Prodrugs of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): A New Challenge.
Journal of forensic sciences May 1, 2020 Simon P Elliott, Tanith Holdbrook, Simon D Brandt 32 citations
The concept of a prodrug—a substance that metabolizes into an active drug—is well established in medicine but has recently extended to new psychoactive substances (NPS), posing forensic challenges. Prodrugs of NPS, such as 1-propanoyl-LSD, 1-butanoyl-LSD, 1-acetyl-LSD, and 2C-B-AN, have been developed and discussed in user forums and sold online. These substances complicate toxicological analysis of biological fluids and chemical analysis due to their instability or metabolism. While current monitoring data suggest prodrugs are not yet widespread or problematic, awareness of their potential impact and forensic implications is important for both chemical and toxicological considerations.