MDMB-FUBINACA

Summary

MDMB-FUBINACA, also referred to as MDMB(N)-Bz-F and FUB-MDMB, stands as an indazole-derived synthetic cannabinoid renowned for its remarkable potency in binding to cannabinoid receptors. It exhibits Ki values of 1.14 nM at CB1 and 0.1228 nM at CB2, with EC50 values of 0.2668 nM at CB1 and 0.1411 nM at CB2, underscoring its robust agonist properties for these receptors. This compound has found its way into the online market as a designer drug, a label often attributed to substances developed to mimic the effects of controlled substances. It’s noteworthy that the benzyl analogue of MDMB-FUBINACA, replacing the 4-fluorobenzyl group, has been reported to exhibit potent agonist activity for the CB1 receptor, featuring a Ki value of 0.14 nM and an EC50 of 2.42 nM. An interesting structural aspect is the presence of the amino acid 3-methylamine or tert-leucine methyl ester within the framework of MDMB-FUBINACA.

Identifiers
IUPAC name
CAS Number1971007-93-8
PubChem CID119025665
ChemSpider32741674
UNII544DR70TN4
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)DTXSID501010003
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC22H24FN3O3
Molar mass397.450 g·mol−1

Side effects

A significant number of fatalities and hospitalizations associated with this synthetic cannabinoid have been documented, particularly in regions like Russia and Belarus. MDMB-FUBINACA made its initial appearance in 2014 and quickly earned notoriety as one of the most lethal synthetic cannabinoid substances available by 2015. Early reports linked up to 700 hospital admissions and 25 deaths to MDMB-FUBINACA, with subsequent investigations confirming that a minimum of 1000 hospitalizations and 40 fatalities were attributed to MDMB-FUBINACA intoxication as of March 2015.

Legal Status

In the United States, MDMB-FUBINACA is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.

By October 2015, Belarus, Russia, and China had all categorized MDMB-FUBINACA as a controlled substance subject to legal restrictions.

Furthermore, in July 2021, it was added to Table II-A of prohibited drugs in Portugal, highlighting its restricted status in yet another country.

FAQ

  • What is MDMB-FUBINACA?
  • MDMB-FUBINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid, part of a group of chemicals designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis.
  • Why is MDMB-FUBINACA considered dangerous?
  • MDMB-FUBINACA has gained notoriety due to its association with numerous hospitalizations and fatalities, mainly in regions like Russia and Belarus. It is known for its potentially severe health risks.
  • When was MDMB-FUBINACA first reported?
  • MDMB-FUBINACA was initially reported in 2014, and it quickly gained a reputation as a highly dangerous synthetic cannabinoid by 2015.
  • How many hospitalizations and deaths have been linked to MDMB-FUBINACA?
  • Initial reports linked up to 700 hospital admissions and 25 deaths to MDMB-FUBINACA. Subsequent investigations confirmed at least 1,000 hospitalizations and 40 deaths due to MDMB-FUBINACA intoxication as of March 2015.
  • What is the legal status of MDMB-FUBINACA in the United States?
  • In the United States, MDMB-FUBINACA is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess.
  • Is MDMB-FUBINACA restricted in other countries?
  • Yes, MDMB-FUBINACA is classified as a controlled substance in several countries, including Belarus, Russia, China, and Portugal.
  • What are the effects of MDMB-FUBINACA use?
  • The effects of MDMB-FUBINACA can vary widely and may include relaxation, altered perception, and increased heart rate. However, it is also associated with adverse effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and severe health risks.
  • Is MDMB-FUBINACA addictive?
  • Synthetic cannabinoids like MDMB-FUBINACA can be habit-forming, and some individuals have reported withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing use. The potential for addiction varies from person to person.
  • Can MDMB-FUBINACA be detected in drug tests?
  • Standard drug tests may not detect MDMB-FUBINACA, and specialized tests may be required to identify its presence.
  • Where can I find more information or seek help regarding MDMB-FUBINACA?
  • For information or assistance related to MDMB-FUBINACA or substance abuse, it is advisable to consult with medical professionals addiction specialists, or contact relevant authorities and health organizations.

References

  1. Gamage TF, Farquhar CE, Lefever TW, Marusich JA, Kevin RC, McGregor IS, et al. (May 2018) – “Molecular and Behavioral Pharmacological Characterization of Abused Synthetic Cannabinoids MMB- and MDMB-FUBINACA, MN-18, NNEI, CUMYL-PICA, and 5-Fluoro-CUMYL-PICA.” Published in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Volume 365, Issue 2, Pages 437–446. DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.246983. PMC: 5932312. PMID: 29549157.
  2. “MDMB-FUBINACA” – Information available at Cayman Chemical. Retrieved on 13 July 2015.
  3. Lee JH, Park HN, Leem TS, Jeon JH, Cho S, Lee J, Baek SY (2016) – “Identification of new synthetic cannabinoid analogue APINAC (adamantan-1-yl 1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxylate) with other synthetic cannabinoid MDMB(N)-Bz-F in illegal products.” Published in Forensic Toxicology, Volume 35, Pages 45–55. DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0331-z. ISSN: 1860-8973. S2CID: 20136837.
  4. WO 2009106982 – “Indazole Derivatives” by Buchler IP and others.
  5. Banister SD, Longworth M, Kevin R, Sachdev S, Santiago M, Stuart J, et al. (September 2016) – “Pharmacology of Valinate and tert-Leucinate Synthetic Cannabinoids 5F-AMBICA, 5F-AMB, 5F-ADB, AMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and Their Analogues.” Published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, Volume 7, Issue 9, Pages 1241–1254. DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00137. PMID: 27421060.
  6. 3-methylvaline – A key structural component found in MDMB-FUBINACA.
  7. Shevyrin V, Melkozerov V, Nevero A, Eltsov O, Shafran Y, Morzherin Y, Lebedev AT (August 2015) – “Identification and analytical characteristics of synthetic cannabinoids with an indazole-3-carboxamide structure bearing an N-1-methoxycarbonylalkyl group.” Published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Volume 407, Issue 21, Pages 6301–6315. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8612-7. PMID: 25893797. S2CID: 31838655.
  8. “Выступление председателя ГАК, директора ФСКН России В.П. Иванова на заседании ГАК 6 октября 2014 г.” (in Russian) – A statement by the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation. Date: 6 October 2014.
  9. I. Bulygina (21 October 2014) – “Clinical presentations of intoxication by new psychoactive compound MDMB(N)-Bz-F.” Thesis of The II Scientific and Practical Seminar ‘Methodical, Organizational and Law Problems of Chemical and Toxicological Laboratories of Narcological Services’, Moscow (in Russian).
  10. “Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Six Synthetic Cannabinoids (5F-ADB, 5F-AMB, 5F-APINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA and MDMB-FUBINACA) Into Schedule I” – Notice by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
  11. “Очередная жертва спайса” (in Russian) – A report by the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation. Date: 17 March 2015.
  12. “关于印发《非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品列管办法》的通知” (in Chinese) – A notice by the China Food and Drug Administration. Date: 27 September 2015.

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