedule II of
the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971.
2.2 FUB–AMB
Substance identification
FUB–AMB (chemical name: methyl
(2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1Hindazole-3- carbonyl}amino)-3methylbutanoate) is a synthetic
cannabinoid that is also referred to as
MMB–FUBINACA and AMB–
FUBINACA. FUB–AMB is encountered
as a powder, in solution or sprayed on
herbal material that mimics the
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appearance of cannabis. It is sold as
herbal incense or branded products with
a variety of different names.
WHO review history
FUB–AMB has not been previously
pre-reviewed or critically reviewed by
the WHO ECDD. A critical review was
proposed based on information brought
to WHO’s attention that FUB–AMB
poses serious risk to public health and
has no recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects
on the central nervous system
FUB–AMB is similar to other
synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists
that are currently scheduled under the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
of 1971. It binds to both the CB1 and CB2
cannabinoid receptors with full agonist
activity as demonstrated by in vitro
studies. The efficacy and potency of
FUB–AMB is substantially greater than
D 9-THC and it shares effects with other
synthetic cannabinoids including severe
central nervous system depression,
resulting in slowed behaviour and
speech.
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies
examining the dependence potential of
FUB–AMB in humans or animals were
available. However, based on its central
nervous system action as a full CB1
agonist, FUB–AMB would be expected
to produce dependence in a manner
similar to or more pronounced than
cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid
receptor agonist activity, FUB–AMB
produces complete dose-dependent
substitution for the discriminative
stimulus effects of D9-THC in mice by
various routes of administration. This
suggests that it has abuse potential at
least as great as that of D9-THC.
Evidence of the use of FUB–AMB has
been reported in Europe, the United
States and New Zealand. It is usually
smoked or vaped (i.e. using an ecigarette) but due to the nature of
synthetic cannabinoid products
(whereby drug components are
introduced onto herbal material), users
are unaware of which synthetic
cannabinoid may be contained within
such products.
FUB–AMB use was confirmed in case
reports of a mass intoxication in the
United States with the predominant
symptom being severe central nervous
system depression, resulting in slowed
behaviour and speech. It was reported
that in New Zealand there were at least
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20 deaths related to the use of FUB–
AMB. It was noted that the amounts of
FUB–AMB in confiscated products were
2 to 25 times greater than those reported
in the incidents in the United States.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved
medical or veterinary uses of FUB–
AMB.
Recommendation
FUB–AMB is a synthetic cannabinoid
receptor agonist that is used by smoking
plant material sprayed with the
substance or inhaling vapour after
heating. Its mode of action suggests the
potential for dependence and likelihood
of abuse. Its use has been associated
with a range of severe adverse effects
including a number of deaths. Its
mechanism of action and manner of use
are similar to other synthetic
cannabinoids placed in Schedule II of
the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971. FUB–AMB has no
therapeutic usefulness.
• Recommendation 2.2: The
Committee recommended that FUB–
AMB (chemical name: methyl (2S)-2({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1Hindazole-3-carbonyl}amino)-3methylbutanoate) be added to Schedule
II of the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971.
2.3
ADB–CHMINACA
Substance identification
ADB–CHMINACA (N-[(2S)-1-amino3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1(cyclohexylmethyl)indazole-3carboxamide) is a synthetic cannabinoid
that is also referred to as MAB–
CHMINACA. ADB–CHMINACA is
encountered as a powder, in solution or
sprayed on herbal material that mimics
the appearance of cannabis. It is sold as
herbal incense or branded products with
a variety of different names.
jbell on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
WHO review history
ADB–CHMINACA has not been
previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical
review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO’s attention
that ADB–CHMINACA poses a serious
risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects
on the central nervous system
ADB–CHMINACA is similar to other
synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists
that are currently scheduled under the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
of 1971. It binds to both the CB1 and CB2
cannabinoid receptors with full agonist
activity as demonstrated by in vitro
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studies. The efficacy and potency of
ADB–CHMINACA is substantially
greater than D9-THC and it is among the
most potent synthetic cannabinoids
studied to date. It shares a profile of
central nervous system mediated effects
with other synthetic cannabinoids.
ADB–CHMINACA demonstrates
decreased locomotor activity in mice in
a time and dose dependent fashion with
a rapid onset of action and long-lasting
effects.
Signs and symptoms of intoxication
arising from use of ADB–CHMINACA
have included tachycardia,
unresponsiveness, agitation,
combativeness, seizures, hyperemesis,
slurred speech, delirium and sudden
death. These are consistent with the
effects of other synthetic cannabinoids.
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies
examining the dependence potential of
ADB–CHMINACA in humans or
animals were available. However, based
on its central nervous system action as
a full CB1 agonist, ADB–CHMINACA
would be expected to produce
dependence in a manner similar to or
more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid
receptor agonist activity, ADB–
CHMINACA fully substituted for D9THC in drug discrimination tests. This
suggests that it has abuse potential at
least as great as that of D9-THC.
Evidence of the use of ADB–
CHMINACA has been reported in
Europe, the United States and Japan,
including cases of driving under the
influence. It is invariably smoked or
vaped (i.e. using an e-cigarette) but due
to the nature of synthetic cannabinoid
products (whereby drug components are
introduced onto herbal material), users
are unaware of which synthetic
cannabinoid may be contained within
such products.
ADB–CHMINACA use was
analytically confirmed in case reports of
several drug-induced clusters of severe
illness and death in the United States.
In Europe, 13 deaths with analytically
confirmed use of ADB–CHMINACA
were reported between 2014 and 2016,
and another death occurred in Japan.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved
medical or veterinary uses of ADB–
CHMINACA.
Recommendation
ADB–CHMINACA is a synthetic
cannabinoid receptor agonist that is
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used by smoking plant material sprayed
with the substance or inhaling vapour
after heating. It has effects that are
similar to other synthetic cannabinoid
receptor agonists placed in Schedule II
of the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971. Its mode of action
suggests the potential for dependence
and likelihood of abuse. Its use has
resulted in numerous cases of severe
intoxication and death. There is
evidence that ADB–CHMINACA has
been associated with fatal and non-fatal
intoxications in a number of countries.
The substance causes substantial harm
and has no therapeutic usefulness.
Recommendation 2.3: The
Committee recommended that ADB–
CHMINACA (chemical name: N-[(2S)-1amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamide) be added to Schedule II of
the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971.
2.4 CUMYL–4CN–BINACA
Substance identification
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA (chemical
name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamide) is a synthetic
cannabinoid. It is encountered as a
powder, in solution or sprayed on
herbal material that mimics the
appearance of cannabis. It is sold as
herbal incense or branded products with
a variety of different names.
WHO review history
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA has not been
previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical
review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO’s attention
that CUMYL–4CN–BINACA poses
serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects
on the central nervous system
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA is similar to
other synthetic cannabinoid receptor
agonists that are currently scheduled
under the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971. It binds to both the
CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors with
full agonist activity as demonstrated by
in vitro studies. The efficacy and
potency of CUMYL–4CN–BINACA is
substantially greater than D9-THC and it
shares a profile of central nervous
system mediated effects with other
synthetic cannabinoids. Data have
shown that it produced hypothermia in
mice in common with other CB1
cannabinoid receptor agonists.
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Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies
examining the dependence potential of
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA in humans or
animals were available. However, based
on its central nervous system action as
a full CB1 agonist, CUMYL–4CN–
BINACA would be expected to produce
dependence in a manner similar to or
more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid
receptor agonist activity, CUMYL–4CN–
BINACA fully substituted for D9-THC in
drug discrimination tests. This suggests
that it has abuse potential at least as
great as that of D9-THC.
Evidence of the use of CUMYL–4CN–
BINACA has been currently reported
only from Europe but this may be due
to under-reporting including through
lack of detection in other countries. In
Europe, CUMYL–4CN–BINACA has
been among the most frequently seized
synthetic cannabinoids. It is invariably
smoked or vaped (i.e. using an ecigarette) but due to the nature of
synthetic cannabinoid products
(whereby drug components are
introduced onto herbal material), users
are unaware of which synthetic
cannabinoid may be contained within
such products.
A number of non-fatal intoxications
involving CUMYL–4CN–BINACA have
been reported. CUMYL–4CN–BINACA
has been analytically confirmed as being
present in 11 fatalities and 5 non-fatal
intoxications in Europe. In 2 deaths,
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA was the only
drug present.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved
medical or veterinary uses of CUMYL–
4CN–BINACA.
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Recommendation
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA is a synthetic
cannabinoid receptor agonist that is
used by smoking plant material sprayed
with the substance or inhaling vapour
after heating and is sold under a variety
of brand names. It has effects that are
similar to other synthetic cannabinoid
receptor agonists placed in Schedule II
of the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971. Its mode of action
suggests the potential for dependence
and likelihood of abuse. There is
evidence that CUMYL–4CN–BINACA
has been associated with fatal and nonfatal intoxications in a number of
countries. The substance causes
substantial harm and has no therapeutic
usefulness.
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• Recommendation 2.4: The
Committee recommended that CUMYL–
4CN–BINACA (chemical name: 1-(4cyanobutyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) be added to
Schedule II of the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
3.
3.1
Cathinone
Dependence potential
N-ethylnorpentylone
Substance identification
N-Ethylnorpentylone (chemical name:
1-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(ethylamino)pentan-1-one) is a ringsubstituted synthetic cathinone
analogue that originally emerged in the
1960s during pharmaceutical drug
development efforts. It is also known as
ephylone and incorrectly referred to as
N-ethylpentylone. In its pure form, NEthylnorpentylone exists as a racemic
mixture in form of a powder or
crystalline solid. However, the
substance is usually available as a
capsule, powered tablet, pill and
powder often sold as ‘‘Ecstasy’’ or
MDMA. N-Ethylnorpentylone is also
available in its own right and is
advertised for sale by internet retailers.
WHO review history
N-Ethylnorpentylone has not been
previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO Expert
Committee on Drug Dependence
(ECDD). A critical review was proposed
based on information brought to WHO’s
attention that N-Ethylnorpentylone
poses serious risk to public health and
has no recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects
on the central nervous system
The information currently available
suggests that N-Ethylnorpentylone is a
psychomotor stimulant. NEthylnorpentylone users exhibit
psychomotor stimulant effects including
agitation, paranoia, tachycardia and
sweating which are consistent with
other substituted cathinone and central
nervous system stimulant drugs. Not all
reported adverse effects could be
causally linked to N-Ethylnorpentylone
alone, but there are indications that the
observed effects are consistent with
those seen with other psychomotor
stimulants, with some instances
involving cardiac arrest.
Its molecular mechanism of action is
similar to the synthetic cathinones
MDPV and a-PVP which are both listed
in Schedule II of the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971. In
vitro investigations showed that NEthylnorpentylone inhibited the
reuptake of dopamine, noradrenaline
and, to a lesser extent, serotonin, which
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is consistent with closely related other
substituted cathinones with known
abuse liability and with cocaine.
There is no specific information
available to indicate that NEthylnorpentylone may be converted
into a substance currently controlled
under the U.N. Conventions.
No controlled experimental studies
examining the dependence potential of
N-Ethylnorpentylone in humans or
animals were available. However, based
on its action in the central nervous
system, it would be expected that NEthylnorpentylone would have the
capacity to produce a state of
dependence similar to that of other
stimulants such as the ones listed in
Schedule II of the Convention on
Psychotropic Drugs of 1971.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
In rodent drug discrimination studies,
N-Ethylnorpentylone fully substituted
for methamphetamine and cocaine, and
it was also shown to increase activity
levels, suggesting it has potential for
abuse similar to other psychomotor
stimulants.
N-Ethylnorpentylone has been
detected in biological fluids collected
from a number of cases involving
adverse effects including deaths. It is
frequently used in combination with
other drugs. Users may be unaware of
the additional risks of harm associated
with the consumption of NEthylnorpentylone either alone or in
combination with other drugs. Users
may also be unaware of the exact dose
or compound being ingested.
A number of countries in various
regions have reported use or detection
of this compound in either seized
materials or biological samples of
individuals, including in cases of
driving under the influence of drugs.
Increased seizures of NEthylnorpentylone were reported by the
United States over the last 2 years. NEthylnorpentylone has been detected in
biological fluids collected from fatal and
non-fatal cases of intoxication with a
total of 125 toxicological reports
associated with N-Ethynorpentylone
between 2016 and 2018 having been
documented.
The current available data therefore
suggest that N-Ethylnorpentylone is
liable to abuse.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
N-Ethylnorpentylone is not known to
have any therapeutic uses.
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Recommendation
N-Ethylnorpentylone is a synthetic
cathinone with effects that are similar to
other synthetic cathinones listed as
Schedule II substances in the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
of 1971. Its mode of action and effects
are consistent with those of other
central nervous system stimulants such
as cocaine, indicating that it has
significant potential for dependence and
likelihood of abuse. There is evidence of
use of N-Ethylnorpentylone in a number
of countries in various regions and this
use has resulted in fatal and non-fatal
intoxications. The substance causes
substantial harm and has no therapeutic
usefulness. Accordingly:
• Recommendation 3.1: The
Committee recommended that NEthylnorpentylone (chemical name: 1(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(ethylamino)pentan-1-one) be added to
Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on
Psychotropic Substances.
4. Medicines
4.1
Pregabalin
Substance identification
Chemically, pregabalin is (3S)-3(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid.
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WHO review history
Pregabalin was previewed by the 39th
ECDD in November 2017.
Similarity to known substances/effects
on the central nervous system
Pregabalin is an inhibitor of alpha-2delta subunit containing voltage-gated
calcium channels (VGCCs). Through
this mechanism it decreases the release
of neurotransmitters such as glutamate,
noradrenaline and substance P. It has
been suggested that pregabalin exerts its
therapeutic effects by reducing the
neuronal activation of hyper-excited
neurons while leaving normal activation
unaffected. The mechanism(s) by which
pregabalin produces euphoric effects or
induces physical dependence is
unknown.
Despite being a chemical analogue of
the neurotransmitter gamma
aminobutyric acid (GABA), pregabalin
does not influence GABA activity via
either GABA receptors or
benzodiazepine receptors. However,
pregabalin has been found to produce
effects that are similar to those
produced by controlled substances,
such as benzodiazepines, that increase
GABA activity.
Dependence potential
Tolerance has been shown to develop
to the effects of pregabalin, particularly
the euphoric effects. A number of
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published reports have described
physical dependence associated with
pregabalin use in humans. The
withdrawal symptoms that occur
following abrupt discontinuation of
pregabalin include insomnia, nausea,
headache, anxiety, sweating, and
diarrhoea. Current evidence suggests
that the incidence and severity of
withdrawal symptoms may be doserelated and hence those taking doses
above the normal therapeutic range are
most at risk of withdrawal. At
therapeutic doses, withdrawal may be
minimized by gradual dose tapering.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood to produce abuse
While some preclinical research using
self-administration and conditioned
place preference models has shown
reinforcing effects of pregabalin, taken
as a whole, the results from such
research are contradictory and
inconclusive.
In clinical trials, patients have
reported euphoria, although tolerance
develops rapidly to this effect. Human
laboratory research is very limited and
only a relatively low dose of pregabalin
has been tested in a general population
sample; the results indicated low abuse
liability. However, a higher dose of
pregabalin administered to users of
alcohol or sedative/hypnotic drugs was
rated similar to diazepam, indicative of
abuse liability.
Pregabalin is more likely to be abused
by individuals who are using other
psychoactive drugs (especially opioids)
with significant potential of adverse
effects among these subpopulations. The
adverse effects of pregabalin include
dizziness, blurred vision, impaired
coordination, impaired attention,
somnolence, confusion and impaired
thinking. Other reported harms
associated with non-medical use of
pregabalin include suicidal ideation and
impaired driving. Users of pregabalin in
a number of countries have sought
treatment for dependence on the drug.
Whilst pregabalin has been cited as the
main cause of death in over 30
documented overdose fatalities, there
are very few cases of fatal intoxications
resulting from pregabalin use alone and
the vast majority of instances involve
other central nervous system
depressants such as opioids and
benzodiazepines.
There is only limited information
regarding the scope and magnitude of
the illicit trade in pregabalin, but there
is evidence of illicit marketing through
online pharmacies.
Pregabalin is under national control
in many countries across different
regions of the world.
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Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Pregabalin is used for the treatment of
neuropathic pain, including painful
diabetic peripheral neuropathy and
postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia,
anxiety and the adjunctive treatment of
partial seizures. The exact indications
for which pregabalin has received
approval vary across countries.
Pregabalin has also been used for
conditions such as substance use
disorders, alcohol withdrawal
syndrome, restless legs syndrome and
migraine.
Recommendation
The Committee noted that there has
been increasing concern in many
countries regarding the abuse of
pregabalin. A number of cases of
dependence have been reported and
there are increasing reports of adverse
effects. While these problems are
concentrated in certain drug using
populations, there is presently limited
data on the extent of the problems
related to pregabalin abuse in the
general population. The Committee also
noted that pregabalin has approved
therapeutic uses for a range of medical
conditions, including some for which
there are few therapeutic options. Given
the limitations in the available
information regarding the abuse of
pregabalin:
• Recommendation 4.1: The
Committee recommended that
pregabalin (chemical name: (3S)-3(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid)
should not be scheduled but be kept
under surveillance by the WHO
Secretariat.
4.2
Tramadol
Substance identification
Tramadol (chemical name: (1R*,2R*)2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol) is a
white, bitter, crystalline and odourless
powder soluble in water and ethanol.
Tramadol is marketed as the
hydrochloride salt and is available in a
variety of pharmaceutical formulations
for oral (tablets, capsules), sublingual
(drops), intranasal, rectal
(suppositories), intravenous,
subcutaneous, and intramuscular
administration. It is also available in
combination with acetaminophen
(paracetamol). Preparations of tramadol
are available as immediate- and
extended-release formulations.
WHO review history
Tramadol has been considered for
critical review by the ECDD five times:
in 1992, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2014.
Tramadol was pre-reviewed at the 39th
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ECDD meeting in November 2017 and it
was recommended that tramadol be
subject to a critical review at a
subsequent ECDD meeting. The
Committee requested the WHO
Secretariat to collect additional data for
the critical review, including
information on the extent of problems
associated with tramadol misuse in
countries. Also, the Committee asked for
information on the medical use of
tramadol including the extent to which
low income countries, and aid and relief
agencies, use and possibly rely on
tramadol for provision of analgesia. In
response to these requests, the WHO
Secretariat collected data from Member
States and relief agencies on the extent
of medical use of tramadol, its misuse
and on the level of control implemented
in countries.
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Similarity to known substances/effects
on the central nervous system
Tramadol is a weak opioid analgesic
that produces opioid-like effects
primarily due to its metabolite, Odesmethyltramadol (M1). The analgesic
effect of tramadol is also believed to
involve its actions on noradrenergic and
serotonergic receptor systems. The
adverse effects of tramadol are
consistent with its dual opioid and nonopioid mechanisms of action and they
include dizziness, nausea, constipation
and headache. In overdose, symptoms
such as lethargy, nausea, agitation,
hostility, aggression, tachycardia,
hypertension and other cardiac
complications, renal complications,
seizures, respiratory depression and
coma have been reported. Serotonin
syndrome (a group of symptoms
associated with high concentrations of
the neurotransmitter serotonin that
include elevated body temperature,
agitation, confusion, enhanced reflexes,
and tremor and might result in seizures
and respiratory arrest) is a potential
complication of the use of tramadol in
combination with other serotonergic
drugs. Tramadol has been detected in a
number of deaths. It is often present
along with other drugs, including
opioids, benzodiazepines and
antidepressants, but fatalities have also
been reported due to tramadol alone.
Dependence potential
Evidence suggests that the
development of physical dependence to
tramadol is dose-related, and
administration of supra-therapeutic
doses leads to a similar dependence
profile to morphine and other opioids
such as oxycodone and methadone.
There are reports of considerable
number of people with tramadol
dependence seeking help. Withdrawal
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symptoms include those typical of
opioids such as pain, sweating,
diarrhoea and insomnia as well as
symptoms not normally seen with
opioids and related to noradrenergic
and serotonergic activity, such as
hallucinations, paranoia, confusion and
sensory abnormalities. Low dose
tramadol use over extended periods is
associated with a lower risk of
dependence.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of
likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its opioid mechanism
of action, human brain imaging has
shown that tramadol activates brain
reward pathways associated with abuse.
While reports from people administered
tramadol in controlled settings have
shown that it is identified as opioid-like
and tramadol has reinforcing effects in
experienced opioid users, these effects
may be weaker than those produced by
opioids such as morphine and may be
partially offset by unpleasant effects of
tramadol such as sweating, tremor,
agitation, anxiety and insomnia.
Abuse, dependence and overdose
from tramadol have emerged as serious
public health concerns in countries
across several regions. Epidemiological
studies in the past have reported a lower
tendency for tramadol misuse when
compared to other opioids, but more
recent information indicates a growing
number of people abusing tramadol,
particularly in a number of Middle
Eastern and African countries. The
sources of tramadol include diverted
medicines as well as falsified medicines
containing high doses of tramadol.
Seizures of illicitly trafficked tramadol,
particularly in African countries, have
risen dramatically in recent years.
The oral route of administration has
been the predominant mode of tramadol
abuse as it results in a greater opioid
effect compared to other routes. It is
unlikely that tramadol will be injected
to any significant extent. Abuse of
tramadol is likely to be influenced by
genetic factors such that some people
will experience a much stronger opioid
effect following tramadol administration
compared to others. The genotype
associated with a stronger opioid effect
following tramadol administration
occurs at different rates in populations
across different parts of the world.
Many countries have placed tramadol
under national control.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Tramadol is used to treat both acute
and chronic pain of moderate to severe
intensity. The conditions for which
tramadol has been used include
osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, chronic
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low back pain, cancer pain and
postoperative pain. It has also been used
for treatment of restless leg syndrome
and opioid withdrawal management. As
is the case with abuse potential, the
analgesic efficacy and the nature of
adverse effects experienced are strongly
influenced by genetic factors.
Systematic reviews have reported that
the ability of tramadol to control
chronic pain such as cancer pain is less
than optimal, and its use is associated
with a relatively high prevalence of
adverse effects.
Tramadol is listed on the national
essential medicines lists of many
countries across diverse regions, but it
is not listed on the WHO Lists of
Essential Medicines.
As an opioid analgesic available in
generic forms which is not under
international control, tramadol is widely
used in many countries where access to
other opioids for the management of
pain is limited. It is also used
extensively by international aid
organisations in emergency and crisis
situations for the same reasons.
Recommendations
The Committee was concerned by the
increasing evidence for tramadol abuse
in a number of countries in diverse
regions, in particular the widespread
abuse of tramadol in many low to
middle income countries. Equally
concerning was the clear lack of
alternative analgesics for moderate to
severe pain for which tramadol is used.
The Committee was strongly of the view
that the extent of abuse and evidence of
public health risks associated with
tramadol warranted consideration of
scheduling, but the Committee
recommended that tramadol not be
scheduled at this time in order that
access to this medication not be
adversely impacted, especially in
countries where tramadol may be the
only available opioid analgesic or in
crisis situations where there is very
limited or no access at all to other
opioids.
The Committee also strongly urged
the WHO and its partners to address, as
a high priority, the grossly inadequate
access and availability of opioid pain
medication in low income countries.
WHO and its partners are also strongly
encouraged to update and disseminate
WHO pain management guidelines and
to support both country-specific
capacity building needs and prevention
and treatment initiatives in order to
address the tramadol crisis in low
income countries. The Committee also
recommended that WHO and its
partners support countries in
strengthening their regulatory capacity
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and mechanisms for preventing the
supply and use of falsified and
substandard tramadol.
Recommendation 4.2: The
Committee recommended that the WHO
Secretariat continues to keep tramadol
under surveillance, collect information
on the extent of problems associated
with tramadol misuse in countries and
on its medical use, and that it be
considered for review at a subsequent
meeting.
III. Discussion
Although WHO has made specific
scheduling recommendations for each of
the drug substances, the CND is not
obliged to follow the WHO
recommendations. Options available to
the CND for substances considered for
control under the Psychotropic
Convention include the following: (1)
Accept the WHO recommendations; (2)
accept the recommendations to control,
but control the drug substance in a
schedule other than that recommended;
or (3) reject the recommendations
entirely.
ADB–FUBINACA (chemical name: N[1-(aminocarbonyl)-2,2dimethylpropyl]-1-[(4fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3carboxamide) is an indazole-based
synthetic cannabinoid that is a potent,
full agonist at CB1 receptors. This
substance functionally (biologically)
mimics the effects of the structurally
unrelated delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC), a Schedule I substance, and the
main psychoactive chemical constituent
in the cannabis (marijuana) plant.
Synthetic cannabinoids have been
marketed under the guise of ‘‘herbal
incense,’’ and promoted by drug
traffickers as legal alternatives to
marijuana. ADB–FUBINACA use has
been associated with serious adverse
events including death in the United
States. There are no commercial or
approved medical uses for ADB–
FUBINACA. On April 10, 2017, ADB–
FUBINACA was temporarily controlled
as a Schedule I substance under the
CSA. As such, additional permanent
controls will be necessary to fulfill U.S.
obligations if ADB–FUBINACA is
controlled under Schedule II of the 1971
Convention on Psychotropic
Substances.
FUB–AMB (other names: MMB–
FUBINACA; AMB–FUBINACA;
chemical name: methyl 2-(1-(4fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamido)-3-methylbutanoate) is an
indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid
that is a potent full agonist at CB1
receptors. This substance functionally
(biologically) mimics the effects of the
structurally unrelated THC, a Schedule
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I substance, and the main psychoactive
chemical constituent in marijuana.
Synthetic cannabinoids have been
marketed under the guise of ‘‘herbal
incense,’’ and promoted by drug
traffickers as legal alternatives to
marijuana. FUB–AMB use has been
associated with serious adverse events
including death in the United States.
There are no commercial or approved
medical uses for FUB–AMB. On
November 3, 2017, FUB–AMB was
temporarily controlled as a Schedule I
substance under the CSA. As such,
additional permanent controls will be
necessary to fulfill U.S. obligations if
FUB–AMB is controlled under Schedule
II of the 1971 Convention on
Psychotropic Substances.
ADB–CHMINACA (other name:
MAB–CHMINACA; chemical name: N(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indole-3carboxamide) is an indazole-based
synthetic cannabinoid that is a potent
full agonist at CB1 receptors. This
substance functionally (biologically)
mimics the effects of the structurally
THC, a Schedule I substance, and the
main psychoactive chemical constituent
in marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids
have been marketed under the guise of
‘‘herbal incense,’’ and promoted by drug
traffickers as legal alternatives to
marijuana. ADB–CHMINACA use has
been associated with serious adverse
events including death in the United
States. There are no commercial or
approved medical uses for ADB–
CHMINACA. On January 29, 2019,
ADB–CHMINACA was permanently
controlled as a Schedule I substance
under the CSA. As such, additional
permanent controls will not be
necessary to fulfill U.S. obligations if
ADB–CHMINACA is controlled under
Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on
Psychotropic Substances.
CUMYL–4CN–BINACA (chemical
name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamide) is a clandestinely
produced indazole-3-carboxamide based
synthetic cannabinoid that has been
sold online and used to mimic the
biological effects of THC, the main
psychoactive chemical constituent in
marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids have
been marketed under the guise of
‘‘herbal incense,’’ and promoted by drug
traffickers as legal alternatives to
marijuana. Hospital, scientific
publications and law enforcement
reports show that CUMYL–4CN–
BUTINACA is abused for its
psychoactive properties. CUMYL–4CN–
BUTINACA has been associated with
serious adverse events in the United
States, in addition to multiple deaths in
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Europe. CUMYL–4CN–BUTINACA has
no commercial or medical uses. On July
10, 2018, CUMYL–4CN–BUTINACA
was temporarily controlled as a
Schedule I substance under the CSA. As
such, additional permanent controls
will be necessary to fulfill U.S.
obligations if CUMYL–4CN–BUTINACA
is controlled under Schedule II of the
1971 Convention on Psychotropic
Substances.
Cyclopropyl fentanyl is a synthetic
opioid that has a pharmacological
profile similar to other Schedule I and
II controlled opioid substances such as
acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, and other
related m-opioid receptor agonist
substances. This clandestinely produced
analog of fentanyl is associated with
adverse events typically associated with
opioid use such as respiratory
depression, anxiety, constipation,
tiredness, hallucinations, and
withdrawal. Cyclopropyl fentanyl has
been associated with numerous
fatalities. At least 115 confirmed
overdose deaths involving cyclopropyl
fentanyl abuse have been reported in the
United States. Cyclopropyl fentanyl has
no commercial or currently accepted
medical uses in the United States. On
January 4, 2018, cyclopropyl fentanyl
was temporarily placed into Schedule I
of the CSA. As such, additional
permanent controls will be necessary to
fulfill U.S. obligations if Cyclopropyl
fentanyl is controlled under Schedule I
of the 1961 Single Convention.
Methoxyacetyl fentanyl has a
pharmacological profile similar to other
Schedule I and II opioid substances
such as acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, and
other related m-opioid receptor agonist
substances. Evidence suggests that the
pattern of abuse of fentanyl analogues,
including methoxyacetyl fentanyl is
similar to heroin and prescription
opioid analgesics. Law enforcement and
public health reports demonstrate that
methoxyacetyl fentanyl is being illicitly
distributed and abused. The Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) is
aware of at least two overdose deaths
associated with the abuse of
methoxyacetyl fentanyl in the United
States. Methoxyacetyl fentanyl has no
currently accepted medical use in
treatment in the United States. On
October 26, 2017, methoxyacetyl
fentanyl was temporarily placed into
Schedule I of the CSA. As such,
additional permanent controls will be
necessary to fulfill U.S. obligations if
methoxyacetyl fentanyl is controlled
under Schedule I of the 1961 Single
Convention.
Para-fluorobutyrfentanyl shares
pharmacological profile with other
Schedule I (e.g. butyryl fentanyl) and II
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(e.g., fentanyl) opioid substances. Parafluorobutyrfentanyl has no currently
accepted medical use in treatment in the
United States. The abuse of parafluorobutyrfentanyl carries public
health risks similar to that of heroin,
fentanyl, and prescription opioid
analgesics. On February 1, 2018, parafluorobutyrfentanyl was temporarily
placed into Schedule I of the CSA. As
such, additional permanent controls
will be necessary to fulfill U.S.
obligations if Para-fluorobutyrfentanyl
is controlled under Schedule I of the
1961 Single Convention.
Ortho-fluorofentanyl has a
pharmacological profile similar to
fentanyl and other related m-opioid
receptor agonist. Ortho-fluorofentanyl
has no currently accepted medical use
in treatment in the United States. Orthofluorofentanyl has been encountered by
law enforcement and public health
officials. The DEA has received reports
for at least 13 confirmed overdose
deaths involving ortho-fluorofentanyl
abuse in the United States. On October
26, 2017, ortho-fluorofentanyl was
temporarily placed into Schedule I of
the CSA. As such, additional permanent
controls will be necessary to fulfill U.S.
obligations if Ortho-fluorofentanyl is
controlled under Schedule I of the 1961
Single Convention.
N-ethylnorpentylone (other name: Nethylpentylone) is a synthetic cathinone
with stimulant and psychoactive
properties similar to cathinone, a
Schedule I substance. N-Ethylpentylone
abuse has been associated with adverse
health effects leading to emergency
department admissions, and deaths. NEthylpentylone has no currently
accepted medical use in treatment in the
United States. On August 31, 2018, Nethylnorpentylone was temporarily
controlled as a Schedule I substance
under the CSA. As such, additional
permanent controls will be necessary to
fulfill U.S. obligations if Nethylnorpentylone is controlled under
Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on
Psychotropic Substances.
FDA, on behalf of the Secretary of
HHS, invites interested persons to
submit comments on the notifications
from the United Nations concerning
these drug substances. FDA, in
cooperation with the National Institute
on Drug Abuse, will consider the
comments on behalf of HHS in
evaluating the WHO scheduling
recommendations. Then, under section
201(d)(2)(B) of the CSA, HHS will
recommend to the Secretary of State
what position the United States should
take when voting on the
recommendations for control of
substances under the Psychotropic
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:13 Feb 28, 2019
Jkt 247001
Convention at the CND meeting in
March 2019.
Comments regarding the WHO
recommendations for control of
Cyclopropyl fentanyl; Methoxyacetyl
fentanyl; Ortho-fluorofentanyl; Parafluorobutyrfentanyl; under the 1961
Single Convention will also be
forwarded to the relevant Agencies for
consideration in developing the U.S.
position regarding narcotic substances
at the CND meeting.
Dated: February 25, 2019.
Lowell J. Schiller,
Acting Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019–03663 Filed 2–28–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA–2019–N–0077]
Patient Perspectives on the Impact of
Rare Diseases: Bridging the
Commonalities; Public Meeting;
Request for Comments
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
Notice of public meeting;
request for comments.
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA or the Agency) is
announcing a public meeting and an
opportunity for public comment on
‘‘Patient Perspectives on the Impact of
Rare Diseases: Bridging the
Commonalities.’’ This public meeting is
intended to obtain patients’ and
caregivers’ perspectives on impacts of
rare diseases on daily life and to assess
commonalities that may help the
Agency and medical product developers
further understand and advance the
development of treatments for rare
diseases. Developing a treatment for a
rare disease can present unique
challenges, such as the small number of
individuals affected and heterogenous
etiologies and manifestations. While the
differences between rare diseases are
critically important, it is also important
to assess commonalities to synergize
product development in rare diseases.
The goal of this meeting is to identify
common issues and symptoms in rare
diseases to help advance medical
product development, potentially
through the creation of novel endpoints
or trial designs that focus on
commonalities across a variety of rare
diseases.
DATES: The public meeting will be held
on April 29, 2019, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
PO 00000
Frm 00067
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
The online registration to attend must
be received by April 15, 2019. Onsite
registration on the day of the meeting
will be based on space availability.
Submit either electronic or written
comments on the public meeting by
May 30, 2019. See the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section for registration date
and information.
ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be
held at the FDA White Oak Campus,
10903 New Hampshire Ave., Building
31 Conference Center, the Great Room
(Rm. 1503), Silver Spring, MD 20993–
0002. Entrance for the public meeting
participants (non-FDA employees) is
through Building 1, where routine
security check procedures will be
performed. For parking and security
information, please refer to https://www.
fda.gov/AboutFDA/WorkingatFDA/
BuildingsandFacilities/WhiteOak
CampusInformation/ucm241740.htm.
You may submit comments as
follows. Please note that late, untimely
filed comments will not be considered.
Electronic comments must be submitted
on or before May 30, 2019. The https://
www.regulations.gov electronic filing
system will accept comments until
midnight Eastern Time at the end of
May 30, 2019. Comments received by
mail/hand delivery/courier (for written/
paper submissions) will be considered
timely if they are postmarked or the
delivery service acceptance receipt is on
or before that date.
Electronic Submissions
Submit electronic comments in the
following way:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Comments submitted electronically,
including attachments, to https://
www.regulations.gov will be posted to
the docket unchanged. Because your
comment will be made public, you are
solely responsible for ensuring that your
comment does not include any
confidential information that you or a
third party may not wish to be posted,
such as medical information, your or
anyone else’s Social Security number, or
confidential business information, such
as a manufacturing process. Please note
that if you include your name, contact
information, or other information that
identifies you in the body of your
comments, that information will be
posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
• If you want to submit a comment
with confidential information that you
do not wish to be made available to the
public, submit the comment as a
written/paper submission and in the
manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper
Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).
E:\FR\FM\01MRN1.SGM
01MRN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 41 (Friday, March 1, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7070-7082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03663]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA-2019-N-0671]
International Drug Scheduling; Convention on Psychotropic
Substances; Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs; World Health
Organization; Scheduling Recommendations; Cyclopropyl Fentanyl;
Methoxyacetyl Fentanyl; Ortho-Fluorofentanyl; Para-Fluorobutyrfentanyl;
N-Ethylnorpentylone; and Four Additional Substances; Request for
Comments
AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.
ACTION: Notice of comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is providing interested
persons with the opportunity to submit written comments concerning
recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) to impose
international manufacturing and distributing restrictions, under
international treaties, on certain drug substances. The comments
received in response to this notice will be considered in preparing the
United States' position on these proposals for a meeting of the United
Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria, in March
18-22, 2019. This notice is issued under the Controlled Substances Act
(CSA).
DATES: Submit either electronic or written comments by March 14, 2019.
[[Page 7071]]
The short time period for the submission of comments is needed to
ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may, in a
timely fashion, carry out the required action and be responsive to the
United Nations.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments as follows. Please note that late,
untimely filed comments will not be considered. Electronic comments
must be submitted on or before March 14, 2019. The https://www.regulations.gov electronic filing system will accept comments until
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time at the end of March 14, 2019. Comments received
by mail/hand delivery/courier (for written/paper submissions) will be
considered timely if they are postmarked or the delivery service
acceptance receipt is on or before that date.
Electronic Submissions
Submit electronic comments in the following way:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted
electronically, including attachments, to https://www.regulations.gov
will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be
made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your comment
does not include any confidential information that you or a third party
may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone
else's Social Security number, or confidential business information,
such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your
name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in
the body of your comments, that information will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
If you want to submit a comment with confidential
information that you do not wish to be made available to the public,
submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner
detailed (see ``Written/Paper Submissions'' and ``Instructions'').
Written/Paper Submissions
Submit written/paper submissions as follows:
Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for written/paper
submissions): Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug
Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
For written/paper comments submitted to the Dockets
Management Staff, FDA will post your comment, as well as any
attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified,
as confidential, if submitted as detailed in ``Instructions.''
Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No.
FDA-2019-N-0671 for ``International Drug Scheduling; Convention on
Psychotropic Substances; Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs; World
Health Organization; Scheduling Recommendations; Cyclopropyl Fentanyl;
Methoxyacetyl Fentanyl; Ortho-Fluorofentanyl; Para-Fluorobutyrfentanyl;
N-Ethylnorpentylone; ADB-FUBINACA; FUB-AMB(MMB-FUBINACA_AMB-FUBINACA);
ADB-CHMINACA; CUMYL-4CN-BINACA; Request for Comments.'' Received
comments, those filed in a timely manner (see ADDRESSES), will be
placed in the docket and, except for those submitted as ``Confidential
Submissions,'' publicly viewable at https://www.regulations.gov or at
the Dockets Management Staff between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
Confidential Submissions--To submit a comment with
confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly
available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You
should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information
you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states
``THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.'' The Agency will
review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in
its consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the
claimed confidential information redacted/blacked out, will be
available for public viewing and posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
Submit both copies to the Dockets Management Staff. If you do not wish
your name and contact information to be made publicly available, you
can provide this information on the cover sheet and not in the body of
your comments and you must identify this information as
``confidential.'' Any information marked as ``confidential'' will not
be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other
applicable disclosure law. For more information about FDA's posting of
comments to public dockets, see 80 FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or
access the information at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-23389.pdf.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in
the heading of this document, into the ``Search'' box and follow the
prompts and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane,
Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James R. Hunter, Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research, Controlled Substance Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave. Bldg. 51, Rm. 5150, Silver
Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-796-3156, james.hunter@fda.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The United States is a party to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic
Substances (Psychotropic Convention). Section 201(d)(2)(B) of the CSA
(21 U.S.C. 811(d)(2)(B)) provides that when the United States is
notified under Article 2 of the Psychotropic Convention that the CND
proposes to decide whether to add a drug or other substance to one of
the schedules of the Psychotropic Convention, transfer a drug or
substance from one schedule to another, or delete it from the
schedules, the Secretary of State must transmit notice of such
information to the Secretary of HHS. The Secretary of HHS must then
publish a summary of such information in the Federal Register and
provide opportunity for interested persons to submit comments. The
Secretary of HHS must then evaluate the proposal and furnish a
recommendation to the Secretary of State that shall be binding on the
representative of the United States in discussions and negotiations
relating to the proposal.
As detailed in the following paragraphs, the Secretary of State has
received notification from the Secretary-General of the United Nations
(the Secretary-General) regarding five substances to be considered for
control under the Psychotropic Convention. This notification reflects
the recommendation from the 41st WHO Expert Committee for Drug
Dependence (ECDD), which met in November 2018. In the Federal Register
of October 10, 2018 (83 FR 50938), FDA announced the WHO ECDD review
and invited interested persons to submit information for WHO's
consideration.
The full text of the notification from the Secretary-General is
provided in section II of this document. Section 201(d)(2)(B) of the
CSA requires the Secretary of HHS, after receiving a notification
proposing scheduling, to publish a notice in the Federal Register to
provide the opportunity for interested persons to submit information
and comments on the proposed scheduling action.
[[Page 7072]]
The United States is also a party to the 1961 Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs (1961 Single Convention). The Secretary of State has
received a notification from the Secretary-General regarding four
substances to be considered for control under this convention. The CSA
does not require HHS to publish a summary of such information in the
Federal Register. Nevertheless, to provide interested and affected
persons an opportunity to submit comments regarding the WHO
recommendations for narcotic drugs, the notification regarding these
substances is also included in this Federal Register notice. The
comments will be shared with other relevant agencies to assist the
Secretary of State in formulating the position of the United States on
the control of these substances. The HHS recommendations are not
binding on the representative of the United States in discussions and
negotiations relating to the proposal regarding control of substances
under the 1961 Single Convention.
II. United Nations Notification
The formal notification from the United Nations that identifies the
drug substances and explains the basis for the recommendations is
reproduced as follows (non-relevant text removed):
Reference: NAR/CL.2/2019
WHO/ECDD41; 1961C-Art.3, 1971C-Art.2 CU
2019/35/DTA/SGB (A)
The Secretary-General of the United Nations presents his
compliments to the Secretary of State of the United States of America
and has the honour to inform the Government that on 28 January 2019, he
received a notification from the Director-General of the World Health
Organization (WHO), pursuant to article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3 of the
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 as amended by the 1972
Protocol (1961 Convention), and article 2, paragraphs 1 and 4 of the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 (1971 Convention) with
the following recommendations regarding ten New Psychoactive Substances
(NPS):
Substances recommended to be added to Schedule I of the 1961
Convention:
--Parafluorobutyrylfentanyl
chemical name: N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]butanamide
--Ortho-fluorofentanyl
chemical name: N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]propanamide
--Methoxyacetyl fentanyl
chemical name: 2-methoxy-N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]acetamide
--Cyclopropylfentanyl
chemical name: N-Phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]cyclopropanecarboxamide
Substances recommended to be added to Schedule II of the 1971
Convention:
--ADB-FUBINACA
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4-
fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide
--FUB-AMB (MMB-FUBINACA, AMB-FUBINACA)
chemical name: methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-
indazole-3-carbonyl{time} amino)-3-methylbutanoate
--CUMYL-4CN-BINACA
chemical name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-
indazole-3-carboxamide
--ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA)
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-
(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide
--N-Ethylnorpentylone (ephylone)
chemical name: 1-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(ethylamino)pentan-1-
one
In the letter from the Director-General of the World Health
Organization to the Secretary-General, reference is also made to the
recommendation by the forty-first meeting of the WHO Expert Committee
on Drug Dependence (ECDD) to keep the following New Psychoactive
Substance under surveillance:
--Paramethoxybutyrylfentanyl
chemical name: N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]butanamide
In addition, in the letter from the Director-General of the World
Health Organization to the Secretary-General, reference is made to the
recommendations by the forty-first meeting of the WHO ECDD to keep the
following two pain-relieving medicines under surveillance:
--Pregabalin
chemical name: (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid
--Tramadol
chemical name: (1R*,2R*)-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-
(3methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol
In accordance with the provisions of article 3, paragraph 2 of the
1961 Convention and article 2, paragraph 2 of the 1971 Convention, the
Secretary-General hereby transmits the notification as annex I to the
present note. In connection with the notification, WHO has also
submitted the relevant extract from the report of the forty-first
meeting of the WHO ECDD which is hereby transmitted as annex II. For
time reasons, this notification and its annexes I and II are
transmitted in English only. The notification will be transmitted in
French and Spanish as soon as it becomes available.
Also in accordance with the same provisions, the notification from
WHO will be brought to the attention of the sixty-second session of the
Commission on Narcotic Drugs (from 14 to 22 March 2019) in document E/
CN.7/2019/8 which will be made available on the website of the 62nd
session of the CND:
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CND/session/62_Session_2019/session-62-of-the-commission-on-narcotic-drugs.html.
In order to assist the Commission in reaching a decision, it would
be appreciated if the Government could communicate any comments it
considers relevant to the possible scheduling of New Psychoactive
Substances recommended by WHO to be placed under international control
under the 1961 Convention, namely:
--Parafluorobutyrylfentanyl; Ortho-fluorofentanyl; Methoxyacetyl
fentanyl; Cyclopropylfentanyl
as well as any economic, social, legal, administrative or other
factors that it considers relevant to the possible scheduling of New
Psychoactive Substances recommended by WHO to be placed under
international control under the 1971 Convention, namely:
--ADB-FUBINACA, FUB-AMB (MMB-FUBINACA, AMB-FUBINACA), CUMYL-4CN-
BINACA, ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA), N-Ethylnorpentylone (ephylone).
Communications should be sent to the Executive Director of the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, c/o Secretary, Commission on
Narcotic Drugs, P.O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria, email: unodc-sgb@un.org (fax: +43-1-26060-5885), at the latest by 28 February 2019.
1 February 2019
His Excellency
Mr. Michael Pompeo
Secretary of State of the United States of America
Annex I
Letter addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations from
the Director-General of the World Health Organization, dated 24 January
2019
``The forty-first meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on Drug
Dependence (ECDD) convened from 12 to 16 November 2018 at WHO
headquarters in Geneva. The objective of this meeting was to carry out
an in-depth evaluation of psychoactive substances in order to determine
whether the World Health
[[Page 7073]]
Organization (WHO) should recommend if these substances should be
placed under international control or if their level of control should
be changed.
The forty-first WHO ECDD reviewed ten New Psychoactive Substances
(NPS), five of which are synthetic opioids and two pain-relieving
medicines; pregabalin and tramadol. The ECDD scheduling recommendations
for these substances are detailed below.
In addition, the forty-first WHO ECDD critically reviewed cannabis
and cannabis-related substances. The recommendations regarding cannabis
and cannabis-related substances are communicated to you through a
separate letter under the same date as this letter.
With reference to Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), as amended by the 1972 Protocol,
and Article 2, paragraphs 1 and 4 of the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances (1971), I am pleased to submit recommendations of the forty-
first meeting of the ECDD regarding NPS and two pain-relieving
medicines, tramadol and pregabalin, as follows:
New Psychoactive Substances
To be added to Schedule I of the Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs (1961):
--Parafluorobutyrylfentanyl
chemical name: N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]butanamide
--Ortho-fluorofentanyl
chemical name: N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]propanamide
--Methoxyacetyl fentanyl
chemical name: 2-methoxy-N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]acetamide
--Cyclopropylfentanyl
chemical name: N-Phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]cyclopropanecarboxamide
To be added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances (1971):
--ADB-FUBINACA
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4-
fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide
--FUB-AMB (MMB-FUBINACA, AMB-FUBINACA)
chemical name: methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H- indazole-
3-carbonyl{time} amino)-3-methylbutanoate
--CUMYL-4CN-BINACA
chemical name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H- indazole-3-
carboxamide
--ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA)
chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-
(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide
--N-Ethylnorpentylone (ephylone)
chemical name: 1-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(ethylamino)pentan-1-one
To be kept under surveillance:
--Paramethoxybutyrylfentanyl
chemical name: N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]butanamide
Medicines
To be kept under surveillance:
--Pregabalin
chemical name: (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid
--Tramadol
chemical name: (1R*,2R*)-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-
(3methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol
The assessments and findings on which they are based are set out in
detail in the forty-first report of the WHO Expert Committee on Drug
Dependence. An extract of the report is attached in Annex II of this
letter.
I am very pleased with the ongoing collaboration between WHO, the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International
Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and in particular, how this
collaboration has benefited the work of the WHO Expert Committee on
Drug Dependence (including through the participation of UNODC and INCB
in the forty-first meeting of the ECDD), and more generally, the
implementation of the operational recommendations of the United Nations
General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) 2016.
[signed]
Annex II
Extract from the Report of the 41st Expert Committee on Drug
Dependence: Fentanyl analogues, synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and
medicines: pregabalin and tramadol
1. Fentanyl Analogues
1.1 Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl
Substance identification
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl (N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide) is a synthetic analogue of the
opioid analgesic fentanyl. Samples obtained from seizures and from
other collections suggest that para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl appears in
powder, tablet, nasal spray and vaping form.
WHO review history
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl has not been previously pre-reviewed or
critically reviewed by the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence
(ECDD) [the Committee]. A direct critical review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO's attention that para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl
poses serious risk to public health and has no recognised therapeutic
use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous
system
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl binds to [mu]-opioid receptors with
high selectivity over [kappa]- and [delta]-opioid receptors and has
been shown to act as a partial agonist at the [mu]-opioid receptor. In
animals, it produces typical opioid effects including analgesia, with a
potency between that of morphine and fentanyl. In cases of non-fatal
intoxication in humans, para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl has produced signs
and symptoms such as disorientation, slurred speech, unsteady gait,
hypotension and pupil constriction that are consistent with an opioid
mechanism of action.
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl can be readily converted to its isomer
p-fluoro-isobutyrylfentanyl (N-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]propanamide), which is an opioid listed in
Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
Dependence potential
There are no studies of the dependence potential of this substance
in humans or laboratory animals. However, based on its mechanism of
action, para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl would be expected to produce
dependence similar to other opioid drugs.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
There are no controlled studies of the abuse potential of para-
fluoro-butyrylfentanyl and there is very little information on the
extent of abuse. The substance has been detected in biological samples
obtained from cases of fatal and non-fatal intoxication. Fatalities
have been reported in some countries where the compound has been
identified in biological fluids in combination with other drugs,
including cases where death has been attributed to the effects of para-
fluoro-butyrylfentanyl.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl is not known to have any therapeutic
uses.
Recommendation
Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl is an opioid receptor agonist that has
significant potential for dependence and
[[Page 7074]]
likelihood of abuse. The limited available evidence indicates that it
has typical opioid adverse effects that include the potential for death
due to respiratory depression. Para-fluoro-butyrylfentanyl has caused
substantial harm and has no therapeutic usefulness. As it is liable to
similar abuse and produces similar ill-effects as many other opioids
placed in Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs:
Recommendation 1.1: The Committee recommended that Para-
fluoro-butyryl fentanyl (N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide) be added to Schedule I of the
1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
1.2 Para-methoxy-butyryl fentanyl
Substance identification
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl (N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide) is a synthetic analogue of the
opioid analgesic fentanyl. Samples obtained from seizures and from
other collections suggest that para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl occurs in
powder, tablet, and nasal spray forms.
WHO review history
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl has not been previously pre-reviewed
or critically reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed
based on information brought to WHO's attention that para-methoxy-
butyrylfentanyl poses serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous
system
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl binds to [mu]-opioid receptors with
high selectivity over [kappa]- and [delta]-opioid receptors and has
been shown to act as a partial agonist at the [mu]-opioid receptor. In
animals, it produces typical opioid effects, including analgesia, and
in some tests it has a potency higher than morphine and close to that
of fentanyl.
Reported clinical features of intoxication in which para-methoxy-
butyrylfentanyl is involved included the typical opioid effects of
reduced level of consciousness, respiratory depression and pupil
constriction. In some cases, treatment with the opioid antagonist
naloxone was shown to reverse the drug-induced respiratory depression.
While this is consistent with an opioid mechanism of action, it should
be noted that in all such cases at least one other opioid was present.
Dependence potential
There are no studies of the dependence potential of this substance
in humans or laboratory animals. However, based on its mechanism of
action, Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl would be expected to produce
dependence similar to other opioid drugs.
Abuse potential and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
There are no controlled studies of the abuse potential of Para-
methoxy-butyrylfentanyl and very little information on the extent of
abuse. Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl has been detected in biological
samples obtained from a limited number of acute intoxication cases.
Reported clinical features are consistent with opioid effects and
including respiratory depression. However, in all of the documented
cases of severe adverse events associated with use of para-methoxy-
butyrylfentanyl, other fentanyl derivatives were detected and hence the
role of para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl is not clear.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl is not known to have any therapeutic
uses.
Recommendation
The limited available information indicates that para-methoxy-
butyrylfentanyl is an opioid drug, and an analogue of the opioid
analgesic fentanyl. There is evidence of its use in a limited number of
countries with few reports of intoxication and no reports of deaths. In
the intoxication cases, the role of para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl was
not clear due to the presence of other opioids. It has no therapeutic
usefulness. At this time, there is little evidence of the impact of
para-methoxy-butyrylfentanyl in causing substantial harm that would
warrant its placement under international control.
Recommendation 1.2: The Committee recommended that para-
methoxy-butyrylfentanyl (N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]butanamide) be kept under surveillance by
the WHO Secretariat.
1.3 Ortho-fluorofentanyl
Substance identification
Ortho-fluorofentanyl (N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]propanamide) is a synthetic analogue of the
opioid analgesic fentanyl. It has two positional isomers (para-
fluorofentanyl and meta-fluorofentanyl).
WHO review history
Ortho-fluorofentanyl has not been previously pre-reviewed or
critically reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A direct critical review was
proposed based on information brought to WHO's attention that ortho-
fluorofentanyl poses a serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous
system
Receptor binding data show that ortho-fluorofentanyl binds to [mu]-
opioid receptors with high selectivity over [kappa]- and [delta]-opioid
receptors. There were no preclinical or clinical studies available in
the scientific literature. However, the clinical features present in
non-fatal intoxication cases include characteristic opioid effects such
as loss of consciousness, pupil constriction and respiratory
depression. The effects of ortho-fluorofentanyl are responsive to the
administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone, further confirming
its opioid agonist mechanism of action.
Dependence potential
There are no studies of the dependence potential of ortho-
fluorofentanyl in humans or laboratory animals. However, based on its
mechanism of action, it would be expected to produce dependence similar
to other opioid drugs.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
There are no available preclinical or clinical studies to assess
the abuse liability of ortho-fluorofentanyl. There is evidence of use
from several countries, including seizures in Europe and the United
States. A number of confirmed fatalities associated with the compound
have been reported. Ortho-fluorofentanyl is being sold as heroin or an
adulterant in heroin. A number of fatalities have been associated with
this substance (1 in Europe and 16 in the United States since 2016). As
a consequence of ortho-fluorofentanyl cross-reacting with standard
fentanyl immunoassays, it is possible that deaths due to ortho-
fluorofentanyl have been attributed to fentanyl and hence the number of
recorded ortho-fluorofentanyl deaths may be an underestimate. Several
countries in different parts of the world have controlled ortho-
fluorofentanyl.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Ortho-fluorofentanyl is not known to have any therapeutic uses.
[[Page 7075]]
Recommendation
Ortho-fluorofentanyl is an opioid receptor agonist that has
potential for dependence and likelihood of abuse. The limited available
evidence indicates that it has typical opioid adverse effects that
include the potential for death due to respiratory depression. Ortho-
fluorofentanyl has caused substantial harm and has no therapeutic
usefulness. As it is liable to similar abuse and produces similar ill-
effects as many other opioids placed in Schedule I of the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs:
Recommendation 1.3: The Committee recommended that ortho-
fluorofentanyl (N-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]propanamide) be added to Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs.
1.4 Methoxyacetylfentanyl
Substance identification
Methoxyacetylfentanyl (2-methoxy-N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl] acetamide) is a synthetic analogue of the
opioid fentanyl. Samples obtained from seizures and from other
collections suggest that methoxyacetylfentanyl has appeared in powders,
liquids, and tablets.
WHO review history
Methoxyacetylfentanyl has not been previously pre-reviewed or
critically reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed
based on information brought to WHO's attention that
methoxyacetylfentanyl poses serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous
system
Methoxyacetylfentanyl binds to [mu]-opioid receptors with high
selectivity over [kappa]- and [delta]-opioid receptors and has been
shown to act as an agonist at the [mu]-opioid receptor. In animals, it
produces analgesia with a potency higher than morphine and close to
that of fentanyl. The analgesia was blocked by the opioid antagonist
naltrexone, confirming its opioid mechanism of action.
In people using methoxyacetylfentanyl the most serious acute health
risk is respiratory depression, which in overdose can lead to
respiratory arrest and death. This is consistent with its opioid
mechanism of action.
Dependence potential
There are no studies of the dependence potential of this substance
in humans or laboratory animals. However, based on its mechanism of
action, methoxyacetylfentanyl would be expected to produce dependence
similar to other opioid drugs.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
In the animal drug discrimination model of subjective drug effects,
methoxyacetylfentanyl produced effects similar to those of morphine. It
also decreased activity levels and both the discriminative and rate-
decreasing effects were blocked by the opioid antagonist naltrexone.
Based on its receptor action and these effects in animal models, it
would be expected that methoxyacetylfentanyl would be subject to abuse
in a manner comparable to other opioids.
There is evidence that methoxyacetyl- fentanyl has been used by
injection and by nasal insufflation of powder. A large number of
seizures of this substance have been reported in Europe and the United
States. A number of deaths have been reported in Europe and the United
States in which methoxyacetylfentanyl was detected in post-mortem
samples. While other drugs were present in most of these cases,
methoxyacetylfentanyl was deemed the cause of death or a major
contributor to death in a significant proportion of these. Several
countries have controlled methoxyacetylfentanyl in their national
legislation.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Methoxyacetylfentanyl is not known to have any therapeutic uses.
The committee considered that methoxyacetylfentanyl is a substance
with high abuse liability and dependence potential. It is an opioid
agonist that is more potent than morphine and its use has contributed
to a large number of deaths in different regions. It has no therapeutic
usefulness and it poses a significant risk to public health. The
Committee considered that the evidence of its abuse warrants placement
under international control.
Recommendation 1.4: The Committee recommended that
methoxyacetylfentanyl (2-methoxy-N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl] acetamide) be added to Schedule I of the
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.
1.5 Cyclopropylfentanyl
Substance identification
Cyclopropylfentanyl ((N-phenyl-N-1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidyl)
cyclopropanecarboxamide) is a synthetic analogue of the opioid
fentanyl. Samples obtained from seizures and from other collections
suggest that cyclopropylfentanyl has appeared in powders, liquids, and
tablets.
WHO review history
Cyclopropylfentanyl has not been previously pre-reviewed or
critically reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed
based on information brought to WHO's attention that
cyclopropylfentanyl poses a serious risk to public health and has no
recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous
system
Cyclopropylfentanyl binds selectively to the [mu] opioid receptors
compared to [delta] and [kappa] opioid receptors. There is no further
information on the actions and effects of cyclopropylfentanyl from
controlled studies. Based on its role in numerous deaths, as described
below, it is reasonable to consider that cyclopropylfentanyl acts as a
[mu] opioid receptor agonist similar to morphine and fentanyl.
Dependence potential
There are no preclinical or clinical studies published in the
scientific literature concerning dependence on cyclopropylfentanyl.
However, based on its mechanism of action, cyclopropylfentanyl would be
expected to produce dependence similar to other opioid drugs.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
A large number of seizures of cyclopropylfentanyl have been
reported from countries in different regions. In some countries, this
substance has been among the most common fentanyl analogues detected in
post-mortem samples. In almost all of these deaths, cyclopropylfentanyl
was determined to either have caused or contributed to death, even in
presence of other substances.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Cyclopropylfentanyl is not known to have any therapeutic uses.
Recommendation
The available evidence indicates that cyclopropylfentanyl has
opioid actions and effects. It has been extensively trafficked and has
been used by several different routes of administration. Its use has
been associated with a large number of documented deaths, and for most
of these it has been the principal cause of death. Cyclopropylfentanyl
has
[[Page 7076]]
no known therapeutic use and has been associated with substantial harm.
Recommendation 1.5: The Committee recommended that
cyclopropylfentanyl (N-Phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-
yl]cyclopropanecarboxamide) be added to Schedule I of the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
2. Synthetic cannabinoids
2.1 ADB-FUBINACA
Substance identification
ADB-FUBINACA (N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4-
fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) is encountered as a
powder, in solution or sprayed on herbal material that mimics the
appearance of cannabis. It is sold as herbal incense or branded
products with a variety of different names.
WHO review history
ADB-FUBINACA has not been previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD). A
critical review was proposed based on information brought to WHO's
attention that ADB-FUBINACA poses serious risk to public health and has
no recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects on the central nervous system
ADB-FUBINACA is similar to other synthetic cannabinoid receptor
agonists that are currently scheduled under the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971. It binds to both the CB1
and CB2 cannabinoid receptors with full agonist activity as
demonstrated by in vitro studies. The efficacy and potency of ADB-
FUBINACA is substantially greater when compared to [Delta]\9\-THC.
Reported clinical features of intoxication include confusion,
agitation, somnolence, hypertension and tachycardia, similar to other
synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists.
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies examining the dependence
potential of ADB-FUBINACA in humans or animals were available. However,
based on its central nervous system action as a full CB1
agonist, ADB-FUBINACA would be expected to produce dependence in a
manner similar to or more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
ADB-FUBINACA is sold and used as a substitute for cannabis. It is
invariably smoked or vaped (i.e. using an e-cigarette) but due to the
nature of synthetic cannabinoid products (whereby drug components are
introduced onto herbal material), users are unaware of which synthetic
cannabinoid may be contained within such products. Evidence from case
reports in which ADB-FUBINACA has been detected in biological samples
has demonstrated that use of this substance has contributed to severe
adverse reactions in humans including death. However, it was also noted
that other substances, including other synthetic cannabinoids, were
also present in the urine or blood following non-fatal and fatal
intoxications and/or in the product used. Evidence of use has been
reported in Europe, the United States and Asia. In recognition of its
abuse and associated harm, ADB-FUBINACA has been placed under national
control in a number of countries in several different regions.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved medical or veterinary uses of ADB-
FUBINACA.
Recommendation
ADB-FUBINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist that is
used by smoking plant material sprayed with the substance or inhaling
vapour after heating. Its mode of action suggests the potential for
dependence and likelihood of abuse. Its use has been associated with a
range of severe adverse effects including death. These effects are
similar to those produced by other synthetic cannabinoids which have a
mechanism of action the same as that of ADB-FUBINACA and which are
placed in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of
1971. ADB-FUBINACA has no therapeutic usefulness.
Recommendation 2.1: The Committee recommended that ADB-
FUBINACA (N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[(4-
fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) be added to Schedule II
of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
2.2 FUB-AMB
Substance identification
FUB-AMB (chemical name: methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-
1H-indazole-3- carbonyl{time} amino)-3-methylbutanoate) is a synthetic
cannabinoid that is also referred to as MMB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA.
FUB-AMB is encountered as a powder, in solution or sprayed on herbal
material that mimics the appearance of cannabis. It is sold as herbal
incense or branded products with a variety of different names.
WHO review history
FUB-AMB has not been previously pre-reviewed or critically reviewed
by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed based on information
brought to WHO's attention that FUB-AMB poses serious risk to public
health and has no recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects on the central nervous system
FUB-AMB is similar to other synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists
that are currently scheduled under the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971. It binds to both the CB1 and
CB2 cannabinoid receptors with full agonist activity as
demonstrated by in vitro studies. The efficacy and potency of FUB-AMB
is substantially greater than [Delta] \9\-THC and it shares effects
with other synthetic cannabinoids including severe central nervous
system depression, resulting in slowed behaviour and speech.
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies examining the dependence
potential of FUB-AMB in humans or animals were available. However,
based on its central nervous system action as a full CB1
agonist, FUB-AMB would be expected to produce dependence in a manner
similar to or more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist
activity, FUB-AMB produces complete dose-dependent substitution for the
discriminative stimulus effects of [Delta]\9\-THC in mice by various
routes of administration. This suggests that it has abuse potential at
least as great as that of [Delta]\9\-THC.
Evidence of the use of FUB-AMB has been reported in Europe, the
United States and New Zealand. It is usually smoked or vaped (i.e.
using an e-cigarette) but due to the nature of synthetic cannabinoid
products (whereby drug components are introduced onto herbal material),
users are unaware of which synthetic cannabinoid may be contained
within such products.
FUB-AMB use was confirmed in case reports of a mass intoxication in
the United States with the predominant symptom being severe central
nervous system depression, resulting in slowed behaviour and speech. It
was reported that in New Zealand there were at least
[[Page 7077]]
20 deaths related to the use of FUB-AMB. It was noted that the amounts
of FUB-AMB in confiscated products were 2 to 25 times greater than
those reported in the incidents in the United States.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved medical or veterinary uses of FUB-
AMB.
Recommendation
FUB-AMB is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist that is used by
smoking plant material sprayed with the substance or inhaling vapour
after heating. Its mode of action suggests the potential for dependence
and likelihood of abuse. Its use has been associated with a range of
severe adverse effects including a number of deaths. Its mechanism of
action and manner of use are similar to other synthetic cannabinoids
placed in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of
1971. FUB-AMB has no therapeutic usefulness.
Recommendation 2.2: The Committee recommended that FUB-AMB
(chemical name: methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-
3-carbonyl{time} amino)-3-methylbutanoate) be added to Schedule II of
the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
2.3 ADB-CHMINACA
Substance identification
ADB-CHMINACA (N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-
(cyclohexylmethyl)indazole-3-carboxamide) is a synthetic cannabinoid
that is also referred to as MAB-CHMINACA. ADB-CHMINACA is encountered
as a powder, in solution or sprayed on herbal material that mimics the
appearance of cannabis. It is sold as herbal incense or branded
products with a variety of different names.
WHO review history
ADB-CHMINACA has not been previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO's attention that ADB-CHMINACA poses a
serious risk to public health and has no recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects on the central nervous system
ADB-CHMINACA is similar to other synthetic cannabinoid receptor
agonists that are currently scheduled under the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971. It binds to both the CB1
and CB2 cannabinoid receptors with full agonist activity as
demonstrated by in vitro studies. The efficacy and potency of ADB-
CHMINACA is substantially greater than [Delta]\9\-THC and it is among
the most potent synthetic cannabinoids studied to date. It shares a
profile of central nervous system mediated effects with other synthetic
cannabinoids. ADB-CHMINACA demonstrates decreased locomotor activity in
mice in a time and dose dependent fashion with a rapid onset of action
and long-lasting effects.
Signs and symptoms of intoxication arising from use of ADB-CHMINACA
have included tachycardia, unresponsiveness, agitation, combativeness,
seizures, hyperemesis, slurred speech, delirium and sudden death. These
are consistent with the effects of other synthetic cannabinoids.
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies examining the dependence
potential of ADB-CHMINACA in humans or animals were available. However,
based on its central nervous system action as a full CB1
agonist, ADB-CHMINACA would be expected to produce dependence in a
manner similar to or more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist
activity, ADB-CHMINACA fully substituted for [Delta]\9\-THC in drug
discrimination tests. This suggests that it has abuse potential at
least as great as that of [Delta]\9\-THC.
Evidence of the use of ADB-CHMINACA has been reported in Europe,
the United States and Japan, including cases of driving under the
influence. It is invariably smoked or vaped (i.e. using an e-cigarette)
but due to the nature of synthetic cannabinoid products (whereby drug
components are introduced onto herbal material), users are unaware of
which synthetic cannabinoid may be contained within such products.
ADB-CHMINACA use was analytically confirmed in case reports of
several drug-induced clusters of severe illness and death in the United
States. In Europe, 13 deaths with analytically confirmed use of ADB-
CHMINACA were reported between 2014 and 2016, and another death
occurred in Japan.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved medical or veterinary uses of ADB-
CHMINACA.
Recommendation
ADB-CHMINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist that is
used by smoking plant material sprayed with the substance or inhaling
vapour after heating. It has effects that are similar to other
synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists placed in Schedule II of the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. Its mode of action
suggests the potential for dependence and likelihood of abuse. Its use
has resulted in numerous cases of severe intoxication and death. There
is evidence that ADB-CHMINACA has been associated with fatal and non-
fatal intoxications in a number of countries. The substance causes
substantial harm and has no therapeutic usefulness.
Recommendation 2.3: The Committee recommended that ADB-CHMINACA
(chemical name: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-
(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) be added to Schedule II
of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
2.4 CUMYL-4CN-BINACA
Substance identification
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA (chemical name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-
phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) is a synthetic
cannabinoid. It is encountered as a powder, in solution or sprayed on
herbal material that mimics the appearance of cannabis. It is sold as
herbal incense or branded products with a variety of different names.
WHO review history
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA has not been previously pre-reviewed or critically
reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed based on
information brought to WHO's attention that CUMYL-4CN-BINACA poses
serious risk to public health and has no recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects on the central nervous system
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA is similar to other synthetic cannabinoid receptor
agonists that are currently scheduled under the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971. It binds to both the CB1
and CB2 cannabinoid receptors with full agonist activity as
demonstrated by in vitro studies. The efficacy and potency of CUMYL-
4CN-BINACA is substantially greater than [Delta]\9\-THC and it shares a
profile of central nervous system mediated effects with other synthetic
cannabinoids. Data have shown that it produced hypothermia in mice in
common with other CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists.
[[Page 7078]]
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies examining the dependence
potential of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA in humans or animals were available.
However, based on its central nervous system action as a full
CB1 agonist, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA would be expected to produce
dependence in a manner similar to or more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist
activity, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA fully substituted for [Delta]\9\-THC in drug
discrimination tests. This suggests that it has abuse potential at
least as great as that of [Delta]\9\-THC.
Evidence of the use of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA has been currently reported
only from Europe but this may be due to under-reporting including
through lack of detection in other countries. In Europe, CUMYL-4CN-
BINACA has been among the most frequently seized synthetic
cannabinoids. It is invariably smoked or vaped (i.e. using an e-
cigarette) but due to the nature of synthetic cannabinoid products
(whereby drug components are introduced onto herbal material), users
are unaware of which synthetic cannabinoid may be contained within such
products.
A number of non-fatal intoxications involving CUMYL-4CN-BINACA have
been reported. CUMYL-4CN-BINACA has been analytically confirmed as
being present in 11 fatalities and 5 non-fatal intoxications in Europe.
In 2 deaths, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA was the only drug present.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
There are currently no approved medical or veterinary uses of
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA.
Recommendation
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist that
is used by smoking plant material sprayed with the substance or
inhaling vapour after heating and is sold under a variety of brand
names. It has effects that are similar to other synthetic cannabinoid
receptor agonists placed in Schedule II of the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971. Its mode of action suggests the
potential for dependence and likelihood of abuse. There is evidence
that CUMYL-4CN-BINACA has been associated with fatal and non-fatal
intoxications in a number of countries. The substance causes
substantial harm and has no therapeutic usefulness.
Recommendation 2.4: The Committee recommended that CUMYL-
4CN-BINACA (chemical name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-
indazole-3-carboxamide) be added to Schedule II of the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
3. Cathinone
3.1 N-ethylnorpentylone
Substance identification
N-Ethylnorpentylone (chemical name: 1-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-
(ethylamino)pentan-1-one) is a ring-substituted synthetic cathinone
analogue that originally emerged in the 1960s during pharmaceutical
drug development efforts. It is also known as ephylone and incorrectly
referred to as N-ethylpentylone. In its pure form, N-Ethylnorpentylone
exists as a racemic mixture in form of a powder or crystalline solid.
However, the substance is usually available as a capsule, powered
tablet, pill and powder often sold as ``Ecstasy'' or MDMA. N-
Ethylnorpentylone is also available in its own right and is advertised
for sale by internet retailers.
WHO review history
N-Ethylnorpentylone has not been previously pre-reviewed or
critically reviewed by the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence
(ECDD). A critical review was proposed based on information brought to
WHO's attention that N-Ethylnorpentylone poses serious risk to public
health and has no recognised therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances/effects on the central nervous system
The information currently available suggests that N-
Ethylnorpentylone is a psychomotor stimulant. N-Ethylnorpentylone users
exhibit psychomotor stimulant effects including agitation, paranoia,
tachycardia and sweating which are consistent with other substituted
cathinone and central nervous system stimulant drugs. Not all reported
adverse effects could be causally linked to N-Ethylnorpentylone alone,
but there are indications that the observed effects are consistent with
those seen with other psychomotor stimulants, with some instances
involving cardiac arrest.
Its molecular mechanism of action is similar to the synthetic
cathinones MDPV and [alpha]-PVP which are both listed in Schedule II of
the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. In vitro
investigations showed that N-Ethylnorpentylone inhibited the reuptake
of dopamine, noradrenaline and, to a lesser extent, serotonin, which is
consistent with closely related other substituted cathinones with known
abuse liability and with cocaine.
There is no specific information available to indicate that N-
Ethylnorpentylone may be converted into a substance currently
controlled under the U.N. Conventions.
Dependence potential
No controlled experimental studies examining the dependence
potential of N-Ethylnorpentylone in humans or animals were available.
However, based on its action in the central nervous system, it would be
expected that N-Ethylnorpentylone would have the capacity to produce a
state of dependence similar to that of other stimulants such as the
ones listed in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Drugs of
1971.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
In rodent drug discrimination studies, N-Ethylnorpentylone fully
substituted for methamphetamine and cocaine, and it was also shown to
increase activity levels, suggesting it has potential for abuse similar
to other psychomotor stimulants.
N-Ethylnorpentylone has been detected in biological fluids
collected from a number of cases involving adverse effects including
deaths. It is frequently used in combination with other drugs. Users
may be unaware of the additional risks of harm associated with the
consumption of N-Ethylnorpentylone either alone or in combination with
other drugs. Users may also be unaware of the exact dose or compound
being ingested.
A number of countries in various regions have reported use or
detection of this compound in either seized materials or biological
samples of individuals, including in cases of driving under the
influence of drugs. Increased seizures of N-Ethylnorpentylone were
reported by the United States over the last 2 years. N-
Ethylnorpentylone has been detected in biological fluids collected from
fatal and non-fatal cases of intoxication with a total of 125
toxicological reports associated with N-Ethynorpentylone between 2016
and 2018 having been documented.
The current available data therefore suggest that N-
Ethylnorpentylone is liable to abuse.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
N-Ethylnorpentylone is not known to have any therapeutic uses.
[[Page 7079]]
Recommendation
N-Ethylnorpentylone is a synthetic cathinone with effects that are
similar to other synthetic cathinones listed as Schedule II substances
in the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. Its mode of
action and effects are consistent with those of other central nervous
system stimulants such as cocaine, indicating that it has significant
potential for dependence and likelihood of abuse. There is evidence of
use of N-Ethylnorpentylone in a number of countries in various regions
and this use has resulted in fatal and non-fatal intoxications. The
substance causes substantial harm and has no therapeutic usefulness.
Accordingly:
Recommendation 3.1: The Committee recommended that N-
Ethylnorpentylone (chemical name: 1-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-
(ethylamino)pentan-1-one) be added to Schedule II of the 1971
Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
4. Medicines
4.1 Pregabalin
Substance identification
Chemically, pregabalin is (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic
acid.
WHO review history
Pregabalin was previewed by the 39th ECDD in November 2017.
Similarity to known substances/effects on the central nervous system
Pregabalin is an inhibitor of alpha-2-delta subunit containing
voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Through this mechanism it
decreases the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate,
noradrenaline and substance P. It has been suggested that pregabalin
exerts its therapeutic effects by reducing the neuronal activation of
hyper-excited neurons while leaving normal activation unaffected. The
mechanism(s) by which pregabalin produces euphoric effects or induces
physical dependence is unknown.
Despite being a chemical analogue of the neurotransmitter gamma
aminobutyric acid (GABA), pregabalin does not influence GABA activity
via either GABA receptors or benzodiazepine receptors. However,
pregabalin has been found to produce effects that are similar to those
produced by controlled substances, such as benzodiazepines, that
increase GABA activity.
Dependence potential
Tolerance has been shown to develop to the effects of pregabalin,
particularly the euphoric effects. A number of published reports have
described physical dependence associated with pregabalin use in humans.
The withdrawal symptoms that occur following abrupt discontinuation of
pregabalin include insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, sweating, and
diarrhoea. Current evidence suggests that the incidence and severity of
withdrawal symptoms may be dose-related and hence those taking doses
above the normal therapeutic range are most at risk of withdrawal. At
therapeutic doses, withdrawal may be minimized by gradual dose
tapering.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood to produce abuse
While some preclinical research using self-administration and
conditioned place preference models has shown reinforcing effects of
pregabalin, taken as a whole, the results from such research are
contradictory and inconclusive.
In clinical trials, patients have reported euphoria, although
tolerance develops rapidly to this effect. Human laboratory research is
very limited and only a relatively low dose of pregabalin has been
tested in a general population sample; the results indicated low abuse
liability. However, a higher dose of pregabalin administered to users
of alcohol or sedative/hypnotic drugs was rated similar to diazepam,
indicative of abuse liability.
Pregabalin is more likely to be abused by individuals who are using
other psychoactive drugs (especially opioids) with significant
potential of adverse effects among these subpopulations. The adverse
effects of pregabalin include dizziness, blurred vision, impaired
coordination, impaired attention, somnolence, confusion and impaired
thinking. Other reported harms associated with non-medical use of
pregabalin include suicidal ideation and impaired driving. Users of
pregabalin in a number of countries have sought treatment for
dependence on the drug. Whilst pregabalin has been cited as the main
cause of death in over 30 documented overdose fatalities, there are
very few cases of fatal intoxications resulting from pregabalin use
alone and the vast majority of instances involve other central nervous
system depressants such as opioids and benzodiazepines.
There is only limited information regarding the scope and magnitude
of the illicit trade in pregabalin, but there is evidence of illicit
marketing through online pharmacies.
Pregabalin is under national control in many countries across
different regions of the world.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Pregabalin is used for the treatment of neuropathic pain, including
painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia,
fibromyalgia, anxiety and the adjunctive treatment of partial seizures.
The exact indications for which pregabalin has received approval vary
across countries. Pregabalin has also been used for conditions such as
substance use disorders, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, restless legs
syndrome and migraine.
Recommendation
The Committee noted that there has been increasing concern in many
countries regarding the abuse of pregabalin. A number of cases of
dependence have been reported and there are increasing reports of
adverse effects. While these problems are concentrated in certain drug
using populations, there is presently limited data on the extent of the
problems related to pregabalin abuse in the general population. The
Committee also noted that pregabalin has approved therapeutic uses for
a range of medical conditions, including some for which there are few
therapeutic options. Given the limitations in the available information
regarding the abuse of pregabalin:
Recommendation 4.1: The Committee recommended that
pregabalin (chemical name: (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid)
should not be scheduled but be kept under surveillance by the WHO
Secretariat.
4.2 Tramadol
Substance identification
Tramadol (chemical name: (1R*,2R*)-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-
methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol) is a white, bitter, crystalline and
odourless powder soluble in water and ethanol. Tramadol is marketed as
the hydrochloride salt and is available in a variety of pharmaceutical
formulations for oral (tablets, capsules), sublingual (drops),
intranasal, rectal (suppositories), intravenous, subcutaneous, and
intramuscular administration. It is also available in combination with
acetaminophen (paracetamol). Preparations of tramadol are available as
immediate- and extended-release formulations.
WHO review history
Tramadol has been considered for critical review by the ECDD five
times: in 1992, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2014. Tramadol was pre-reviewed at
the 39th
[[Page 7080]]
ECDD meeting in November 2017 and it was recommended that tramadol be
subject to a critical review at a subsequent ECDD meeting. The
Committee requested the WHO Secretariat to collect additional data for
the critical review, including information on the extent of problems
associated with tramadol misuse in countries. Also, the Committee asked
for information on the medical use of tramadol including the extent to
which low income countries, and aid and relief agencies, use and
possibly rely on tramadol for provision of analgesia. In response to
these requests, the WHO Secretariat collected data from Member States
and relief agencies on the extent of medical use of tramadol, its
misuse and on the level of control implemented in countries.
Similarity to known substances/effects on the central nervous system
Tramadol is a weak opioid analgesic that produces opioid-like
effects primarily due to its metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol (M1). The
analgesic effect of tramadol is also believed to involve its actions on
noradrenergic and serotonergic receptor systems. The adverse effects of
tramadol are consistent with its dual opioid and non-opioid mechanisms
of action and they include dizziness, nausea, constipation and
headache. In overdose, symptoms such as lethargy, nausea, agitation,
hostility, aggression, tachycardia, hypertension and other cardiac
complications, renal complications, seizures, respiratory depression
and coma have been reported. Serotonin syndrome (a group of symptoms
associated with high concentrations of the neurotransmitter serotonin
that include elevated body temperature, agitation, confusion, enhanced
reflexes, and tremor and might result in seizures and respiratory
arrest) is a potential complication of the use of tramadol in
combination with other serotonergic drugs. Tramadol has been detected
in a number of deaths. It is often present along with other drugs,
including opioids, benzodiazepines and antidepressants, but fatalities
have also been reported due to tramadol alone.
Dependence potential
Evidence suggests that the development of physical dependence to
tramadol is dose-related, and administration of supra-therapeutic doses
leads to a similar dependence profile to morphine and other opioids
such as oxycodone and methadone. There are reports of considerable
number of people with tramadol dependence seeking help. Withdrawal
symptoms include those typical of opioids such as pain, sweating,
diarrhoea and insomnia as well as symptoms not normally seen with
opioids and related to noradrenergic and serotonergic activity, such as
hallucinations, paranoia, confusion and sensory abnormalities. Low dose
tramadol use over extended periods is associated with a lower risk of
dependence.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its opioid mechanism of action, human brain imaging
has shown that tramadol activates brain reward pathways associated with
abuse. While reports from people administered tramadol in controlled
settings have shown that it is identified as opioid-like and tramadol
has reinforcing effects in experienced opioid users, these effects may
be weaker than those produced by opioids such as morphine and may be
partially offset by unpleasant effects of tramadol such as sweating,
tremor, agitation, anxiety and insomnia.
Abuse, dependence and overdose from tramadol have emerged as
serious public health concerns in countries across several regions.
Epidemiological studies in the past have reported a lower tendency for
tramadol misuse when compared to other opioids, but more recent
information indicates a growing number of people abusing tramadol,
particularly in a number of Middle Eastern and African countries. The
sources of tramadol include diverted medicines as well as falsified
medicines containing high doses of tramadol. Seizures of illicitly
trafficked tramadol, particularly in African countries, have risen
dramatically in recent years.
The oral route of administration has been the predominant mode of
tramadol abuse as it results in a greater opioid effect compared to
other routes. It is unlikely that tramadol will be injected to any
significant extent. Abuse of tramadol is likely to be influenced by
genetic factors such that some people will experience a much stronger
opioid effect following tramadol administration compared to others. The
genotype associated with a stronger opioid effect following tramadol
administration occurs at different rates in populations across
different parts of the world.
Many countries have placed tramadol under national control.
Therapeutic applications/usefulness
Tramadol is used to treat both acute and chronic pain of moderate
to severe intensity. The conditions for which tramadol has been used
include osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, chronic low back pain, cancer
pain and postoperative pain. It has also been used for treatment of
restless leg syndrome and opioid withdrawal management. As is the case
with abuse potential, the analgesic efficacy and the nature of adverse
effects experienced are strongly influenced by genetic factors.
Systematic reviews have reported that the ability of tramadol to
control chronic pain such as cancer pain is less than optimal, and its
use is associated with a relatively high prevalence of adverse effects.
Tramadol is listed on the national essential medicines lists of
many countries across diverse regions, but it is not listed on the WHO
Lists of Essential Medicines.
As an opioid analgesic available in generic forms which is not
under international control, tramadol is widely used in many countries
where access to other opioids for the management of pain is limited. It
is also used extensively by international aid organisations in
emergency and crisis situations for the same reasons.
Recommendations
The Committee was concerned by the increasing evidence for tramadol
abuse in a number of countries in diverse regions, in particular the
widespread abuse of tramadol in many low to middle income countries.
Equally concerning was the clear lack of alternative analgesics for
moderate to severe pain for which tramadol is used. The Committee was
strongly of the view that the extent of abuse and evidence of public
health risks associated with tramadol warranted consideration of
scheduling, but the Committee recommended that tramadol not be
scheduled at this time in order that access to this medication not be
adversely impacted, especially in countries where tramadol may be the
only available opioid analgesic or in crisis situations where there is
very limited or no access at all to other opioids.
The Committee also strongly urged the WHO and its partners to
address, as a high priority, the grossly inadequate access and
availability of opioid pain medication in low income countries. WHO and
its partners are also strongly encouraged to update and disseminate WHO
pain management guidelines and to support both country-specific
capacity building needs and prevention and treatment initiatives in
order to address the tramadol crisis in low income countries. The
Committee also recommended that WHO and its partners support countries
in strengthening their regulatory capacity
[[Page 7081]]
and mechanisms for preventing the supply and use of falsified and
substandard tramadol.
Recommendation 4.2: The Committee recommended that the WHO
Secretariat continues to keep tramadol under surveillance, collect
information on the extent of problems associated with tramadol misuse
in countries and on its medical use, and that it be considered for
review at a subsequent meeting.
III. Discussion
Although WHO has made specific scheduling recommendations for each
of the drug substances, the CND is not obliged to follow the WHO
recommendations. Options available to the CND for substances considered
for control under the Psychotropic Convention include the following:
(1) Accept the WHO recommendations; (2) accept the recommendations to
control, but control the drug substance in a schedule other than that
recommended; or (3) reject the recommendations entirely.
ADB-FUBINACA (chemical name: N-[1-(aminocarbonyl)-2,2-
dimethylpropyl]-1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide)
is an indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid that is a potent, full
agonist at CB1 receptors. This substance functionally
(biologically) mimics the effects of the structurally unrelated delta-
9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a Schedule I substance, and the main
psychoactive chemical constituent in the cannabis (marijuana) plant.
Synthetic cannabinoids have been marketed under the guise of ``herbal
incense,'' and promoted by drug traffickers as legal alternatives to
marijuana. ADB-FUBINACA use has been associated with serious adverse
events including death in the United States. There are no commercial or
approved medical uses for ADB-FUBINACA. On April 10, 2017, ADB-FUBINACA
was temporarily controlled as a Schedule I substance under the CSA. As
such, additional permanent controls will be necessary to fulfill U.S.
obligations if ADB-FUBINACA is controlled under Schedule II of the 1971
Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
FUB-AMB (other names: MMB-FUBINACA; AMB-FUBINACA; chemical name:
methyl 2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3-
methylbutanoate) is an indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid that is a
potent full agonist at CB1 receptors. This substance
functionally (biologically) mimics the effects of the structurally
unrelated THC, a Schedule I substance, and the main psychoactive
chemical constituent in marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids have been
marketed under the guise of ``herbal incense,'' and promoted by drug
traffickers as legal alternatives to marijuana. FUB-AMB use has been
associated with serious adverse events including death in the United
States. There are no commercial or approved medical uses for FUB-AMB.
On November 3, 2017, FUB-AMB was temporarily controlled as a Schedule I
substance under the CSA. As such, additional permanent controls will be
necessary to fulfill U.S. obligations if FUB-AMB is controlled under
Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
ADB-CHMINACA (other name: MAB-CHMINACA; chemical name: N-(1-amino-
3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-
carboxamide) is an indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid that is a
potent full agonist at CB1 receptors. This substance
functionally (biologically) mimics the effects of the structurally THC,
a Schedule I substance, and the main psychoactive chemical constituent
in marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids have been marketed under the guise
of ``herbal incense,'' and promoted by drug traffickers as legal
alternatives to marijuana. ADB-CHMINACA use has been associated with
serious adverse events including death in the United States. There are
no commercial or approved medical uses for ADB-CHMINACA. On January 29,
2019, ADB-CHMINACA was permanently controlled as a Schedule I substance
under the CSA. As such, additional permanent controls will not be
necessary to fulfill U.S. obligations if ADB-CHMINACA is controlled
under Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA (chemical name: 1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-
phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) is a clandestinely
produced indazole-3-carboxamide based synthetic cannabinoid that has
been sold online and used to mimic the biological effects of THC, the
main psychoactive chemical constituent in marijuana. Synthetic
cannabinoids have been marketed under the guise of ``herbal incense,''
and promoted by drug traffickers as legal alternatives to marijuana.
Hospital, scientific publications and law enforcement reports show that
CUMYL-4CN-BUTINACA is abused for its psychoactive properties. CUMYL-
4CN-BUTINACA has been associated with serious adverse events in the
United States, in addition to multiple deaths in Europe. CUMYL-4CN-
BUTINACA has no commercial or medical uses. On July 10, 2018, CUMYL-
4CN-BUTINACA was temporarily controlled as a Schedule I substance under
the CSA. As such, additional permanent controls will be necessary to
fulfill U.S. obligations if CUMYL-4CN-BUTINACA is controlled under
Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
Cyclopropyl fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has a
pharmacological profile similar to other Schedule I and II controlled
opioid substances such as acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, and other related
[micro]-opioid receptor agonist substances. This clandestinely produced
analog of fentanyl is associated with adverse events typically
associated with opioid use such as respiratory depression, anxiety,
constipation, tiredness, hallucinations, and withdrawal. Cyclopropyl
fentanyl has been associated with numerous fatalities. At least 115
confirmed overdose deaths involving cyclopropyl fentanyl abuse have
been reported in the United States. Cyclopropyl fentanyl has no
commercial or currently accepted medical uses in the United States. On
January 4, 2018, cyclopropyl fentanyl was temporarily placed into
Schedule I of the CSA. As such, additional permanent controls will be
necessary to fulfill U.S. obligations if Cyclopropyl fentanyl is
controlled under Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention.
Methoxyacetyl fentanyl has a pharmacological profile similar to
other Schedule I and II opioid substances such as acetyl fentanyl,
fentanyl, and other related [micro]-opioid receptor agonist substances.
Evidence suggests that the pattern of abuse of fentanyl analogues,
including methoxyacetyl fentanyl is similar to heroin and prescription
opioid analgesics. Law enforcement and public health reports
demonstrate that methoxyacetyl fentanyl is being illicitly distributed
and abused. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is aware of at
least two overdose deaths associated with the abuse of methoxyacetyl
fentanyl in the United States. Methoxyacetyl fentanyl has no currently
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. On October 26,
2017, methoxyacetyl fentanyl was temporarily placed into Schedule I of
the CSA. As such, additional permanent controls will be necessary to
fulfill U.S. obligations if methoxyacetyl fentanyl is controlled under
Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention.
Para-fluorobutyrfentanyl shares pharmacological profile with other
Schedule I (e.g. butyryl fentanyl) and II
[[Page 7082]]
(e.g., fentanyl) opioid substances. Para-fluorobutyrfentanyl has no
currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. The
abuse of para-fluorobutyrfentanyl carries public health risks similar
to that of heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid analgesics. On
February 1, 2018, para-fluorobutyrfentanyl was temporarily placed into
Schedule I of the CSA. As such, additional permanent controls will be
necessary to fulfill U.S. obligations if Para-fluorobutyrfentanyl is
controlled under Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention.
Ortho-fluorofentanyl has a pharmacological profile similar to
fentanyl and other related [micro]-opioid receptor agonist. Ortho-
fluorofentanyl has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in
the United States. Ortho-fluorofentanyl has been encountered by law
enforcement and public health officials. The DEA has received reports
for at least 13 confirmed overdose deaths involving ortho-
fluorofentanyl abuse in the United States. On October 26, 2017, ortho-
fluorofentanyl was temporarily placed into Schedule I of the CSA. As
such, additional permanent controls will be necessary to fulfill U.S.
obligations if Ortho-fluorofentanyl is controlled under Schedule I of
the 1961 Single Convention.
N-ethylnorpentylone (other name: N-ethylpentylone) is a synthetic
cathinone with stimulant and psychoactive properties similar to
cathinone, a Schedule I substance. N-Ethylpentylone abuse has been
associated with adverse health effects leading to emergency department
admissions, and deaths. N-Ethylpentylone has no currently accepted
medical use in treatment in the United States. On August 31, 2018, N-
ethylnorpentylone was temporarily controlled as a Schedule I substance
under the CSA. As such, additional permanent controls will be necessary
to fulfill U.S. obligations if N-ethylnorpentylone is controlled under
Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
FDA, on behalf of the Secretary of HHS, invites interested persons
to submit comments on the notifications from the United Nations
concerning these drug substances. FDA, in cooperation with the National
Institute on Drug Abuse, will consider the comments on behalf of HHS in
evaluating the WHO scheduling recommendations. Then, under section
201(d)(2)(B) of the CSA, HHS will recommend to the Secretary of State
what position the United States should take when voting on the
recommendations for control of substances under the Psychotropic
Convention at the CND meeting in March 2019.
Comments regarding the WHO recommendations for control of
Cyclopropyl fentanyl; Methoxyacetyl fentanyl; Ortho-fluorofentanyl;
Para-fluorobutyrfentanyl; under the 1961 Single Convention will also be
forwarded to the relevant Agencies for consideration in developing the
U.S. position regarding narcotic substances at the CND meeting.
Dated: February 25, 2019.
Lowell J. Schiller,
Acting Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019-03663 Filed 2-28-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164-01-P