BTMPS, also known by its chemical name bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate (brand name: Tinuvin® 770), is an industrial UV-blocking agent used in plastics and commercial fragrances. It is not a scheduled or regulated substance in the U.S. and is not approved for human consumption.

In June 2024, BTMPS was detected in the unregulated drug supply through community drug-testing programs. Initially identified on the West Coast, it rapidly spread to cities across the U.S., including Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, New York, and Philadelphia.

Researchers from UCLA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, including NDEWS colleague Alex Krotulski, found BTMPS in 25% of fentanyl samples tested in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Its prevalence has risen sharply, with instances in Los Angeles increasing from 0% in June to 41% by August 2024. In some cases, BTMPS made up more than a third of the drug sample, sometimes exceeding the amount of fentanyl.

BTMPS has been primarily detected in products containing fentanyl but has also been found with synthetic opioids like para-fluorofentanyl, stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine, and adulterants like medetomidine and xylazine. While mostly found in powder or rock form, as noted by Dr. Jason Williams, NDEWS Sentinel Site Director at the University of Washington, Seattle, BTMPS has also appeared in counterfeit blue M30 pills in Denver and New Mexico.

There is limited data on BTMPS’s effects in humans. Studies in rodents indicate that it may be toxic and could function as a calcium channel blocker (CCB), which could lower blood pressure. Further research is needed to understand its presence in the drug supply and its impact on human health.

Currently, there are no rapid test strips available for BTMPS, and it is not routinely screened by healthcare professionals. It is also unknown whether Naloxone can reverse the effects of a CCB overdose. Reports from people who use drugs describe symptoms of BTMPS as a burning sensation when injecting, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, and coughing up blood when smoked. BTMPS is often associated with a chemical or gas-like smell, sometimes compared to bug spray or plastic, though dealers may add components to mask this odor.

People who use drugs are encouraged to have their substances tested regularly. If experiencing severe health issues potentially related to fentanyl or other drug use, call 911 or seek medical attention. Be sure to inform healthcare providers about BTMPS.

Aware of BTMPS in your local area? Share more here.

Additional resources can be found here:

An industrial chemical is showing up in fentanyl in the U.S., troubling scientists - LA Times

Mystery Substance Summer 2024 - UNC Street Drug Checking Lab

WA State Drug Brief: BTMPS: New Substance Found in Community Drug Checking Samples

NPS Discovery — New Drug Monograph 2024: BTMPS

Graphic credit: The Everywhere Project — see their full post on BTMPS here.

A preprint study led by Chelsea L. Shover and colleagues reports the rapid appearance of Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS) in the illicit fentanyl supply across multiple U.S. jurisdictions between June and August 2024. BTMPS, an industrial chemical used in plastics, was found in 24% of fentanyl samples tested, rising to over a third by August. Drug samples from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other regions were analyzed, revealing that BTMPS was often combined with other substances like xylazine, anesthetics, and fentanyl analogs. Notably, fentanyl purity was significantly lower in samples containing BTMPS. The presence of BTMPS in such a short time frame raises public health concerns due to its known toxicity and lack of testing for human consumption. Read the study here.

This week's NDEWS Hotspot Alerts report highlights both opioid and non-opioid nonfatal overdose alerts across Florida for 2024. Between January 1 and August 31, there were 22,508 opioid-involved nonfatal overdoses and 21,817 non-opioid-involved nonfatal overdoses recorded. These overdose alerts, calculated using biospatial data, indicate days where overdose counts exceeded the expected thresholds. Click here to read the full report.
Click here to read more about NDEWS Hotspot Alerts.

What is cyclorphine? Cyclorphine is a recreational drug that is being advertised as a "benzimidazolone derivative with potent opioid effects, around 4 times stronger than fentanyl."

What was found? Cyclorphine entered Reddit discussion in mid-March. Discussion has trended upwards since then, although the volume of discussion is still relatively low compared to other opioids. 

How is it being discussed? The majority of Reddit users caution against cyclorphine due to a lack of knowledge as well as advertised potency. Experience reports from online discussions characterize cyclorphine as heavily sedating, similar to protonitazepyne. Commenters frequently compare to fentanyl, but is describe cyclorphine as being more similar to "zenes." Insomnia is noted as a side effect by some discussants.

Drug Terms: Cyclorphine

Help us reach our goal of 6,000 subscribers by the end of 2024!
You can share the NDEWS Weekly Briefing with friends, colleagues, and others who would benefit from information on recent and relevant news, articles, and data related to novel drug trends in the U.S. and globally by clicking here.

A recently published article in The Lancet, featuring NDEWS Deputy Director Dr. Joseph Palamar and NDEWS Sentinel Site Director Dr. Caleb Banta-Green, assesses the impact of a new agreement between the USA and China to restrict key chemicals used in fentanyl production. While the agreement marks a positive step, both experts question its long-term effectiveness, given the adaptability of synthetic drug manufacturing and persistent demand for fentanyl. The article emphasizes that addressing the fentanyl crisis requires more than supply-side measures, advocating for comprehensive policies that focus on harm reduction, prevention, and accessible treatment services to tackle the underlying causes of drug misuse. International experts also caution that illicit manufacturers may shift to producing alternative synthetic opioids, further complicating the crisis. Read the article here.

A recent editorial in The New England Journal of Medicine by Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, NDEWS SAG member, highlights the challenges facing U.S. efforts to curb overdose deaths, despite a slight decline over the past eight months. Dr. Ciccarone emphasizes that rising fentanyl purity, counterfeit pills, and the mixing of substances continue to fuel overdose deaths and calls for more aggressive measures, such as supervised consumption sites and broader access to treatment. Additionally, he stresses the importance of addressing underlying structural issues, including economic disparity, social isolation, and systemic racism. Despite recent improvements in some states, Dr. Ciccarone argues that current investments and interventions remain inadequate to effectively combat the overdose crisis. Read the editorial here.

A recent NIH news release highlights major gaps in opioid use disorder treatment within U.S. jails. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open shows that fewer than half (43.8%) of 1,028 jails surveyed offer medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and only 12.8% provide them to all individuals with the disorder. With two-thirds of incarcerated individuals having a substance use disorder, the lack of treatment access is a missed opportunity. The study, supported by NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), found that many jails cite a lack of licensed staff as the main barrier to offering MOUD. Larger jails and those near community treatment providers were more likely to offer these medications. NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D., emphasized the importance of addiction treatment in jails, as overdose is the leading cause of death for people recently released from incarceration. Expanding MOUD access could help break the cycle of addiction and reduce overdose deaths. This research, part of the NIH-funded Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN), underscores the need for improved staff training, infrastructure, and community partnerships to expand treatment access. 
Read the news release here.

Date: Friday, September 27, 2024, 12:30-2 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Learn more here. 

Date: Monday, November 11, to Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Learn more here. 

Share your research, news, and events through our submission form.

Share your comments on our newsletter through our feedback form.

For more information on NDEWS' efforts, visit our website.

Follow NDEWS on Twitter/X: @NDEWSnews