10 Apr NPS Frontline Alert: Emerging Substances
To stay current with the rapidly changing landscape of new and emerging drugs, Aegis has committed to bi-annual NPS test menu updates to include the tier one and tier two recommendations established collaboratively by the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) and the Society of Forensic Toxicologist (SOFT) NPS Committee. Since implementation of our most recent test update in December 2024, we have identified 11 new substances not previously detected in our laboratory.
Details on Findings for Substances Added to NPS Testing in December 2024
(Total samples tested with positive findings: 1,133)
Findings reflect reported results from samples received for testing between 12/9/2024-3/10/2025 and reported as of 3/12/2025.
Samples may be positive for more than one substance.
Emerging Threat Spotlight: ortho-Methylfentanyl1
States in Blue – ortho-Methylfentanyl detected
States in Grey – ortho-Methylfentanyl Not Tested or Not Detected
About ortho-Methylfentanyl1
- Illicitly-manufactured fentanyl analog that is currently considered a Schedule I drug in the US
- Effects from use can be similar to fentanyl
- At time of publication, ortho-methylfentanyl has been detected in over 500 samples originating from 20 unique states
- Non-prescribed substances that are most commonly co-detected include: fentanyl, xylazine, cocaine, morphine, and fluoro fentanyl
Reference:
1. https://www.cfsre.org/nps-discovery/public-alerts/ortho-methylfentanyl-proliferating-acrossnorth-
america-as-newest-synthetic-opioid-identified-in-fatal-drug-overdoses#:~:text=ortho%2DMet
hylfentanyl%20is%20an%20active,e.g.%2C%20para%2Dfluorofentanyl).
For further information about NPS, including recorded presentations and national trends, please visit here.
