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EUROSTARS-EUROSTARS

E! 7984 Development of new combined analytical methods to detect and quantify SPICE compounds and designer drugs

Awarded: NOK 3.5 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

229573

Project Period:

2013 - 2016

Funding received from:

Organisation:

Partner countries:

WP 3: Chemical Synthesis 1. Altogether 43 new NPS type compounds have been since last report 2. Altogether 12 labelled ones are synthesized WP 4: Analysis/development of antibodies for POCt test 1. Antibodies produced are characterized. WP 5: Two step module will not be developed, the focus is on POCt test. WP 6: 1. Assessment report on stability, homogenity and Chemical purity was finalized in June. Accreditation for ISO to be reported in Oct. WP 7: Development of the rapid POCT test: 1. Sensitivity and specificity are optimized 2. Cross reactivity tested 3. Testing With real samples will be completed WP 8: 1. New products are tested at labs in Sweden and Norway, and also sold commercially to labs i Europe, Australia, and Japan. WP 9: Project meeting held in May during Analytica in Munich.

Project goal The aim of the QUANTUM SPICE project is to develop more accurate, faster and cheaper methods for the detection and quantification of so-called Spice compounds and new designer drugs, both in marketable products and resultant from consumption . To overcome current state-of-the-art limitations, the technical point of departure to achieve the main goal of the project is the development of new isotope 13C-labelled reference materials of SPICE designer drugs (synthetic cannabinoids) for forensic l aboratory analysis, which will further work as enablers for the development of an immunoassay-based point-of-care testing (POCT) device for the rapid detection of these drugs? metabolites in urine. These goals are reflected in the work plan defined for th e project and in the knowledge and competences gathered in the consortium. Background A new generation of synthetic cannabinoids has recently emerged on the market. These are sold on the Internet and ?head shops? as herbal mixtures under the brand names of Spice, Spice Gold, Spice Diamond, etc., and advertised as incense products, meditation potpourris, bath additives, or air fresheners. The Spice products have a similar effect as other naturally occurring compounds like opiates, cocaine and cannabinoid s and other synthetic pharmaceuticals such as amphetamines. They appeared on websites around 2004, and soon became popular in several European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain and worldwide, currently representing the emergence of ?de signer cannabinoids? - chemical analogues of illegal abused substances, usually devised to circumvent laws. The production and distribution of these new substances is an international business apparently out of control, which has an enormous negative soci etal impact. Moreover, with a few exceptions, the products can be legally traded and used. Authorities in several countries have passed bans on some of these compounds and are seeking to introduce new legal acts.

Funding scheme:

EUROSTARS-EUROSTARS