An increasing number of deaths in Philadelphia have been linked to a class of drugs 40 times stronger than fentanyl. At least five deaths in the city have been linked to synthetic opioids known as nitazene analogues. 

This drug has the potential to be 40 times more potent than fentanyl. 

According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids. They were developed by researchers around 60 years ago as an alternative to morphine. 

However, because of their high potential for overdose, they were never released. Nitazenes have been connected to a number of overdose deaths worldwide.

Nitazenes are sold as a white powder, crystalline solid, or brown/yellow powder. They have also been found in tablets (fake oxycodone), heroin, ketamine and synthetic cannabinoids. They can be injected, inhaled, or swallowed.

According to reports, the health department suspects that a nitazene analogue, also known as N-desethyl isotonitazene, was responsible for 12 overdose deaths in Philadelphia. 

This occurred between November and December 2022. Two other nitazene analogues were identified in an overdose victim who died in June 2023.

Daniel Teixeira da Silva, the medical director of the city health department gave a report on individuals dependent on a toxic drug supply.

The doctor who works at the division of substance use prevention and harm reduction, revealed that these individuals have a very limited time to consider treatment. It’s a really tough situation that creates a harmful cycle.

The U.S. Department of Justice released a report in January on nitazenes, also known as Benzimidazole-Opioids. 

“Recently, a number of synthetic substances of the benzimidazole structural class are being trafficked and abused for their opioid-like effects,” the report reads. “The population likely to abuse benzimidazole-opioids appears to be the same as those abusing prescription opioid analgesics, heroin, and other synthetic opioid substances. In the illicit drug market, some of these benzimidazole-opioids have been identified in drug seizures.”

A recent study carried out by researchers at Jefferson University Hospital pointed out that nitazenes produce withdrawal symptoms. Most times, they are so severe that patients are unable to wait for hospital care. 

The study also states that even in Philadelphia, people looking to enter inpatient treatment must first go through an intake process. Oftentimes, these processes can take hours and sometimes days.