As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, the emergence of nitazenes adds a new, potent threat to public health. These powerful synthetic opioids are now spreading globally as the public has been mostly fixated on fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, raising significant concern among law enforcement that this could be the long-expected fourth wave of the opioid crisis.

Old Drug, New Crisis: What Are Nitazenes?

Nitazenes were initially developed in the 1950s for pain relief, but were never publicly released due to the high risk of overdose. In the past couple years, they began to surface in illicit markets. More potent than traditional opioids, nitazenes are rapidly appearing around the world, including in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Belgium, and many Eastern European countries. Some reports indicate the volume of unique nitazenes is approaching the same level of fentanyl analogs, of which there are more than 2,000 possible variants, with popular variants including isotonitazene, etonitazenen, metonitazene and protonitazene.  Typically, nitazenes are mixed into other drugs, including counterfeit pills, synthetic cannabinoids, heroin, cocaine, and ketamine. In its powder form it can appear off-white, yellow, or brown.

Deadlier Than Fentanyl? Why Nitazenes Are Raising Alarms

With potency levels 500 times that of heroin and 40 times that of fentanyl, nitazenes cause deep concern among experts. Dubbed a potential “silent fourth wave” of the opioid crisis, their emergence has agencies like the DEA on high alert, though that hasn’t necessarily filtered down to state and local labs who are not currently screening regularly for nitazenes – similar to the early days of fentanyl.

Due to nitazenes’ extreme strength and covert distribution, these drugs pose overdose risks that are even higher than those associated with fentanyl, making them particularly lethal for both users and first responders. With the United States continuing to reel from the devastating effects of fentanyl, the spike in nitazene circulation could drastically escalate opioid-related fatalities and strain public health responses.

Tech to the Rescue: How the MX908 Detects and Identifies Nitazines

The rise of nitazenes underscores the need for advanced trace detection technology, making the MX908 a crucial tool in the field. 908 Devices first added nitazenes to the MX908 target list in 2021, shortly after reports of various nitazenes being found on the street.  The MX908 is a portable, high-tech device which enables law enforcement and health agencies to quickly and accurately identify nitazenes, facilitating rapid response to potential incidents. Although other field technologies may be able to identify nitazenes at bulk (mg +) levels, the MX908 is especially suited to identify nitazenes because of its ability to detect trace (nanogram) levels of substances. It’s at these trace levels that nitazenes are found as they are often cut with adulterants or other drugs. Unlike traditional lab methods, the MX908 can be used on-site, empowering agencies to act quickly to mitigate risks to public safety and get illicit drugs — including nitazenes, fentanyl, pink cocaine, and more — out of circulation. Its broad detection range for synthetic opioids strengthens the fight against emerging threats, providing a frontline defense against nitazenes.

Looking Ahead

As nitazenes continue to spread, addressing this crisis will require a unified approach from global law enforcement and tech innovators. Enhanced detection methods, increased public awareness, and proactive policies are essential to counter the dangers posed by these potent opioids. Early recognition of nitazenes’ risks could inform life-saving responses, potentially preventing these drugs from fueling the fourth wave of the opioid epidemic.