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BTMPS, also known as bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate or Tinuvin® 770, is a compound that is widely used as a light stabilizer in many commonly encountered materials (e.g., coatings, paints, adhesives, and sealants) and is now being identified in the illicit drug supply.¹ Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are compounds designed to mimic common illicit or prescription drugs while evading regulation and routine testing methods. They are also known as “designer drugs” or “research chemicals.” NPS testing is also often inclusive of substances that have been utilized as adulterants in the drug supply (e.g., xylazine, medetomidine).

States with BTMPS Detected Since 12/9/2024

(States in Blue – BTMPS Detected; States in Grey – BTMPS Not Tested or Not Detected)

Class/Drug Co-Positivity

This table includes the top 10 classes of substances with misuse potential based on their co-positivity with BTMPS. Medications prescribed for Medication Assisted Treatment were excluded. Samples were collected from 12/9/24-2/21/25. Specimens were tested based on provider request, and all specimens did not receive testing for the same drug classes.

About BTMPS

• BTMPS has not been studied or approved for use in humans. It is a potent calcium channel blocker and nicotine receptor antagonist. Animal studies have suggested possible cardiotoxicity, ocular damage, sudden death, and nicotinic antagonist effects.²
• BTMPS has been identified in tested drug materials in several different parts of the country, including cities and states on both the East and West coasts.
• In instances of analysis of drug materials, BTMPS was found in the presence of other substances, including fentanyl, synthetic opioids, stimulants, and other illicit drug adulterants (e.g., medetomidine, xylazine).
• An analysis of 98 drug samples revealed that most (63%) contained more BTMPS than fentanyl by mass, with 8 samples having no detectable fentanyl and 14 samples having more BTMPS by a factor of 10 or greater.²
• If BTMPS is positive, all potential sources should be considered, especially in the absence of other illicit or unexpected substances.

References:
¹Walton, SE; Tracy, E; Shinefeld. J; Teixeira da Silva, D; Denn, MT; Quinter, AD; DeBord, JS; Logan, BK; Krotulski, AJ. (2024) BTMPS — NPS Discovery New Drug Monograph, Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, United States.
²Shover CL, Godvin ME, Appley M, et al. UV Stabilizer BTMPS in the Illicit Fentanyl Supply in 9 US Locations. JAMA. Published online February 05, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.27550

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