E! 113377 NPS-REFORM_Development of the scale-up and proactive platform for forensic..._Linköpings universitet
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Linköpings universitet - IFM, Linköping University |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 000 000 |
| Project duration | October 2019 - October 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Eurostars |
Purpose and goal
The main objective was to produce certified reference materials (CRM) of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and their metabolites and make these commercially available. LiU synthesized 144 metabolites and 46 were produced in a larger scale and made commercially available. A second aim was to study the metabolism of relevant NPS to identify the formed metabolites. Key metabolites for 51 NPS were identified. The potency of 80 substances was determined by receptor activation studies.
Expected results and effects
LiU produced CRMs for 46 NPS metabolites that were made commercially available. Gives a positive effect on Chiron´s sales. Forensic laboratories can order CRM, why the project contributes to the fight against drugs. Metabolism studies made identification of metabolites possible. The project´s contribution to this research is significant. The activity studies provided an estimate of how potent NPS are. Relevant for people who work with the substances. Can be used as a basis for drug classification.
Planned approach and implementation
Three unique competences/partners. The Faculty of Medicine at LiU has knowledge to perform metabolism and activity studies, while the Faculty of Technology has the expertise to synthesize and analyze NPS metabolites. Collaboration enabled the identification and production of key metabolites. The company Chiron is a world leader in the manufacture and sale of CRM and a close collaboration produced synergistic effects. LiU has mainly focused on metabolites, while Chiron produced parent substances.