New phenethylamines in Europe.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Drug Policy

Background:

• Phenethylamines, a class of psychoactive substances, have a history of regulation under international conventions.
• The emergence of 'new phenethylamines' and related compounds presents ongoing challenges for drug control agencies.
• Older pharmaceutical phenethylamines are now largely considered obsolete.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the landscape of phenethylamines, including 'old' and 'new' illicit variants.
• To document the increasing number and diversity of phenethylamines identified in illicit markets, particularly in the European Union.
• To outline the regulatory responses to these substances, including international scheduling and national legislation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from drug monitoring centers, such as the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
• Review of scientific literature and publications detailing the synthesis and identification of phenethylamines (e.g., PIHKAL).
• Examination of legislative frameworks and drug control acts in different jurisdictions (e.g., UN Conventions, UK Misuse of Drugs Act).

Main Results:

• Sixteen phenethylamines are scheduled under the UN 1971 Convention, with most ring-substituted compounds in Schedule I.
• Nearly 100 illicit phenethylamines were identified in the EU by 2013, with nine undergoing risk assessment.
• Newer classes of phenethylamines, including fused ring structures (benzofurans, indanylalkylamines, dibenzofurans, aminopropylindoles) and N-substituted variants (NBOMe compounds), have rapidly emerged.
• Related compounds like thiophene bioisosteres and aminoindanes have also been detected in drug seizures.
• Legislation in the UK has adapted to cover these emerging substances through generic definitions.

Conclusions:

• The phenethylamine landscape is dynamic, with continuous emergence of novel psychoactive substances.
• International and national regulatory bodies face challenges in keeping pace with synthetic drug innovation.
• Effective drug control requires ongoing monitoring, risk assessment, and adaptable legislative strategies to address new psychoactive phenethylamines.