Etodesnitazene, also known as Desnitroetonitazene, Etazen, Etazene, or Etazone, is an opioid analgesic drug derived from benzimidazole. Its origins date back to the late 1950s, when it was developed alongside etonitazene and a range of related derivatives. While Etodesnitazene is significantly less potent than etonitazene itself, it still exhibits about 70 times the potency of morphine in animal studies. Notably, analogous compounds in which the N, N-diethyl group is replaced by piperidine or pyrrolidine rings also display substantial activity, approximately 10 times and 20 times more potent than morphine, respectively. Etodesnitazene has been made available as a designer drug, with its presence initially detected in both Poland and Finland in March 2020. This compound’s emergence in the designer drug market has raised concerns due to its opioid properties and potential risks associated with its usage.
Etodesnitazene, also known by various street names, is an opioid analgesic drug derived from benzimidazole. It was initially developed in the late 1950s alongside related derivatives.
How potent is Etodesnitazene compared to other opioids?
Etodesnitazene is notably less potent than etonitazene but still demonstrates considerable strength. In animal studies, it is approximately 70 times more potent than morphine. Analogous compounds with piperidine or pyrrolidine ring substitutions, in place of the N, N-diethyl group, also exhibit significant activity—around 10 to 20 times more potent than morphine.
Is Etodesnitazene available as a designer drug?
Yes, Etodesnitazene has been sold as a designer drug. It was first identified in both Poland and Finland in March 2020, and its presence in the designer drug market has raised concerns due to its opioid properties and associated risks.
What are the potential risks associated with using Etodesnitazene?
The use of Etodesnitazene carries significant risks, similar to other opioids. These risks include the potential for respiratory depression, sedation, addiction, and overdose. Using such substances without medical supervision can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Is Etodesnitazene legally available for medical use?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Etodesnitazene had not been approved for medical use and was primarily associated with the designer drug market. Please check the latest legal and medical status from relevant authorities.
Where can I find more information about Etodesnitazene?
To stay informed about Etodesnitazene and related substances, it is advisable to refer to reputable sources such as government health agencies, drug enforcement agencies, or public health organizations. If you have concerns about exposure or usage of such substances, consult with healthcare professionals for guidance and assistance.
References
Exploring Etonitazene and Benzimidazoles (March 2021): In March 2021, a significant study was conducted by Ujváry, István; Christie, Rachel; Evans-Brown, Michael; Gallegos, Ana; Jorge, Rita; de Morais, Joanna; and Sedefov, Roumen. The study, titled “DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Etonitazene and Related Benzimidazoles,” was featured in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, Volume 12, Issue 7, covering pages 1072 to 1092. This research delved into the chemical and neurological aspects of Etonitazene and its related benzimidazoles. The study is accessible via DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00037, with PMID 33760580 and S2CID 232356192.
Pioneering Synthesis (1960): In 1960, researchers Hunger A, Kebrle J, Rossi A, and Hoffmann K conducted groundbreaking work in their study, “Benzimidazol‐Derivate und Verwandte Heterocyclen. II. Synthese von 1‐Aminoalkyl‐2‐Benzyl‐Benzimidazolen.” This work was featured in Helvetica Chimica Acta (in German), Volume 43, Issue 3, spanning pages 800 to 809. The research focused on the synthesis of 1‐aminoalkyl‐2‐benzyl‐benzimidazoles and contributed to the understanding of benzimidazole derivatives. The publication can be accessed through DOI: 10.1002/hlca.19600430323.
Unveiling Etazene (2020 and 2021): Researchers Siczek, Marta; Zawadzki, Marcin; Siczek, Miłosz; Chłopaś-Konowałek, Agnieszka; and Szpot, Paweł conducted extensive research on Etazene, a benzimidazole opioid. Their work resulted in two key publications. The first, published in 2020 in Forensic Toxicology, offers insights into Etazene’s chemical properties, including its crystal structure and spectroscopic characteristics. The publication is accessible through DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00552-9. The second, published in January 2021 in the same journal, further explores Etazene and its characteristics, including crystal structure and spectroscopic analysis. It can be accessed via DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00552-9.
EU Early Warning System Report (June 2020): In June 2020, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) issued the “EU Early Warning System Situation Report. Situation report 1” in PDF format. This report provides critical insights into the drug situation in Europe, particularly in the context of emerging substances and trends.
