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Name: Beta-hydroxyfentanyl
Type: Synthetic opioid
AKA: China White, fentanyl
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II. Natural Derivative
Synthetic substance, no natural derivative
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III. Chemical Profile (IUPAC name)
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IV. History
Beta-hydroxyfentanyl was discovered in the late 1990s in the lab of J. Craig Venter, a molecular biologist and the co-founder of the company that eventually would become the Genome Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. In the early 2000s, Venter and his colleagues reported the discovery of a new family of opioid-like compounds that were structurally related to the endogenous opioid peptides and were dubbed “beta-keto-fentanyl” (beta-keto = beta-hydroxy = keto). The name “beta-keto-fentanyl” was inspired by the fact that beta-keto-fentanyl was found to be a ketone, not a hydroxy, so beta-hydroxyfentanyl was created as a prefix.
Beta-hydroxyfentanyl was found to be a potent analgesic with a long duration of action and a relatively high potency in animal models of pain
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V. Legal Information
Beta-Hydroxyfentanyl is a synthetic opioid with a high abuse potential. In the U.S., it is regulated under the Federal Analog Act if it resembles other controlled opioids. Internationally, its status is increasingly controlled to address the opioid crisis and prevent misuse. [Source: UNODC].
US Federal Schedule - I
Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote.
Key US Federal Policies:
Controlled Substances Act. Public Law: Public Law 91-513 (text can be found on GovInfo) (https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/csa). Date enacted: October 27, 1970.
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VI. Physical Effects
Beta-Hydroxyfentanyl is an opioid analgesic that provides strong pain relief and sedation. It causes constricted pupils, reduced heart rate, and respiratory depression. Short-term use includes effective pain management, while long-term use may lead to addiction and respiratory issues. Overdose risks involve severe respiratory depression. Safe use requires careful dosing. Recent research highlights its potency and risks associated with opioid use.  |
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VII. Psychological Effects
Beta-hydroxyfentanyl, an opioid, affects opioid receptors, causing euphoria and cognitive impairment. Immediate effects include mood enhancement and pain relief, lasting several hours. Long-term use can lead to dependence and psychological issues such as depression. Research indicates significant mental health risks with chronic use, including severe mood disturbances and potential for addiction.
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VIII. Culture
Beta-hydroxyfentanyl is a synthetic opioid providing pain relief, classifying it as a downer. Short-term use alleviates severe pain, while long-term use can lead to dependence and tolerance. Overdose risks are extremely high, causing respiratory depression and potentially fatal outcomes. Safe dosages are strictly prescribed, often in microgram quantities. Recent research underscores its potency and associated risks of misuse. Physical effects include drowsiness, constricted pupils, and respiratory depression.
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