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Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
Emerging drugs in Europe
Esther Papaseit1, Magí Farré, Fabrizio Schifano
1aHuman Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Programme. IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute bUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UDIMAS-UAB), Barcelona, Spain cSchool of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK dAddiction Programme, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addicions - INAD, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are rapidly increasing in Europe. Common NPS include synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, often used in combination with other drugs, leading to acute toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- New psychoactive substances (NPS) are emerging chemicals not under international control.
- NPS encompass diverse chemical classes like synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and phenethylamines.
- Europe has seen a significant rise in the NPS market.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on emerging trends of NPS in Europe.
- To summarize European epidemiological and clinical data on NPS from January to December 2013.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of European data on NPS.
- Analysis of reports from the European Union Early Warning System (EWS).
- Inclusion of data from surveys, drug sample analysis, biological fluid studies, and case reports.
Main Results:
- 73 new NPS were identified for the first time by the EWS.
- Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones are the most frequently reported and detected NPS.
- Experienced users often combine NPS with other substances, such as cannabis and ecstasy.
- Acute NPS toxicity manifests as significant psychoactive and sympathomimetic effects.
Conclusions:
- There has been a rapid increase in NPS on the European drug market.
- Detection methods include surveys, drug and biological sample analysis, and case reports.
- NPS pose a growing public health challenge in Europe.
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