Software Release
We are pleased to announce the release of five additional drug targets for the MX908 target list. SW v3.5 will include the addition of three synthetic cannabinoids, a synthetic cathinone, and a nitazene, a highly potent synthetic opioid. We continue to update our target lists as a result of the evolving drug landscape, so that our customers can keep pace with the most relevant threats they may face in the field.
How We Choose What Targets to Add
The MX908 analyzes and identifies priority drugs, chemical warfare agents, explosives, pesticides, toxic industrial chemicals, and precursors. Powered by high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS), the MX908 can see through interferents and cutting agents to identify threat chemicals at trace levels. Having a robust target list that meets our users’ needs is a top priority.
We prioritize and invest in developing new targets based on our customers’ feedback. That involves listening to our users on the ground and key trend reports from organizations like the ones below to determine what targets make the cut:
- United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC)
- U.S. DEA National Forensics Laboratory Information System (NFLIS)
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
The MX908 is designed to identify targets that are a high priority and critical to customers in the field.
| Target Name | Drug Class | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| 4-fluoro MBDM BINACA Also known as: 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA | Synthetic cannabinoids | 4-fluoro MBDM BINACA is a Schedule I compound in the United States and a Schedule II compound in the UN according to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. It has been reported in the United States and Europe since 2018. This synthetic cannabinoid has caused fatalities when used individually and in combination with alcohol. |
| CH-PIATA Also known as: CH-PIACA | CH-PIATA emerged in 2022 as part of a new synthetic cannabinoid subclass created to circumvent the class-wide ban of more traditional synthetic cannabinoids in China in July 2021. It is not currently a scheduled substance. | |
| ADB-BUTINACA | Since its emergence in 2019, ADB-BUTINACA has been reported in 50 countries and territories worldwide. It was the second most reported synthetic cannabinoid across the United States in 2022 and 2023, with 1,092 and 785 reports, respectively. In March 2023, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN) added it to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. | |
| N-cyclohexyl butylone Also known as: Cybutylone | Synthetic cathinones | N-cyclohexyl butylone is a novel synthetic cathinone that has been reported in almost 180 cases since its first identification in early 2022. Novel synthetic cathinones are reported to cause psychoactive as well as adverse effects. |
| N-pyrrolidino protonitazene Also known as Protonitazepyne | Synthetic Opioid/Nitazene | N-pyrrolidino protonitazene was first reported in January 2023 and was the third most common nitazene compound reported that year. It has been identified in combination with other drugs of abuse, and recent data has shown that it is more potent than fentanyl. |
908 Devices is Always Moving Forward
We strive to make MX908 more capable every day, so this update will be followed by more to come. Constant improvement is key to keeping pace with today’s threats and giving you the best in trace chemical identification.
Sources
- DEA Diversion Control Division- Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section
- World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence
- UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Service NPS Portal
- The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education- NPS Discovery
Drug Detection and Identification
Law enforcement and public safety agencies worldwide utilize the MX908 to detect and identify illegal drugs. Learn how the MX908 can help keep agencies safe by detecting and identifying narcotics.
