Reasearchers at NUS focused their most recent study on an emerging subclass of synthetic cannabinoids called OXIZID—a synthetic cannabinoid first identified in Singapore in 2021.
Synthetic cannabinoid consumption is typically identified via the detection of biomarkers in urine. These biomarkers are often metabolites of the original synthetic cannabinoid consumed, as cannabinoids are known for their rapid and extensive metabolism in the human body.
But, researchers say little is known about the metabolite profile of OXIZID, beyond the fact that it has a unique molecular scaffold. Thus, the team’s newest research investigated the key metabolic properties and identified urinary biomarkers of four OXIZID analogues—BZO-HEXOXIZID, BZO-POXIZID, 5F-BZO-POXIZID and BZO-CHMOXIZID. The specific analogues were selected since they were identified both in Singapore and internationally.
According to the study published in Clinical Chemistry, the researchers started by identifying 12 to 16 major metabolites of each of the four OXIZID analogues. They then narrowed down the selection to three metabolites that could serve as reference urinary biomarkers to detect OXIZID consumption. The metabolites were identified due to them being unique markers found in high abundance in urine samples following OXIZID consumption.
“The identification of the three new metabolites will facilitate work by drug enforcement agencies worldwide in monitoring OXIZID abuse,” said the researchers.
The NUS team also determined critical enzymes responsible for major metabolic pathways involved in the rapid metabolism of OXIZIDs.
“These findings can facilitate the greater understanding of the toxicological implications of OXIZID consumption. This could help predict metabolite profiles of new synthetic cannabinoids with similar core structure as well as drug interactions between OXIZIDs and other illicit drugs or medications,” explain the researchers.
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority has already applied the research findings in routine analysis to monitor OXIZID consumption in the nation. The NUS team said they will continue their research to tackle future emerging synthetic cannabinoids.
