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Thirteen Cases of Valeryl Fentanyl in Michigan: A Call for Expanding Opioid Testing

Erinn Ton1, Christine Stevens1, Paul Moorman1

  • 1From the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|November 18, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Valeryl fentanyl, a rare opioid, was found in 13 fatal overdoses in Michigan. Unique pharmacokinetics suggest central blood samples are crucial for detecting this and similar fentanyl analogs.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Organic Chemistry

Background:

  • Valeryl fentanyl is a Schedule I opioid rarely encountered in US drug overdose cases.
  • Limited data exist on valeryl fentanyl's mortality and morbidity.
  • Its molecular structure suggests it may be less potent than fentanyl.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report cases of fatal overdose involving valeryl fentanyl.
  • To highlight the importance of sample collection site in detecting valeryl fentanyl.
  • To recommend testing for valeryl fentanyl in forensic laboratories.

Main Methods:

  • Postmortem blood samples from 13 decedents in Michigan were analyzed.
  • Valeryl fentanyl was identified in postmortem blood.
  • Quantitative levels were compared between central and peripheral blood samples.

Main Results:

  • Valeryl fentanyl was detected in 13 fatal overdose cases.
  • Peripheral blood samples sometimes yielded negative quantitative results, while central samples were positive.
  • These findings suggest unique pharmacokinetics for valeryl fentanyl.

Conclusions:

  • Valeryl fentanyl detection requires careful consideration of blood sampling sites, preferring central over peripheral.
  • The unique pharmacokinetic profile of valeryl fentanyl may apply to other fentanyl analogs.
  • Laboratories should test for valeryl fentanyl to aid law enforcement and assess regulatory efficacy.

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