FRDD

The following information was compiled in June 2023 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available: Description: N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene is a novel synthetic opioid bearing structural resemblance to protonitazene, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene, and other nitazene (2-benzylbenzimidazole) analogues and is an isomer of N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene. In January 2023, N-pyrrolidino protonitazene was detected for the first time in the United States. Our laboratory continues to gather toxicology data for this novel drug. Sample Source: NMS Labs – Toxicology Laboratory, NMS Labs – Criminalistics Laboratory, etc. Sample Appearance: Drug Material – Brown Powder. Toxicology – Blood Specimens. Pharmacology: Limited information regarding the pharmacology of N-pyrrolidino protonitazene is currently known. Recent in vitro studies examining activity and potency found that N-pyrrolidino protonitazene is an active opioid with potency approximately 25 times greater than that of fentanyl [unpublished data from L. De Vrieze and C. Stove]. Based on structural similarity, N-pyrrolidino protonitazene is expected to exhibit similar adverse effects to other nitazene analogues. Toxicology: N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene has been detected in eight toxicology cases at the CFSRE. Drug Materials: N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene has been identified in one drug material at the CFSRE. Demographics / Geographics: Cases originated from at least three states, including Illinois, West Virginia, and Minnesota. In death investigations, decedents were predominantly male, ranging in age from 20s-70s. Legal Status: N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene is not explicitly scheduled in the United States.