The following information was compiled in December 2023 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available:

Description: ortho-Methylfentanyl is a novel synthetic opioid bearing structural resemblance to fentanyl. In November 2023, ortho-methylfentanyl was detected for the first time at our laboratory. “Methylfentanyl” exists in three isomeric forms: ortho-, meta-, and para-methylfentanyl. The position of the methyl group was confirmed during analysis in comparison to standard reference materials acquired for ortho-methylfentanyl, ortho-methyl 4-ANPP (its precursor/intermediate and suspected metabolite), and others.

Sample Source: Provincial Toxicology Centre (British Colombia), NMS Labs – Toxicology Laboratory

Sample Appearance: Blood specimens

Pharmacology: In vitro pharmacological data suggest that ortho-methylfentanyl is an active mu opioid agonist with potency similar to or slightly less than that of fentanyl.1

Toxicology: ortho-Methylfentanyl has been detected in four toxicology cases at the CFSRE.

Drug Materials: ortho-Methylfentanyl has not been identified in drug materials to date at the CFSRE.

Demographics / Geographics: Toxicology specimens originated from British Colombia, Canada. In two cases, ortho-methylfentanyl was identified alongside the NPS benzodiazepine bromazolam.

Legal Status: ortho-Methylfentanyl is a Schedule I drug in the United States (21 CFR 1308).